Master of Science in Accounting
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If you are looking to pursue or advance your career as an accountant, a master’s degree in accounting is a valuable credential that can both differentiate you as a candidate and bolster your financial acumen. Caldwell’s M.S. in Accounting offers maximum flexibility for working adults with online, in-person, and hybrid class options.
MS in Accounting Format Options
Caldwell’s MS in Accounting degree consists of 10 required courses, totaling 30 graduate credits. Students have several options for completing their graduate degree:
Online Program—A comprehensive masters program that can be completed entirely online for maximum flexibility to suit working professionals.
On-Campus—Classes are held in-person at Caldwell University for a traditional, seminar-style learning experience.
Hybrid Program—A hybrid option, combining on-campus and online courses for greater scheduling flexibility.
Select the option that best satisfies your career advancement goals and learning styles. For more details about attending online courses through Caldwell University, see FAQs for Online Learning.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS (30 credits)
Core Courses (15 credits)
Course Code : BU 627
Course Description :
The objective is to provide students with the skills necessary for analyzing financial statements.This course will help students enhance their understanding of the accounting process anddevelop an ability to interpret financial information. Topics include ratio analysis, cash flows,inventories, and off balance sheet activities. Valuation models will also be discussed. Specialemphasis will be placed on the effect of accounting principles on reported results.
Credit : 3
Course Code : BU 632
Course Description :
Introduction to tax related problems in corporations, partnerships, estates, trusts and exemptentities. Topics to include types of entities, formation of entities, entity structural considerations,tax planning, and working with the US Tax Law.
Credit : 3
Course Code : BU 634
Course Description :
This course will provide students with a solid understanding of key information qualities, critical information technologies that drive information systems, core business processes that allow organizations to run effectively, documentation tools to assess business processes, and vital corporate governance and internal control concepts that can be applied to mitigate risks. It will prepare accountants to identify and monitor enterprise risks, assure the reliability of information systems used to store, gather, and disseminate information, and possess the requisite general business knowledge, coupled with business process measurement and assessment skills, to evaluate the state of the business enterprise and its supporting operations.
Credit : 3
Course Code : BU 649
Course Description :
Examines, in a global context, the relevant issues surfacing in today’s business environment such as employee rights and contracts, equal rights, the social-legal-political context of workforce diversity, antitrust, negotiations, labor and management relations, the legal environment, dealing with internal and external interest groups, etc. Examines from a global perspective, cases of unethical and socially irresponsible behavior displayed by business people and corporations, and deduces a methodology that promotes an ethical and socially responsible sensitivity in the student. Issues such as environmental pollution, exploitation of workers, value erosion, accounting theft and the morality of cost benefit analysis, whistle blowing, philanthropy, and the evaluation of corporate social performance will be studied.
Credit : 3
Course Code : BU 662
Course Description :
This course is designed to teach advanced students how to use the massive amounts of data being collected by today’s information infrastructure. Students learn to collect, “clean” and organize large amounts of real world data into databases. Students learn how to accurately interpret, visualize and present data and information for quantitative business and social science problems. In addition, students learn how to program computers to search very large data sets for new insights and relationships not proposed by traditional quantitative analysis.
Credit : 3
Electives (15 credits)
Select 5 courses.
Course Code : BU 520
Course Description :
Considers operational, financial, policy and strategy issues using the perspective of a General Manager of a firm. The course will help the student gain a strategic view of organizations through the use of case studies and computer simulations. Students will be required to do online research on current business problems, analyze situations and propose solutions. This course will utilize the analytical skills acquired during the student’s academic and professional business career including: writing a strategic/business plan, forecasting, modeling and financial analysis.
Credit : 3
Course Code : BU 525
Course Description :
Explains auditor’s role in a changing corporate environment. Analyzes case studies in relation to established auditing standards. Introduces auditing pronouncements and reference materials. Addresses ethical obligations to one’s profession and the public.
Credit : 3
Course Code : BU 610
Course Description :
This class combines theory and practice to gain the conceptual, creative, quantitative, and coding skills needed to analyze and depict data. This class provides practical and theoretical understanding of the importance of data visualizations in business and a platform to identify the correct tools to evaluate data. Students explore various data visualization tools, including Microsoft Power BI, Tableau, R Studio, and Excel to learn how to interpret data. Students create interactive visualizations tailored to specific audiences and devices. The class covers the importance of storytelling with data and creating an executive dashboard for data analyzation. This is a new elective in the MBA program and M.S. in Accounting program.
