Accounting (MSA)

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The Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) program is designed for individuals interested in pursuing Certified Public Accountancy or another advanced accounting degree. The minimum required 30 credit hours must include eight courses (24 credits) from the listed MSA core and elective courses and at least two courses (6 credits) of additional MSA electives. Students with undergraduate accounting backgrounds may be eligible to have one or both foundation courses waived.

The MSA Program provides:

A focused, comprehensive accounting master’s degree that provides excellent preparation for the Certified Public Accounting (CPA) Exam.
A foundation in accounting principles for students with undergraduate degrees in fields other than accounting.
In-depth study in financial reporting, cost management, accounting systems and controls, auditing, and forensic accounting.
Course requirements to sit for the CPA exam.

Admission Information

The Graduate Programs Office serves as the primary source of information for all prospective graduate students, providing detailed guidance and resources to facilitate the application process. Up-to-date and comprehensive details regarding admissions procedures, requirements and deadlines can be found on the program page on the Graduate Programs website.

Transfer of Credit

Transfer credit is limited to a maximum of nine credits, is limited to graduate courses completed in the last 5 years with a grade of B or better during enrollment as a graduate student at an AACSB accredited program, and must not be part of another degree. Exceptions to this rule are accepted only in unusual circumstances and then only by approval of the SOM Graduate Programs Committee. See Graduate Study for additional information on University of Michigan-Flint policies on the transfer of graduate credit.

Course Waivers

Course waivers are considered only at the time of admission to the MSA Program and limited to foundation courses only. Equivalency is determined by AACSB-International accreditation status of the institution, or by the School of Management Graduate Programs Committee. Grades in equivalent courses are also considered. Waivers reduce the number of credits required to complete the MSA degree. However, completion of a minimum of 30 graduate credit hours at the University of Michigan-Flint is required to graduate.

Time Limit for Degree Completion

All requirements must be completed within five calendar years of initial enrollment in the program.

Academic Rules and Regulations

See the School of Management (SOM) and Graduate Study sections for rules and regulations pertaining to all School of Management graduate programs.

Requirements

Foundation Courses (0-6 credits)

Up to 6 credits, dependent on waivers:

Core Courses (24 credits)

Electives (6 credits)

Two from:

ACC 525 - Tax Preparation (3)
ACC 538 - Advanced Financial Reporting (3)
ACC 562 - Forensic Accounting (3)
FIN 567 - Financial Statement Analysis (3)

Note

An overall grade point average of at least 3.0 is required for program completion. A grade point average less than 3.0 constitutes sufficient basis for probationary status and, if the grade point average is not improved, dismissal from the program. Students with probationary status must make progress toward “good standing.” Failure to do so may result in required reduction in the maximum courses the student may enroll in or other actions. Courses with grades of D or lower must be retaken. Courses in which a grade below B is received may be retaken once for credit. In such cases, both the original grade and the grade received when the course is retaken appear on the transcript and are used in determining the student’s grade point average.