M.S. in Healthcare Informatics and AI
The M.S. in Healthcare Informatics and AI at Bryant University is a 30-credit hour prog...
M.S. in Accounting
Smithfield
INTAKE: Jan & Sept
Program Overview
The M.S. in Accounting at Bryant University is a full-time, in-person program typically completed in as little as eight months (two full-time semesters). It consists of 10 courses, totaling 30 credits of advanced study. The program offers flexibility with three distinct tracks: a general accounting track for broad expertise, a tax specialization for those interested in combining advanced accounting with taxation courses, and an analytics concentration designed to integrate advanced accounting with data analytics skills. This structure allows students to tailor their education to align with their specific career goals.
STEM-designated: Yes, Bryant University's Master of Science in Accounting program is STEM-designated. This is a significant advantage, particularly for international students, as it may extend their eligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT) in the United States after graduation. The STEM designation allows for an additional 24-month OPT extension, providing up to three years of work authorization in their field.
Curriculum: The 30-credit M.S. in Accounting curriculum is rigorous and comprehensive. Required courses often include subjects like Advanced Assurance and Professional Oversight, Corporate Governance in the 21st Century, Accounting Project Design and Analysis, Accounting Analytics, and Accounting Theory. Depending on the chosen specialization, students will delve into specific courses: the tax specialization includes courses such as Individual Income Taxation, Sales and Exchanges of Property, and Corporations and Shareholders; the analytics concentration includes courses like Data Management for Analytics, Data Visualization and Text Mining, and Data Mining and Predictive Analytics. The curriculum is constantly evolving to incorporate the latest changes in professional exams like the CPA.
Research Focus: While the M.S. in Accounting program at Bryant University is primarily focused on professional practice and preparing students for licensure, it encourages the development of strong analytical and research skills relevant to the accounting profession. Students are trained to research contemporary accounting topics, identify relevant professional standards and practices, and make reasonable conclusions. The integration of analytics into the curriculum, particularly within the analytics concentration, also involves elements of applied research, such as leveraging data to solve complex accounting issues. Faculty members, many of whom have extensive industry experience, guide students in applying theoretical knowledge to real-life accounting scenarios.
Industry Engagement: Bryant University is highly committed to industry engagement for its M.S. in Accounting program, leading to exceptional career outcomes. The program boasts a 100% career placement rate in national and regional accounting firms, including the "Big Four" (Deloitte, Ernst & Young, KPMG, and PwC). Students gain real-world experience through faculty-supervised internships and participate in academic competitions like the PwC Challenge Case Competition. The curriculum is directly aligned with industry best practices, ensuring graduates possess in-demand skills. Furthermore, Bryant has strong corporate partnerships and an extensive alumni network that actively supports current students and graduates in their career endeavors.
Global Perspective: Bryant University fosters a global perspective across its academic programs, including the M.S. in Accounting. The university attracts international students from various countries, enriching the classroom environment with diverse viewpoints and experiences. The curriculum itself addresses multinational accounting and corporate governance, preparing students to navigate the complexities of global business environments. While specific study abroad opportunities within the intensive M.S. in Accounting program may not be a primary focus due to its accelerated nature, the overall university commitment to international learning and the global applicability of accounting principles ensures graduates are well-prepared for roles in multinational corporations and the interconnected global economy.
Location
Smithfield
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 37830
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
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 85 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
Bryant University is dedicated to attracting talented international students by offering a variety of scholarships that recognize academic excellence, leadership qualities, and potential contributions to the campus community. These scholarships help make a Bryant education more affordable and accessible to students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: All international undergraduate applicants to Bryant University are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships when they submit their admission application. These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievements, standardized test scores, leadership, and extracurricular involvement.
Need-Based Financial Aid: Bryant University also offers need-based financial aid opportunities for international students who demonstrate financial need. Students must submit the CSS Profile or the International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA) to be considered. These grants help supplement merit awards and provide additional support to eligible students.
Graduate Scholarships and Assistantships: For international graduate students, Bryant offers limited merit-based scholarships and graduate assistantships. These competitive awards recognize academic excellence and provide financial support through teaching or research assistance roles.
A Master of Science (M.S.) in Accounting from Bryant University provides graduates with a comprehensive and advanced understanding of accounting principles, financial reporting, taxation, and increasingly, data analytics. This STEM-designated program is meticulously designed to meet the 150-hour educational requirement for CPA licensure in most U.S. states and boasts a 100% career placement rate in national and regional accounting firms, including the prestigious "Big Four." Graduates emerge with highly sought-after skills, prepared for leadership roles in various sectors of the accounting and finance industries.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) / Auditor: This is a primary career path for MSA graduates. CPAs perform audits of financial statements, ensure compliance with regulations, and provide tax planning and consulting services. Graduates typically start in public accounting firms (including the Big Four like Deloitte, EY, KPMG, and PwC) as staff accountants or auditors, progressing to senior and managerial roles.
Tax Accountant/Consultant: With a tax specialization, graduates excel in preparing tax returns for individuals and corporations, providing tax planning advice, and navigating complex tax laws. They can work in public accounting firms, corporate tax departments, or specialized tax consulting firms.
Financial Analyst: While distinct from pure accounting, an MSA provides a strong foundation for financial analysis. Graduates can evaluate investment opportunities, perform financial forecasting, and create financial models for corporations, investment banks, or financial institutions.
Forensic Accountant: This specialized field involves investigating financial discrepancies, fraud, and other financial crimes. Graduates analyze financial data, conduct audits, and provide expert testimony in legal proceedings. This often involves working for law enforcement agencies, consulting firms, or corporate investigative units.
Internal Auditor: Working within an organization, internal auditors assess and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes. They ensure financial accuracy, operational efficiency, and compliance with internal policies and external regulations.
Management Accountant / Cost Accountant: These professionals work within organizations to manage and analyze costs, prepare budgets, and provide financial information to guide internal decision-making. They play a crucial role in strategic planning and operational efficiency.
Financial Controller: A financial controller oversees all accounting operations within an organization, including financial reporting, budgeting, and internal controls. This is a leadership position that ensures the accuracy and integrity of financial records.
Government Accountant: Graduates can work for federal, state, or local government agencies, managing public funds, preparing budgets, conducting audits of government programs, and ensuring compliance with governmental accounting standards.
Compliance Officer: In an increasingly regulated environment, graduates can specialize in ensuring that organizations adhere to relevant laws, regulations, and internal policies. This often involves monitoring financial transactions and implementing compliance programs.
Accounting Information Systems (AIS) Consultant: For those with an interest in technology and accounting, this role involves designing, implementing, and managing accounting information systems. Graduates can help organizations optimize their financial systems, integrate new technologies, and improve data flow for reporting and analysis.
