Accountancy, M.S.A.C.

Specific Objectives Include

• Develop the skills necessary for critical thinking, professional research, and continuous learning
• Develop a global perspective of business and accounting practices
• Provide a framework for developing leadership and team building skills
• Provide a framework for recognizing the importance of social responsibility and making ethical business decisions
• Develop effective communication skills and strong interpersonal skills

Admission Requirements

Applicants seeking admission to the graduate program in accountancy are required to submit the following to the Graduate School:

1. An application for graduate admission
2. Official transcripts of all college work (undergraduate and graduate)
3. Official scores on the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). Scores more than five years old will not be accepted.
4. Three recommendations by individuals who can comment on the applicant’s potential for successful completion of a master’s program.
5. Applicant’s resume
6. Application and supplemental documents must be submitted by the published deadline.

Applicants should have a strong overall undergraduate academic record and have earned satisfactory scores on the GMAT. However, admission decisions are based on several factors and other indicators of success may be considered for admission.

Admission into the graduate program is conditional upon successful completion of a basic core of accounting coursework. This coursework may be completed at any regionally accredited four year college or university or may be completed in residence at UNCW. The basic core of accounting coursework includes External Financial Reporting (six credit hours), Accounting Information Systems (three credit hours), Survey of Tax (three credit hours), Finance (three credit hours), Advanced Managerial Accounting (three credit hours) and Auditing (three credit hours). External Financial Reporting, Accounting Information Systems, Finance, and Survey of Tax may be completed in residence at UNCW in the summer before beginning the graduate program. Advanced Managerial Accounting and Auditing may be completed during the first semester in residence in the MSA program. Grades of “C” or “C+” will count towards the student’s maximum number of two “C” grades allowed in the MSA program. Students with a grade below a “C” will not be permitted to continue in the MSA program.

Degree Requirements (32 total credit hours)

1. A minimum of 32 credit hours of graduate coursework approved by the MSA director is required for the Master of Science in Accountancy. This must include a required core of 23 credit hours of MSA graduate accounting and business courses.
2. Each student must complete seven credit hours of MSA graduate coursework in a specialization of either tax services or assurance and systems advisory approved by the MSA director.
3. Each student must complete two credit hours of MSA graduate electives approved by the MSA director. Students with a finance degree will not take MSA 540  as part of the core curriculum, and therefore will be required to take two elective courses (four credit hours of electives in total).
4. Up to six credit hours of graduate study may be accepted as transfer credit from a regionally accredited college or university. Requests for transfer credit must be approved by the MSA director and the Graduate School. A minimum of 26 credit hours of graduate study must be completed in residence.
5. Each student must successfully complete a written and oral comprehensive case analysis in the final semester of enrollment in coursework.
6. Each student must complete the approved course of study within five years of the date of first registration for graduate study.