Program Contact: Kathleen Simione 203-582-8519
The Accelerated Dual-Degree Bachelor of Science/Master of Science in Accounting (3+1) is designed for outstanding School of Business students—those who rank in the top 20 percent of their high school class and have a combined critical reading and math SAT score of 1200 or a composite ACT of 25.
The MS in Accounting program is designed to prepare candidates to satisfy the 150 credit hours requirement and to position them for success in the CPA exam. The program will position successful graduates for careers in professional services firms, business corporations, governmental agencies and business consulting firms, among others. The program provides students with in-depth accounting knowledge and skills necessary to be successful accounting professionals. Notably, there is a large demand for well-trained accounting professionals in public and private accounting, as well as in government.
Students enter the program as first-year students and learn at an accelerated pace to earn a bachelor’s degree in three years and an MSA in the fourth.
Unique Program Features
- Total savings of up to 30 percent over traditional five-year BS/MSA option
- An optional residential cohort first-year experience with other four-year BS/MSA students
- Dedicated resident assistant and study lounge in first-year cohort housing
- Community-building welcome event in August
- Dedicated program director
- Scholarship carried from year three to year four, subject to a 3.00 GPA and continued program enrollment
Classes are offered both in a traditional on-campus setting as well online in the summer.
The four-year experience includes an applied learning experience such as internships-for-credit.
Students in the Accelerated Dual-Degree BS/MSA (3+1) program live in one of the university’s housing options for the first three years.
Accelerated Dual-Degree BS/MSA (3+1) Program of Study
The MS in Accounting program is designed to prepare candidates to satisfy the 150-credit requirement and to position them for success in the CPA exam. The program will position successful graduates for careers in professional services firms, business corporations, governmental agencies and business consulting firms, among others. The program provides students with in-depth accounting knowledge and skills necessary to be successful accounting professionals. Notably, there is a large demand for well-trained accounting professionals in public and private accounting, as well as in government.
In the first three years, students complete the undergraduate Accounting major or any other undergraduate business major in conjunction with the Accounting minor.
MSA Program of Study
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Fourth Year (Graduate Study) | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| AC 635 | Advanced Topics in Financial Accounting and Reporting | 3 |
| AC 645 | Information Assurance | 3 |
| AC 650 | Advanced Accounting Information Systems | 3 |
| MSA Elective | 3 | |
| MSA Elective | 3 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| AC 660 | Strategic Management Control Systems | 3 |
| AC 670 | Advanced Business Law, Regulation, Ethics and Reporting Environments | 3 |
| AC 680 | Advanced Federal Income Taxation and Tax Research | 3 |
| MSA Elective | 3 | |
| MSA Elective | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
Please refer to the MSA Curriculum page for electives.
Admission Requirements: Accelerated Dual-Degree BS/MSA (3+1)
The Accelerated Dual-Degree BS/MSA (3+1) program does not have a separate application process. Students admitted to the School of Business who meet the program criteria will be invited to enter the program. To be considered for this accelerated program, students generally must be ranked in the top 20 percent of their high school class and must have a total SAT score (critical reading and math) of 1200 or higher, or an ACT composite score of 27 or higher.
Admission to the university is competitive, and applicants are expected to present a strong college prep program in high school. Prospective first-year students are strongly encouraged to file an application as early in the senior year as possible and arrange to have first quarter grades sent from their high school counselor as soon as they are available.
For detailed admission requirements, including required documents, please visit the Admissions page of this catalog.