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

1. An application for graduate admission.
2. Official transcripts of all college work (undergraduate and graduate).
3. The Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) is not required for applicants but is recommended for applicants with an overall cumulative bachelor’s GPA of less than 3.0.
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.

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+” earned while completing the prerequisites in residence during the summer and fall semester will count towards the student’s maximum number of two “C” grades allowed in the MSA program. Students with a grade below “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 21 credit hours of MSA graduate accounting and business courses.
2. Each student must complete nine credit hours of MSA graduate coursework in a specialization of either tax services or assurance, analytics 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.
4. In rare circumstances, up to four credit hours of graduate study completed at an AACSB accredited business school prior to acceptance into the MSA Program at UNCW may be accepted as transfer credit. Requests for transfer credit must be approved by the MSA Director, in consultation with the MSA Committee and the Graduate School. Transfer credit will not be accepted for courses taken after acceptance into the MSA Program and will not be accepted for courses previously attempted in the MSA Program.
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.