M.A. in English
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in English at UNCW is a flexible and student-centered program...
M.S. in Accountancy
Wilmington, North Carolina
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
The UNCW MSA program is a face-to-face, cohort-based program that can be completed in as few as nine months for full-time students. It is specifically structured to provide the additional educational requirements (typically 150 credit hours) needed to be eligible for Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensure in North Carolina and most other jurisdictions. The program boasts an exceptional placement rate, with over 95% of graduates securing positions at graduation, including with "Big Four" accounting firms, national and regional firms, major corporations, and financial institutions globally. The curriculum focuses on preparing students for high-demand areas such as financial reporting, audit and assurance services, information systems design and analysis, tax compliance, and business valuation.
STEM Designated: The M.S. in Accountancy (MSAC) program at UNCW is a STEM-designated program (CIP Code 30.7104 - Financial Analytics). This is a significant advantage, particularly for international students on an F-1 visa. This STEM designation allows eligible international graduates to apply for a 24-month STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension after their initial 12 months of post-completion OPT. This provides a total of up to 36 months of practical work experience in the U.S. after graduation, greatly enhancing their professional development and career opportunities in the increasingly data-driven and analytical field of accounting.
Curriculum: The MSA curriculum is rigorous and comprehensive, designed to deepen students' understanding of accounting principles and practices beyond the undergraduate level. While specific course names may vary, the program covers advanced topics in external financial reporting, managerial accounting, auditing theory, federal income tax, and accounting information systems. Students may also have the opportunity to concentrate in functional areas such as tax services or assurance, analytics, and systems advisory. The program emphasizes the development of technical acumen alongside essential soft skills, including teamwork, communication, and professional research. Students have access to the Becker CPA Review Program at no additional cost, aiding in their preparation for the CPA exam.
Research Focus: While the UNCW MSA is a professional master's degree aimed at career preparation, it incorporates an applied research focus. Students are trained to identify relevant financial information, organize it according to generally accepted accounting principles, and analyze financial data to guide businesses. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, professional research, and continuous learning, preparing graduates to navigate complex financial information and solve intricate accounting problems. Faculty members, who often have extensive professional experience, guide students in understanding and applying industry ethics and standards, fostering a deep understanding of accounting best practices and their underlying principles.
Industry Engagement: The UNCW MSA program has strong ties to the accounting industry, contributing significantly to its high placement rate. The program actively prepares students for internships and provides extensive networking opportunities with potential employers, including the "Big Four" and other leading firms. Students work closely with faculty and executive mentors, who provide invaluable guidance and connections. The curriculum is developed with input from industry professionals, ensuring its relevance to current accounting practices and technologies. This hands-on learning and professional development focus ensures that graduates are well-prepared to immediately contribute to public accounting firms, private industry, government agencies, and non-profit organizations.
Global Perspective: The M.S. in Accountancy at UNCW inherently incorporates a global perspective by preparing graduates to work for multinational corporations and professional service firms that operate worldwide. The curriculum's focus on generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and international financial reporting standards (IFRS) often involves understanding how these standards are applied across different global contexts. Discussions around tax compliance, financial reporting, and audit and assurance services naturally extend to international implications. The program equips graduates to navigate the complexities of global financial transactions, understand cross-border regulations, and ethically manage financial information in an interconnected global economy.
Location
Wilmington, North Carolina
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 29089
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 79 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
The University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities designed to support and attract talented international students. These scholarships aim to make education more affordable while recognizing academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UNCW provides merit scholarships for international students based on academic achievements, standardized test scores, and other criteria. These awards can significantly reduce tuition costs and are often renewable for multiple years based on maintaining good academic standing.
International Student Scholarships: Specific scholarships are available exclusively for international students, such as the International Student Scholarship which rewards outstanding academic performance and leadership qualities. Eligibility and award amounts vary each year, encouraging prospective students to apply early.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at UNCW offer scholarships targeted to students within their programs, including international students. These scholarships recognize excellence in fields such as business, marine science, and the arts, and often require separate applications or nominations.
External Scholarships and Financial Aid: UNCW encourages international students to explore additional funding options through external organizations, governments, and private foundations. The university’s financial aid office provides guidance on locating and applying for these scholarships.
A Master of Science (M.S.) in Accountancy (MSA) from the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) provides a robust and in-demand skill set, preparing graduates for a wide array of professional roles within the accounting and finance industries. This STEM-designated program, with its strong emphasis on CPA exam preparation and high placement rates, positions graduates for successful careers in diverse sectors, from public accounting to corporate finance and government.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA): This is a primary career goal for many MSA graduates. CPAs provide auditing, tax preparation, advisory, and consulting services to individuals, businesses, and organizations. They work in public accounting firms (including the "Big Four"), private companies, and government.
External Auditor: Working for public accounting firms, external auditors examine and verify the financial statements of companies to ensure their accuracy and compliance with accounting standards (GAAP or IFRS). This provides assurance to investors and other stakeholders.
Internal Auditor: Internal auditors work within an organization to assess and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes. They evaluate financial and operational information to identify weaknesses and recommend improvements.
Tax Accountant/Tax Specialist: Graduates prepare and file tax documents for individuals or organizations, provide tax planning advice, and ensure compliance with complex tax laws and regulations. They can work in public accounting, corporate tax departments, or for government agencies like the IRS.
Forensic Accountant/Fraud Investigator: These specialists investigate financial crimes such as fraud, embezzlement, and money laundering. They analyze financial records, trace assets, and often serve as expert witnesses in legal disputes. This often requires additional certifications like the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE).
Corporate Accountant/Managerial Accountant: Working directly for businesses, these accountants manage internal financial operations. They prepare financial reports, analyze costs, develop budgets, forecast financial results, and ensure financial data supports strategic decision-making.
Financial Analyst: While distinct from a pure finance degree, an MSA provides strong analytical skills valuable for financial analyst roles. Graduates can analyze financial data, evaluate investment opportunities, and make recommendations to guide an organization's financial decisions.
Accounting Information Systems (AIS) Professional: With the program's focus on information systems, graduates can specialize in the intersection of accounting and technology. They design, implement, and manage accounting software systems, ensure data integrity and security, and leverage technology to improve financial reporting and processes.
Government Accountant: Graduates work at various levels of government (federal, state, local) managing public funds, preparing budgets, conducting audits of government programs, and ensuring accountability and compliance with laws and regulations regarding public resources.
Wealth Management and Financial Planning (with further specialization): While often requiring additional certifications (like Personal Financial Planning), the strong tax and financial reporting knowledge from an MSA can be a valuable foundation for advising high-net-worth individuals on investment, tax minimization, retirement planning, and wealth transfer strategies.
