Master of Science in Accounting

Home
Programs
Master of Science in Accounting

READY TO EMBARK ON YOUR FXUA JOURNEY?

Name*
First Last
Email*
Phone*
How did you hear about FXUA?*
CAPTCHA

Clicking the ‘Request Info’ button constitutes your express written consent, without obligation to purchase, to be contacted by Fairfax University of America (including through automated technology, e.g. dialing and text messaging) via the telephone, mobile device (including SMS and MMS) using the phone numbers provided above, and/or email, even if your telephone number is on a corporate, state or the National Do Not Call Registry, and you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy. Standard message and data rates apply.

Overview

The Master of Science in Accounting (MSAC) degree program is designed to provide mastery of both technical and operational competencies for students and professionals with financial, accounting, management, and general business backgrounds who are seeking positions in Accounting.

PROGRAM OUTCOMES:

Demonstrate the ability to apply concepts of accounting theory and practice in a variety of business settings.
Analyze complex financial and managerial accounting problems and formulate, communicate and explain recommendations to decision makers.
Demonstrate the ability to communicate fundamental accounting and tax principles and techniques effectively both in writing and orally.
Construct GAAP compliant financial statements including the balance sheet, income statement, statement of cash flows, and statement of stockholder’s equity, and understand their interrelationships.
Evaluate accounting practices from ethical, legal, and regulatory perspectives while considering the interests of diverse stakeholders.
Integrate accounting principles and enterprise technology solutions to maximize value recognized by organizations.

The Masters of Science in Accounting degree program is earned by completing 30 semester credits of coursework and 6 semester credits of thesis work beyond the required courses.

CAREER PATH:

Students graduating from the MS in Accounting program should be prepared to provide leadership a variety of financial and accounting settings. The MS in Accounting program develops the foundation for continuing education and leadership in all fields of accounting. Graduates of the MS in Accounting Program can anticipate jobs in the following types of careers at the management, director and executive levels:

Accounting Manager
Auditor
Budget Analyst
Controller
Environmental Accountant
Financial Analyst
Financial Manager
Financial Planner

Fraud Investigator
Internal Auditor
Payroll Staff, Manager
Risk Manager
Strategic Planner
Tax Specialist
Postsecondary Business Teacher

CURRICULUM OVERVIEW

The Master of Science in Accounting Degree requires 36 academic credits, consists of two study areas that develop core competency in accounting field, and additional necessary knowledge and skills to become an accountant.

Area	Number of Courses	Credits
Core Courses	7	21
Elective Courses	3	9
Thesis courses	2	6
Total	12	36

Program Prerequisites

If an applicant does not have previous business and/or management background, finance and accounting experience and their bachelor’s degree is not related to business and management, he/she is required to take the following MS in Accounting Program prerequisite courses (5 courses, 15 credits):

Code	Course Title	Prerequisite	Credits
STAT 200	Introduction to Statistics	None	3
ACCT 201	Principles of Financial Accounting	None	3
ACCT 202	Principles of Managerial Accounting	ACCT 201	3
BUSS 303	Principles of Finance	None	3
ENGL 120	Academic Writing and Research	None	3

Core Courses (7 courses- 21 Credits)

This set of courses provides basic concepts, analysis and fundamental knowledge in auditing, taxation, financial reporting, business ethics and information systems within the accounting field. Every student must complete the following seven (7) courses:

Code	Course Title	Prerequisite	Credits
MBA 511	Managerial Accounting and Finance	ACCT 201, BUSS 303	3
MBA 605	Auditing	None	3
MBA 608	Financial Reporting and Decision Making	None	3
MBA 610	Taxation of Business Entities	None	3
MBA 611	Business Ethics and Law	None	3
MBA 654	Accounting Information Systems	None	3
ACCT 600	Cost Accounting	None	3

Elective Courses (3 Courses – 9 Credits)

To expand the knowledge and broaden the experience and skills in accounting field, students are required to complete three elective courses (9 credits) from the list below:

Code	Course Title	Prerequisite	Credits
MBA 614	International Finance	MBA 511	3
MBA 620	Long-term Financial Decisions	MBA 511	3
MBA 621	Trading and Risk Management	MBA 511	3
ACCT 601	Advanced Financial Accounting	MBA 511	3
ACCT 602	International Accounting	MBA 511	3
ACCT 603	Contemporary Topics in Accountancy	None	3

NOTE: Students who wish to take a course that is offered by another graduate program outside of their major can petition to do so with permission from the instructor of the course and the Program Chair. Requests are considered based upon a student’s previous academic performance including meeting the minimum attendance requirements for previous courses and maintaining satisfactory progress.

Thesis Courses (2 courses, 6 credits)

Accountants are widely employed throughout practically every industry and every area of employment. Often serving as the essential source for financial data critical to the organization’s ultimate success, accountants may provide financial insights, which serve as the primary factor in making all other decisions. Through the thesis process, students will have an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to integrate accounting practices, various business models, and business operational procedures for the purpose of maintaining an organization’s fiscal, legal, and ethical stability as well as actualize their understanding through imperial research.

Code	Course Title	Prerequisite	Credits
ACCT 698	Master Thesis I	Completion of 5 Core & Dean’s Approval	3
ACCT 699	Master Thesis II	ACCT 698	3

Graduate Administration Requirements

Interested in Our Master of Science in Accounting Program?

Apply Now