M.A. in Secondary Education
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Secondary Education at Roosevelt University is an intensiv...
M.S.A. in Accounting
Chicago - Illinois, Schaumburg - Illinois
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.S.A. program is a 30-credit-hour program, typically completed in 1.5 years for full-time students, with a part-time option extending to 2.5 years. It offers flexibility through a mix of online and hybrid (in-person and online) courses, primarily available at the downtown Chicago campus or Schaumburg based on course availability. Admissions are open for fall, spring, and summer start dates. The program offers three specialized tracks: the Professional track for public or private accounting, the Forensic track for fraud detection and prevention, and the Analytics track which merges accounting knowledge with data analytics for informed decision-making.
STEM-Designated: Yes, Roosevelt University's M.S.A. in Accounting program is STEM-designated. This is a significant advantage for international students, as it allows them to apply for an Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension after graduation. This provides an extended period to gain valuable work experience in the U.S., enhancing their career opportunities in the accounting field.
ACBSP Accredited: Yes, the Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) program at Roosevelt University's Heller College of Business is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). This accreditation signifies that the program meets rigorous national and international standards for teaching excellence, learning outcomes, mission-based strategic planning, and continuous improvement, ensuring a high-quality business education.
Curriculum: The curriculum is designed to provide comprehensive accounting knowledge and prepare students for various industry certifications. While specific course lists can vary by track, sample courses often include "Advanced Accounting," "Professional Practice of Auditing," "Advanced Cost and Managerial Accounting," "Accounting Information Systems," and "Federal Taxation." The Forensic track might include courses like "Fraud Examination" and "Computer Forensics and Auditing," while the Analytics track would integrate data analytics concepts. The program emphasizes both foundational accounting principles and cutting-edge industry trends, ensuring graduates possess career-ready technical and critical soft skills.
Research Focus: The M.S.A. program at Roosevelt University incorporates an applied research focus, particularly evident in its Analytics and Forensic tracks. While not a pure academic research degree, the curriculum trains students to use data analysis, critical thinking, and investigative methodologies to solve real-world accounting problems. Courses related to accounting information systems and data analytics, for example, teach students how to leverage accounting data for informed decision-making. The program's emphasis on preparing students for certifications like the CPA and CFE also implicitly involves a strong foundation in understanding complex regulations and financial reporting, which requires a research-oriented approach to problem-solving.
Industry Engagement: Roosevelt University boasts strong industry engagement for its M.S.A. program, largely benefiting from its location in Chicago, a major accounting and business hub. The Heller College of Business maintains active partnerships with leading accounting firms and businesses in the Chicago metropolitan area. Faculty members are often experienced professionals who bring real-world insights into the classroom. The university's Career Services office actively connects students with major companies for internships and full-time job opportunities, and graduates have gone on to work for top employers like Navistar, CAN Insurance, AJ Gallagher, CDW, and Northern Trust, demonstrating robust industry ties.
Global Perspective: Roosevelt University fosters a global perspective within its M.S.A. program by preparing graduates to work in a globally interconnected financial world. While the primary focus is on U.S. accounting standards and practices, the underlying principles of financial reporting, auditing, and taxation often have international parallels or implications. The program's location in Chicago, a global business center, naturally exposes students to diverse financial practices. Additionally, the university's diverse student body, including international students, enriches classroom discussions with varied perspectives on global economic trends and financial reporting challenges, implicitly preparing graduates for roles in multinational corporations or international accounting firms.
Location
Chicago - Illinois, Schaumburg - Illinois
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 21420
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $42
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% 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 80 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 55 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
Roosevelt University in the United States offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically designed for international students to support their academic journey and make higher education more affordable. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and contributions to campus diversity.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students applying to Roosevelt University are eligible for merit-based scholarships awarded based on academic achievements, standardized test scores, and overall potential. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are automatically considered during the admissions process.
International Student Scholarship Program: Roosevelt University provides special scholarships targeted at international students, aiming to encourage a diverse and global student body. These awards vary in amount and criteria but typically recognize outstanding academic performance and community involvement.
Departmental Scholarships: Certain colleges and departments within Roosevelt University, such as the Chicago College of Performing Arts and the Walter E. Heller College of Business, offer additional scholarships for international students enrolled in specific programs. These awards may be based on talent, portfolio, or academic excellence in the field of study.
An M.S. in Accounting (M.S.A.) from Roosevelt University provides a comprehensive and specialized education, designed to launch or accelerate careers across public, private, and non-profit sectors. With its STEM designation and ACBSP accreditation, the program ensures graduates are well-prepared for demanding roles and various professional certifications.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA): This is a primary goal for many MSA graduates, enabling them to work in public accounting firms, providing services such as auditing, tax preparation, and consulting to a diverse range of clients.
Auditor (Internal or External): Auditors examine financial records to ensure accuracy, compliance with regulations (like GAAP), and detect fraud. External auditors work for public accounting firms, while internal auditors assess an organization's financial operations and internal controls from within.
Tax Accountant/Tax Manager: Specializing in taxation, these professionals prepare and file tax returns for individuals and businesses, provide tax planning advice, and ensure compliance with complex tax laws at local, state, and federal levels.
Forensic Accountant/Fraud Examiner: Particularly for those in the Forensic track, this role involves investigating financial discrepancies, detecting fraud, and analyzing financial data for legal proceedings. They work for law enforcement, accounting firms, or corporate investigation units.
Financial Analyst: Graduates analyze financial data, market trends, and investment opportunities to provide insights and recommendations that inform strategic financial decisions for companies or clients.
Controller: A senior corporate accounting role, the controller oversees all accounting operations within an organization, including financial reporting, budgeting, internal controls, and ensuring compliance with financial policies.
Accounting Manager: These professionals supervise accounting departments, ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting, managing general ledger operations, and leading a team of accountants within a company.
Government Accountant: Accountants are crucial for federal, state, and local government agencies, managing public funds, ensuring compliance with governmental accounting standards, and maintaining financial transparency.
Data Analyst (Accounting/Finance): Especially for those in the Analytics track, these roles focus on leveraging data analytics tools and techniques to interpret financial data, identify patterns, forecast trends, and provide data-driven insights for strategic decision-making in accounting and finance.
Non-profit Accountant/Financial Manager: Graduates can apply their accounting expertise to the unique financial landscape of non-profit organizations, managing grants, donor funds, budgets, and ensuring compliance with specific non-profit accounting standards (e.g., fund accounting).
