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Accounting MS Overview

Master of Science in Accounting Program

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South University 2020 Graduation

South University’s Master of Science in Accounting degree program is designed to help students to develop proficiency in analytical thinking and math skills. As students move through this online* program, they may develop critical analysis skills to assist evolving business organizations. The students of the accounting program focus on integrating principles of accounting and the auditing process into their various business settings**. The MS in Accounting program prepares students to assess the ethical, legal, and professional responsibilities required in the accounting profession. The Master of Science in Accounting program is not designed to lead to licensure including the CPA exam.

*Fully online programs can have a ground clinical or practicum experience.

**South University does not promise or guarantee licensure, employment, or salary amounts.

Admission Requirements

Admissions criteria for the Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) Program

Graduate Admissions - Masters level

Prospective students are required to submit the following:

  • Completion of application for admission
  • Official transcripts for bachelor or graduate degree within 5 weeks of the class start date (refer to Conditional Acceptance). (All credentials earned outside the United States must be evaluated by a NACES or AICE-member credential evaluation service). Please speak with an admissions representative for more information.

Note: See program notes and specific requirements below for each graduate - masters level degree program

  • Completion of application for admission,
  • An earned undergraduate degree from an acceptable accredited institution with a CGPA of 2.0 or better on a 4.0 scale or an earned graduate degree from an accredited institution.

For additional admissions information please see the admissions section here.

Outcomes

Offered at Online Programs

Note: Not all Online Program offerings are available to residents of all U.S. states. Please contact an admissions representative for further information.

Master of Science in Accounting

The Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) degree program at South University is designed to prepare students with an undergraduate accounting degree for careers in professional accounting, including corporate and/or public accounting. Our Master of Science in Accounting is not designed to lead to licensure, including the CPA examination. Graduates from this program who earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting may be eligible to sit for the CPA examination.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to:

  1. Apply critical analysis skills to apply contemporary accounting principles and practices to the decisions faced by evolving business organizations.
  2. Integrate principles of accounting, economics, finance, law, risk, and management to articulate innovative solutions to organizational challenges.
  3. Integrate the auditing process, including the synthesis of information systems and communications, internal controls, and corporate governance.
  4. Critique and apply the concepts, principles, and methods gleaned from professional and academic accounting research to challenges in the accounting profession.
  5. Assess ethical, legal, and professional responsibilities required in the accounting profession.

Online Classroom

Haven’t experienced online learning before or wondering what it’s like to earn your degree online at South University? While the mode of learning is different from the traditional classroom experience with added convenience and flexibility, we hold the same high standards of academic excellence in the online classroom. 

South University’s online programs combine a curriculum designed for student outcomes and a classroom designed for flexibility and engagement. Our online classroom learning platform, Brightspace, provides you with a host of features to enhance your learning experience, including:

  • Advanced media content
  • Personalized navigation
  • Simplified online learning atmosphere
  • Access to digital books
  • Emailing and instant messaging options

We provide more than just an online classroom, bringing a range of campus experiences and services online. In addition, the online classroom is accessible on the go via mobile devices and with tools like the Pulse App. Pulse helps you stay connected and on track with your course by providing a number of features such as course calendars, readings and assignments, feedback and grades, and announcements.

Read more about online requirements here. 

Preparing For CPA Exam

When combined with a completed bachelor’s degree, the accounting and business coursework in the MS in Accounting online program may qualify you to take the Certified Public Accounting Examination. All students should familiarize themselves with the specific candidacy requirements of the State Board of Accountancy in the particular state in which they wish to take the CPA examination.

South University does not guarantee third-party certification/licensure. Outside agencies control the requirements for taking and passing certification/licensing exams and are subject to change without notice to South University.

Career Outlook

These are some of the career options* you can explore when you have earned your degree:

  • Accountant
  • Auditor (Both Internal and External Auditor)
  • Tax Preparer/Planner
  • Appraisers of Personal or Business Property
  • Risk Assessment or Risk Examiner
  • Tax Examiner/Revenue Agent
  • Investment Analyst

*South University does not promise or guarantee licensure, employment, or salary amounts.

Request Information

Fill out the form and a representative will contact you today to better understand your academic goals plus answer any questions you may have.

Campuses offer flexible learning formats* including: on-campus, virtual instructions, and online courses.

*Clinical, practicum, and externship requirements exist in certain programs and require field experiences. Learning formats may not be flexible.

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Success Stories

Outstanding Education for Remarkable Careers

We're committed to helping our graduates make impact in their professional and personal lives. We applaud our business and technology alumni and the difference they make. 

Annette Tornberg 2013
Annette Tornberg Grad Alumni
Class of '13
Associate of Science in Business Administration-South University, Online Programs

“I feel that if I did not go back to school to further my education, my job search would not have come to this conclusion. I attended college twice in my twenties, but dropped out due to lack of enthusiasm. Going back to school and completing it online is why I am now finally employed. Don’t give up. You are never too old to learn.”

Lauren Elsberry null
Lauren Elsberry Grad Alumni
Class of '12
MBA in Healthcare Administration-South University, Atlanta

“This program has helped make me better. It improved my time management. It improved my organization. I think because of its accelerated pace, it created those unexpected benefits. The classes I have taken in the AMBA program are relevant to my new position. I know my degree was something they looked at. South University has a good reputation; people have heard of it.”

La'Sondrick Bridges 2011
La'Sondrick Bridges Grad Alumni
Class of '11
Master of Business Administration-South University, Columbia

“After talking it through, I realized I could go to school and work full time as well. They really care about you and want you to succeed.”

Tonya Hampton 2013
Tonya Hampton Grad Alumni
Class of '13
Bachelor of Business Administration-South University, Online Programs

“I love being a leader. South University helped me reach my full potential in management skills. The faculty and staff always went out of their way to make sure that the University had a positive impact on its students.”

blue cap and gown graduate icon
Leah N. Williams Grad Alumni
Class of '09
Master of Business Administration-South University, Columbia

“A few years ago, I decided that I wanted to take my career to the next level and realized that an MBA would allow me to achieve that goal. When I first showed interest in South University, I met my admissions officer, Shakeara Hudson. She made the application process as easy as possible, and then she checked on me continuously while I was a student just to make sure I was on track to complete my MBA. She even attended my graduation ceremony and spoke with me afterwards.”