Accounting, MS

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30 semester hours

The MS in Accounting program is designed for the working accounting professional seeking a generalist perspective of accounting. The program focuses on integrating accounting theory with practical application skills using analytical methods and processes, critical thinking, and accounting-related case studies and scenarios of real world business and accounting situations. The program enables accountants to provide critical financial data for internal strategic planning and external reporting purposes as well as to aid in establishing eligibility to sit for the AICPA Uniform Certified Public Accountants Examination.

All formats assume that adult students, given a structured set of learning objectives and a prescribed methodology, can independently master course content. Instructional contact hours are less than more traditional face-to-face programs. Most of the student’s work is teacher-directed learning outside the classroom. Some classes require team meetings for assigned projects outside of scheduled contact hours. Graduate business programs faculty expect students to complete work in a timely and professional manner.

Applications will be subject to the current Graduate Program Admissions Committee Approved Policies and Procedures.

Admission Application Requirements

Regular Admission

Submission of a completed application for admission by the applicable term deadline In addition to the requirements for graduate admission into Our Lady of the Lake University, applicants will provide:

An earned baccalaureate degree in accounting from a regionally accredited institution or 30 credit hours in accounting
A satisfactory score on the Miller Analogies Test (MAT), Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) (An applicant who already holds a master’s degree is exempt from this requirement).
Two references knowledgeable about the student’s managerial and/or professional performance.
A résumé highlighting managerial or professional work experience

Conditional Admission to the MS in Accounting Program

The SBL Business Programs Graduate Admissions Committee grants conditional admission on the merits of each case for those applicants who do not meet all the requirements for regular admission. Students accepted under conditional admission must receive a grade of “B” or higher in the first 6-9 hours of MS in Accounting coursework (as deemed appropriate by the committee); otherwise the student will be dismissed from the program. The decision of the committee regarding conditional admission acceptance cannot be appealed.

Application for Admission Deadlines

Deadlines for submitting a completed application for the Master of Science in Accounting (both on-campus and online programs) are as follows:

Fall Aug. 1
Spring Dec. 1
Summer May 1

Consists of the following courses (30 semester hours):

Core courses 24 hours:

Plus Six (6) hours from the following:

Note:

*ACCT 8320 - Contemporary Topics in Accounting (can be taken up to 3 times maximum as long as the topic is different and with the prior approval of the Accounting Program Head or Dean). Possible topics include: Auditing Clarity Projects, Estates and Trusts, IFRS, Non-profit Accounting, Risk Management, Study Tour, and Varied Topics.