Course Code : BU 620
Course Description :
Provides practical experience in executive level communication techniques required in today’s business environment. Students will write workplans, reports, proposals and recommendations. Emphasis will be placed on utilizing the Internet and other information gathering technologies. Word processing, desktop publishing, presentation and graphic computer applications will be utilized. Application of techniques to produce effective oral communications such as presentations, speeches, television interviews, etc. are analyzed and critiqued.
Credit : 3
Course Code : BU 630
Course Description :
Studies basic accounting concepts and reporting requirements for governmental and non-profit organizations. Emphasis will be given to state and local government accounting, federal government accounting, and accounting for colleges and universities.
Credit : 3
Course Code : BU 631
Course Description :
This course seeks to provide students with a broad conceptual overview of the field of forensic accounting, the key internal controls required to deter/detect frauds or abuse, and the newly enacted governance laws. The course covers the roles, responsibilities, and requirements of a forensic accountant, identifying the major types of cash, payroll, and other financial fraud schemes; detailed examination of the proper required internal audit controls (transaction authorization, segregation of duties, supervision, adequate documentation and records, physical safeguards, independent verification); and accounting/auditing standards and corporate governance needed to comply with the AICPA, SAS, CFE, government regulations, and Sarbanes-Oxley 2002 legislation. This course discusses actual fraud cases to highlight the impact of auditing and forensic accounting on businesses and our society. It is designed to help students apply techniques in identifying, collecting, and examining evidence, including how to identify financial statement misrepresentation, transaction reconstruction, and tax evasion.
Credit : 3
Course Code : BU 641
Course Description :
Consists of specific global business topics which will form the focus of an international study trip. With globalization taking on a greater priority in business management, this course will be tailored to particular contemporary developments in the field of international business. Possible issues for consideration include: regional economic integration (e.g. European Union, NAFTA); implications of globalization (business practices, cultural, social and labor issues, World Trade Organization policy); international trade and development trends (foreign direct investment, offshore manufacturing, tourism development); and international market structures (transition economies, Third World economies) as well as other aspects of international business management and culture.
Credit : 3
Course Code : BU 689
Course Description :
This course is a directed experiential educational experience for full-time graduate business students. It enables students to enhance their educational experience through appropriate work-oriented activities in selected corporate or nonprofit environments. An internship can be paid or unpaid.
Credit : 3
Transfer of Graduate Credit
Caldwell University will accept the transfer of up to six credits of graduate work in business from another accredited institution provided the credits were completed within five years of the student’s initial registration at Caldwell University. Official transcripts of previous graduate work as well as the description of each course must be submitted for review at the time of application. Approval of transfer credit is based on course content and grade earned in the course, which should be B or better. Each transfer request will be reviewed by the Program Coordinator. All requests for transfer credit must be submitted and approved within the student’s first semester in the program.
Earning a Master of Science (M.S.) in Accounting opens a world of opportunities in various sectors. Graduates with this advanced degree are equipped with specialized knowledge and skills that make them highly sought after in the job market. Here are some potential career paths and further education opportunities for M.S. in Accounting graduates:
Career Opportunities:
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA): Work as an independent auditor, tax advisor, or consultant, with opportunities to advance to senior management roles within accounting firms or corporations.
- Forensic Accountant: Investigate financial discrepancies and fraud, often working closely with law enforcement agencies or private firms to provide expert testimony.
- Corporate Controller: Oversee all accounting functions within a corporation, including financial reporting, budgeting, and internal controls.
- Chief Financial Officer (CFO): Lead a company’s financial strategy, planning, and analysis, playing a key role in executive decision-making.
- Internal Auditor: Evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes within an organization.
- Financial Analyst: Provide insights and recommendations based on financial data to help businesses make informed investment and strategic decisions.
- Tax Manager: Specialize in tax planning and compliance, advising businesses on tax strategies to optimize their financial performance.
With an M.S. in Accounting, graduates are well-prepared to pursue a variety of high-impact career paths and advanced education opportunities. The skills and knowledge gained through this program will enable them to excel in the accounting profession and make significant contributions to the financial health and success of organizations.
