M.S. in Kinesiology - Sport Administration concentration
The M.S. in Kinesiology with a Sport Administration concentration at Montclair State Un...
M.S. in Accounting
Montclair, New Jersey
INTAKE: Jan & Sept
Program Overview
The Master of Science (M.S.) in Accounting at Montclair State University is a STEM-designated program designed to equip students with comprehensive functional and technical skills, alongside an in-depth understanding of the intricacies of modern accounting and tax practices. This 33-credit program, offered through the Feliciano School of Business, prepares graduates for successful careers in diverse sectors including corporations, non-profit organizations, and public accounting, and also provides excellent preparation for the New Jersey CPA examination. The program is flexible, with online options available, making it suitable for both accounting professionals seeking advancement and career changers, including those from non-business backgrounds, looking to enter the accounting field.
AACSB-Accredited: The M.S. in Accounting program is housed within the Feliciano School of Business, which holds the highly esteemed AACSB International accreditation. This accreditation, a hallmark of excellence in business education achieved by only about six percent of business schools globally, has been maintained by the Feliciano School since 1999. It underscores the program's commitment to delivering high-quality, relevant coursework and fostering active learning experiences that prepare students to be effective and ethical accounting professionals and future business leaders.
Curriculum (M.S. in Accounting): The curriculum of the M.S. in Accounting is meticulously designed to provide advanced knowledge in key areas of accounting. It covers topics such as advanced financial accounting, auditing theory, taxation practices and procedures (including taxation of business entities), accounting information systems, and accounting ethics. The program also delves into areas like fraudulent financial reporting and business valuation, ensuring students develop strong analytical and problem-solving skills immediately transferable to the professional environment. For students seeking to meet the 150-credit hour requirement for CPA licensure, the program effectively bridges this gap, often incorporating nine credits from undergraduate accounting coursework for combined BS/MS students.
Research Focus: While the M.S. in Accounting is a professional degree, the Department of Accounting and Finance within the Feliciano School of Business actively engages in research. Faculty members are experts in their fields, contributing to scholarly work in various areas of accounting and finance. Examples of research interests include forensic accounting, fraud detection, zero-based budgeting, and financial market insights. This academic environment ensures that the curriculum remains current, integrating the latest industry trends and research findings, and providing students with exposure to advanced concepts and contemporary challenges in the accounting profession.
Industry Engagement: The Feliciano School of Business, including the Accounting program, places a strong emphasis on industry engagement to provide students with practical, real-world experience. This includes a robust career services department that connects students with corporate partners for internships, co-ops, and full-time employment opportunities. Students benefit from mentorship programs, guest speakers from leading accounting firms and corporations, and participate in career fairs and industry panels. The curriculum often incorporates live case studies and strategic consulting assignments, allowing students to apply their knowledge to real business problems. The university's strong network of engaged alumni also provides valuable career advice and support.
Global Perspective: Montclair State University is dedicated to fostering a global perspective across its programs, and this is implicitly integrated within the M.S. in Accounting. Understanding global financial markets, international accounting standards (such as IFRS), and cross-border taxation is increasingly critical for modern accounting professionals. The curriculum aims to develop students' flexibility and strategic thinking to thrive in a dynamic global marketplace. The university's broader internationalization efforts, including collaborations with international institutions and emphasis on intercultural competencies, further contribute to graduates being well-prepared for international accounting roles or working with multinational corporations.
Location
Montclair, New Jersey
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 19916
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 83 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
Montclair State University offers a range of scholarship opportunities specifically designed to support international students in achieving their academic goals while easing the financial burden of studying in the United States.
Presidential Scholarships: The university’s prestigious Presidential Scholarships are awarded to top-performing international students demonstrating exceptional academic records and leadership skills. These scholarships provide substantial financial support and are highly competitive.
Graduate Scholarships and Assistantships: Graduate international students have access to departmental scholarships and graduate assistantships. Assistantships may include tuition waivers and stipends in exchange for research or teaching responsibilities, offering both financial aid and valuable professional experience.
The Master of Science (M.S.) in Accounting at Montclair State University is a program offered through the AACSB-accredited Feliciano School of Business. This 33-credit program is meticulously designed to provide students with comprehensive functional and technical skills, alongside an in-depth understanding of modern accounting and tax practices.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA): This is a primary career path for MS in Accounting graduates. CPAs work in public accounting firms, providing auditing, tax, and consulting services to a wide range of clients. They ensure financial records are accurate, advise on tax strategies, and help businesses comply with regulations.
Auditor (Internal or External): Auditors examine financial records to ensure accuracy, compliance with laws and regulations, and identify potential risks or inefficiencies. External auditors work for public accounting firms, while internal auditors work within organizations to assess internal controls and operational efficiency.
Tax Accountant: Specializing in taxation, these professionals prepare and file tax returns for individuals, corporations, partnerships, and other entities. They also provide tax planning advice to minimize tax liabilities and ensure compliance with tax laws.
Financial Analyst: While often associated with finance degrees, an MS in Accounting provides a strong foundation for financial analysis roles. These professionals evaluate financial data, assess investment opportunities, and forecast financial performance for companies or clients.
Management Accountant/Controller: Working within a company, management accountants analyze financial data to provide insights for strategic decision-making, budgeting, forecasting, and performance management. A controller often oversees the accounting department and financial reporting functions.
Forensic Accountant: This specialized field involves investigating financial discrepancies and fraud. Forensic accountants often work with law enforcement, legal firms, or corporations to uncover financial crimes, prepare expert witness reports, and assist in legal proceedings.
Accounting Information Systems (AIS) Specialist: With the increasing reliance on technology in accounting, AIS specialists combine accounting knowledge with IT expertise. They design, implement, and manage accounting software systems, ensuring data integrity and efficient financial reporting processes.
Government Accountant/Auditor: These professionals work for federal, state, or local government agencies, managing public funds, conducting audits of government programs, and ensuring financial transparency and accountability of public resources.
Financial Reporting Specialist: Focuses on the preparation of financial statements and reports in compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) or International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). This role is crucial for publicly traded companies and large organizations.
Business Valuation Analyst: Utilizing their knowledge of financial analysis and accounting principles, these professionals determine the economic value of a business or specific assets, often for mergers and acquisitions, litigation, or financial reporting purposes.
