Master of Accountancy Coastal Carolina University, USA

The Master of Accountancy program is designed to provide students with strong graduate-level preparation in accounting that will allow them to enter the accounting profession and achieve certification as Certified Public Accountants (CPA) and/or Certified Management Accountants (CMA). M.Acc. graduates will be able to build significant accounting careers in public accounting, industry, financial institutions, government, and not-for-profit organizations; as CPAs they may also seek out opportunities for entrepreneurship. In recognition of the fact that accounting is a five-year program of study, the 30-hour M.Acc. degree program allows students to earn the 150 hours required by most state Boards of Accountancy for licensure as CPAs while focusing on value-added accounting knowledge and skills useful in the workplace.

The goals of the program are achieved through coursework delivered in an environment in which students are actively engaged in learning. Instruction builds on a foundation of business and pedagogical technology, CPA and CMA review, internship opportunities, and the development of leadership and other skills. Content areas include 24 hours in financial and cost/managerial accounting, auditing, income taxation, fraud examination, accounting information systems and financial statement analysis; students must also select 6 additional hours from a variety of master’s-level business electives. Full-time students who enter the program with a strong undergraduate preparation in accounting and business will be able to complete the program in one year of full-time study.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Students should demonstrate a broad understanding of topics in financial and cost accounting, taxation, auditing, and other related content areas. Emphasis is placed on preparation for the CPA and CMA exams.
2. Students should be able to carry out applied accounting research.
3. Students should be able to effectively express accounting knowledge and ideas through technical written and oral communication.
4. Students should demonstrate technological skills in solving accounting problems.