Master's Degree in Professional Accounting
Degree: Master of Science
Major: Professional Accounting
Hours: 30
Professional Accounting Overview
The Master of Science in Professional Accounting is the first STEM designated degree in a graduate program in a Texas public university. It provides students the opportunity to take 30 semester hours of graduate courses and obtain a graduate degree. As currently designed, it is an innovative graduate program composed of both in-class and distance learning classes. While students pursuing a career in public accounting are candidates for the program, accounting professionals in the corporate, governmental or not-for-profit sectors also seek graduate degrees in accounting or to become licensed CPAs and are also candidates for admission.
For students without any previous undergraduate study in business who wants to become CPA-exam ready, the 17³Ô¹Ï M.S. in Professional Accounting degree may be completed in as few as 72 credit hours. Typically, students without a business background will take five accounting leveling courses courses, including ACCT 2301 (with a "B" or better), the nine business leveling courses and the 10 courses required by the program.
Students do not need to be admitted into the M.S. in Professional Accounting program to take the accounting prerequisite and business leveling courses.
Courses You May Take
Financial Accounting Research and Procedures: This course is a study of advanced topics in financial accounting and reporting. It focuses on complex corporate reporting issues. This course will emphasize the development of skills and knowledge necessary to conduct professional research and to identify appropriate accounting treatment of complex issues. This will not only entail the study of current financial reporting and disclosure requirements, but will include controversial and emerging practices.
Tax Research: An extensive examination of the methods employed to determine defensible solutions to problems in federal taxation. Emphasis is placed upon research methodology, proper documentation of research findings and effective communication of research findings to interested parties. The text is supplemented with outside readings and case studies. Significant oral and written reports are required.
Advanced Accounting Information Systems: This course presents systems concepts and their application in the design, implementation, control, and audit of accounting information systems, including computerized systems.
Business Ethics: This course covers any right/wrong actions taken by corporations. It covers areas such as: business law (e.g. Sarbanes-Oxley); public policy (e.g. SEC guidelines); organizational ethics (e.g. corporate governance) and corporate social responsibility (e.g. obligations to community and stakeholders). Both descriptive and normative models of unethical and ethical decision making in business are analyzed to assist the student as a potential business person in an effect to make more informed ethical decisions. Additional reading and cases relevant to the accounting profession are also included.
Financial Statement Analysis: This course provides a basis for determining firm value. Students are introduced to fundamental analysis concepts and techniques that can be used to critique and interpret the financial health of the firm. The course integrates research in the areas of accounting, finance, and management which has proved useful in the financial analysis of organizations.
Career Paths
Accountants are viewed as integral in the global economy and are required to not only have knowledge of accounting principles and practices in preparing and reporting financial information to stakeholders, but are required to possess analytical, research and communication skills.
Primary Careers
Public and corporate accounting, information systems and analysis, taxation
- CPA
- Taxation consulting
- Analyst
- Corporate accounting
- Government accounting
- Industry accounting
- Local government and industry
- State government
- Federal government
- Corporations
- Non-profit organizations
- Small business