M.S. in Accounting

M.S. in Accounting

In nine months and 30 credit hours, learn to use accounting to solve complex problems, present information to clients in a clear, compelling way, and be a leader in your firm and in the field. By pursuing either Financial Reporting & Assurance or Tax Consulting, you’ll gain deep technical knowledge within your area of focus. Your education won’t stop at hard skills, however. Learn the critical thinking and interpersonal savvy it takes to guide teams and clients with courses in leadership, decision making, and project management.

Academics

The M.S. in Accounting Program is carefully designed to help you acquire specialized technical knowledge within the broader context in which professional decisions are made. Classes reflect McIntire's emphasis on collaboration through case discussions, team-based projects, and executive presentations. Specialize in one of two tracks:

• Financial Reporting & Assurance Track
• Tax Consulting Track

Enjoy the benefits of a close-knit academic community and resources of a nationally ranked research university. Build connections with classmates from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Interact with alumni and recruiters as you build a professional career path. Engage with faculty who take an active interest in your success.

Financial Reporting and Assurance Track

Students in the Financial Reporting & Assurance Track are prepared to effectively address the varied accounting problems they will face in the professional field. McIntire covers a broad array of relevant topics, including financial statement preparation issues, financial statement analysis, derivatives, and auditing.

The curriculum includes five Financial Reporting & Assurance courses over the year, in addition to one course from the Tax Consulting Track and four additional electives. This allows students to focus on assurance and reporting as a specialty, but also provides exposure to other relevant topics.

Fall

• GCOM 7320 Accounting Policy
• GCOM 7380 Data Management and Analytics for Accountants
• GCOM 7400 Leading for Success in the Accounting Profession (1.5 credits)
• GCOM 7641 Communicating Effectively as Accounting Professionals (1.5 credits)

Two of the following:

• GCOM 7342 Judgment and Decision Making in Accounting
• GCOM 7371 Financial Statement Analysis and Valuation
• GCOM 7430 Taxation of Partnerships and Flow-Through Entities
• ​GCOM 7520 Introduction to Cybersecurity
• COMM 5130 Advanced Financial Accounting
• COMM 5140 Strategic Cost Management
• COMM 5700 Financial Trading

Spring

• GCOM 7340 Corporate Financial Reporting
• GCOM 7360 Forensic Accounting
• GCOM 7420 Taxes and Business Strategy

Electives from the following:

• GCOM 7480 Legal Liability and the Regulation of Accountants (1.5 credits)
• COMM 5559 Government and Non-Profit Accounting (1.5 credits)
• GCOM 7341 Accounting for Derivatives
• GCOM 7410 Tax Research
• GCOM 7440 Taxation of Corporations and Their Shareholders' Transactions
• GCOM 7490 Negotiating for Value
• GCOM 7621 Managing Sustainable Development: Business Solutions to Global Challenges
• GCOM 7770 Information Technology in Finance
• Global Commerce Immersion (GCI) courses are offered in J term and spring term.

Tax Consulting Track

Students in the Tax Consulting Track focus on tax compliance and theory, and upon completion of the program, are prepared to successfully navigate tax issues in a professional service firm. In the professional world, our graduates consult with clients to assist them with tax planning and solve major tax problems. Students who pursue tax are able to work in different areas of a business to find their niche.

The curriculum includes four required tax accounting courses, as well as courses from the Financial Assurance & Reporting Track. This allows students to focus on tax as a specialty, but also provides exposure to other relevant topics. Diversity in coursework allows students to enter the workforce ready to solve complex tax problems within the broader context of overall business goals.

Fall

• GCOM 7320 Accounting Policy
• GCOM 7380 Data Management and Analytics for Accountants
• GCOM 7400 Leading for Success in the Accounting Profession (1.5 credits)
• GCOM 7430 Taxation of Partnerships and Flow-Through Entities
• GCOM 7641 Communicating Effectively as Accounting Professionals (1.5 credits)

One of the following:

• GCOM 7342 Judgment and Decision Making in Accounting​
• GCOM 7371 Financial Statement Analysis and Valuation
• GCOM 7520 Introduction to Cybersecurity
• COMM 5130 Advanced Financial Accounting
• COMM 5140 Strategic Cost Management
• COMM 5700 Financial Trading

Spring

• GCOM 7410 Tax Research
• GCOM 7440 Taxation of Corporations and Their Shareholders' Transactions
• ​GCOM 7420 Taxes and Business Strategy

Elective courses:

• GCOM 7480 Legal Liability and the Regulation of Accountants (1.5 credits)
• COMM 5559 Government and Non-Profit Accounting (1.5 credits)
• GCOM 7340 Corporate Financial Reporting
• GCOM 7341 Accounting for Derivatives
• GCOM 7360 Forensic Accounting
• GCOM 7490 Negotiating for Value​
• GCOM 7621 Managing Sustainable Development: Business Solutions to Global Challenges
• GCOM 7770 Information Technology in Finance
• Global Commerce Immersion (GCI) courses (offered during J term and spring semester)

Admissions

The McIntire School of Commerce seeks well-rounded individuals who bring exceptional intellectual capabilities and a passion for their chosen field of study. The graduate admissions committee looks for evidence of strong academic preparation and qualities such as motivation, maturity, tenacity, integrity, ability to work with others, self-reliance, and leadership. We strive to achieve a class environment with a diversity of perspectives and life experiences.

Deadlines

The M.S. in Accounting Program begins once each year, with the class starting in late August and graduating in May. Applications to the program are accepted on a rolling-admission basis from September through March.

Applications received after the March 15 deadline will be reviewed on a rolling basis as long as space is available. Please note the recommended deadline for international applicants is Nov. 15, and the deadline for the departmental scholarship is Jan. 15.