Accounting and Finance

The accelerated MSA 4+1 program allows students to earn both a bachelor of science in business administration (BSBA) and a master of science in accounting (MSA) in five years.* The program is designed to meet the needs of students who want to continue on to graduate school immediately after earning their undergraduate degree. Accepted students will take 12 graduate credits as part of their undergraduate program, leaving 18 credits to complete their MSA degree. Students who complete the MSA 4+1 program have a competitive advantage in securing staff accountant positions at public accounting firms.

*Based upon completion of the recommended number of credits per semester.

The Accounting Concentration provides a strong foundation to help prepare students for careers in public accounting, corporate accounting, and graduate school.

In addition to providing a comprehensive accounting education, this concentration develops core business skills including analytical thinking and effective communication; and offers important opportunities for leadership, interaction with professional accounting organizations, internships, and community service. The program has a strong alumni network working in regional and national accounting firms.

Completion of the Accounting Concentration will satisfy the education requirements to sit for the CPA exam. Students can also pursue a fast-track option for the Master of Science in Accounting degree through our 4+1 degree program.

The Corporate Finance - Accounting concentration is a cross-functional program designed to prepare students for the rapidly evolving world of corporate finance. Students in this concentration acquire a broad understanding of both accounting and financial concepts. They learn to conduct detailed accounting entries, business valuation, risk analysis, cash and working capital management, long-term financial planning, and financial statement analysis. This program equips students to succeed in corporate accounting and financial management careers where they need both a solid background in finance and a thorough understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.

The Finance Concentration provides students with a broad understanding of financial concepts and equips them with analytical, critical thinking, and decision-making tools. Students concentrating in finance learn to conduct investment analysis, stocks and bonds valuation, business valuation, currency risk and hedging analysis, cash and working capital management, and long-term financial planning. The program prepares students to pursue financial management careers in domestic and multinational corporations and financial institutions.

The financial planning concentration provides students with a comprehensive understanding of personal financial planning principles and equips them with the knowledge and analytical skills necessary to guide individuals and families toward financial security. Students in this concentration study key areas of financial planning, including investment management, retirement planning, tax strategies, estate planning, risk management, and insurance. 

As an approved CFP Board Registered Program, our curriculum meets the educational requirements for the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) exam. This means that students who complete the program are eligible to sit for the CFP exam without needing to be sponsored by a firm. With a strong foundation in ethical and client-centered financial planning, students are prepared for careers as financial planners, wealth advisors, and other roles in financial services, helping clients achieve their financial goals.

The master of science in accounting (MSA) program is designed to prepare accounting students for management positions in accounting. The program will build on the knowledge and tools from the students’ undergraduate education, allowing them to achieve a greater degree of sophistication in accounting, auditing, and tax. The MS in accounting degree will provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to have successful careers in public and private accounting. 

The graduate certificate in accounting (GCA) program offers online and on-campus courses. It is designed for professionals that hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-accounting discipline who would like to develop a solid foundation in the core competencies of accounting. Consisting of five comprehensive accounting courses, our program provides students with the opportunity to gain the knowledge, confidence, and skills needed to be competitive in the global marketplace.