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The online MS in Accounting that adds more

Professionals who already have their undergrad degree in accounting can earn a 32 -credit master’s in accounting online from Merrimack College. This MSA track allows those with a bachelor’s degree in accounting to focus on higher-level accounting courses. The program’s variety of electives center on key competencies necessary for success in modern accounting careers, helping you take your resume to the next level. Students who concentrate their electives in one area can complete this 100% online master’s in accounting program and optional certificate in as little as 16 months.

ADD IMPRESSIVE CREDENTIALS | SPECIALIZE IN BUSINESS ANALYTICS or ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP

Merrimack’s master’s in accounting program will prepare you to stand out as a top candidate for the best accounting jobs in your field. Companies today are expressing the need for accountants with a firm grasp on analytics.  Developed with industry leaders, competencies for this program are built around those current industry trends.
With an undergrad degree already under your belt, you’ll be prepared for the CPA exam AND have the option to focus most of your elective courses on either business analytics or organizational leadership to earn an additional certificate and a more diverse accounting education.

How will a master’s in accounting PLUS certificate in your chosen concentration change the game?

Your expertise can help you succeed in one of these expanding areas of accounting.

International Trade, Mergers, & Acquisitions

Increased globalization is projected to continue leading to an increase in the demand for accountants who have expertise in this area.

Public Accounting 

As more companies go public, as anticipated, public accountants who can manage the required paperwork will be in high demand. 

Accounting & Analytics 

Top companies say they need accountants with a combination of important fundamental accounting knowledge and business analytics expertise.

Source: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/accountants-and-auditors.htm#tab-6  

Prepare for the CPA Exam

The Merrimack accounting masters meets the MA exam and licensing requirements. Students who complete both their accounting undergrad and accounting graduate degrees generally meet the 150-hour requirement to sit for the CPA. If you already have your CPA, each graduate credit you earn will count as 15 continuing professional education (CPE) hours. This contributes to the 80 CPE hours required to renew your CPA license every two years.
Students from other states should check their specific CPA requirements by visiting the NASBA website.

Get There with a Master’s in Accounting Online

Your expertise can help you succeed in one of these top accounting jobs. 

$0
Financial Manager
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Financial Analyst
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Personal Financial Advisor

Source: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/accountants-and-auditors.htm#tab-6
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/financial-analysts.htm
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/personal-financial-advisors.htm

MS in Accounting courses (32 credits)

The emphasis of this course is on developing and analyzing financial statements and supplemental information including form 10-K, financial statement footnotes, and other documents required by generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The course explores how particular transactions and differing accounting treatments may affect financial statements. Theoretical concepts of accounting are emphasized with an examination of standards issued by various organizations such as the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), SEC, and AICPA. The course also examines emerging issues in financial reporting such as revenue recognition, leases, taxes and the implications of adopting IFRS. Accounting research is a component of this course as students learn how to use the FASB codification and interpret results. Examples are also integrated and used to illustrate and discuss the complex financial reporting process and ethical issues confronted by the business community and accounting profession.

Examines C corporations, S corporations, Limited Liability Corporations, Limited Liability Partnerships, and partnerships as taxable entities. Topics include the theory and political environment of taxation, income determination, deductions and credits, acquisition and disposition of property, and related gains and losses. Additional topics include distribution of income and liquidation of business entities. Income taxation of estates and trusts and not-for-profits will also be covered. Tax planning and research are emphasized.

GMGT 5140 Effective writing and speaking skills are necessary for a career in management. This course is designed to help students develop a process for thinking and writing strategically. Students will learn how to analyze message, purpose, and audience; develop strategies for structure and style; construct persuasive arguments; and review for tone, organizational flow, and quality of evidence. This course will enable students to develop and demonstrate their ability to deliver formal and informal presentations and written reports in the context of addressing business challenges. Students will also learn communication strategies, principles, and methods as well as interpersonal skills that are essential for success in business. Students will have the opportunity to receive instructor and peer feedback.

This course will strengthen students’ skills and abilities to analyze data at a level required by top employers. The course will delve into assignments that build mastery of productivity tools commonly used by managers. Several workshops will develop skills for using computer-based technologies to locate, access, evaluate, manipulate, create, store, and retrieve information to express ideas, perform sophisticated analysis of data, and communicate information and results with others. Students learn how to build spreadsheet models to perform scenario analysis, analyze the impact of uncertainty, and formalize trade-offs in the context of business decisions. Students will integrate a variety of supporting materials to deliver a thorough business presentation. By the end of the course, students will have a more analytic view of business decision-making and be more adept at analyzing data and presenting results in a business context.

(Only need to Business Law if no coverage at the undergraduate level)

This course will focus on the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) and Common Law practices related to commercial transactions, particularly those relevant to accountants and auditors. Topics include contract law, the Uniform Commercial Code, agency law, partnerships, corporations, and limited liability companies, securities regulations, bankruptcy, property laws, and accountant/auditor liability.

(Only need AIS include if no coverage at the undergraduate level.)

This course will provide the student with an understanding of accounting as an information system. Specifically, the course will give the student hands-on experience with understanding the structure of an accounting system and also the use of accounting software as a tool. Frameworks for analyzing internal control systems and understanding the structure and risks of IT-based systems are also covered.

Must choose at least 2 cr. of accounting electives. The rest can be business electives, and can be courses taken toward a certificate in business analytics, a certificate in organizational leadership, or can be a mix in whatever electives are of interest and available.

Discover the Merrimack Difference

100% ONLINE

Designed for working adults, the combination of self- paced learning with live, online and instructor-led sessions ensures you get the faculty interaction you need in a flexible format.

EMPLOYER ALIGNED

This degree was developed with industry leaders to ensure the curriculum includes the employable skills that today’s hiring managers are looking for in candidates for top positions.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

Faculty members are leading practitioners in the accounting field, bringing their experience to the curriculum with applicable projects and assignments.

TOP-RANKED

Recognized by U.S. News & World Report and The Princeton Review, Merrimack College ranks among the top colleges and universities in the country.

A TOP GRADUATE SCHOOL

At Merrimack College, we’re proud of our long history of providing quality degrees to students entering the job market. Our faculty are more than just teachers. We are committed to helping you grow — academically, personally, and professionally — so that you graduate as a confident, well-prepared leader.

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  • The Princeton Review 2022 Best Northeastern Regional College
  • Forbes Magazine 2019 Top 10 Most Innovative School – Regional Universities North
  • Money Magazine’s Best Colleges Most Transformative College 2019
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