MS Accounting

Whether you’re looking to attain greater responsibilities in an accounting role, transition into the accounting field or validate your accounting proficiency with a CPA credential, Eastern’s M.S. in Accounting program provides a high-quality educational experience that’s tailored to working professionals.

Pursuing a master’s degree in accounting can help deepen your expertise in financial management, taxation, auditing and more. It also helps you meet the 150-hour educational requirements for CPA licensure, expanding your opportunities for senior roles in accounting, finance and management. Combined with the advanced knowledge and specialized skills gained from a master’s program, a CPA license confirms your expertise in accounting and can help make you more competitive in the job market.

Eastern offers you the opportunity to complete your M.S. in Accounting in 12 months as an accelerated online (asynchronous) program with seven-week-long academic terms.* This 30-credit-hour master’s program helps equip you with in-depth accounting knowledge and will challenge you to develop problem-solving strategies, showcase your leadership skills, and communicate ideas effectively.

• Advanced Functional Knowledge of Accounting: Learn the concepts, theories and practices in accounting information systems and financial reporting, assurance service, accounting for governmental and not-for-profit organizations, international accounting and taxation.
• Critical Thinking: Identify and analyze complex technical information to reach well-reasoned conclusions about accounting issues.
• Professional Responsibility: Learn the professional responsibilities and ethical standards of the accounting profession.
  
  

*You must enroll with full-time status with no breaks in attendance to complete this program in 12 months. Full-time status may vary based on the program and term. This timeline may vary depending on your individual circumstances and course availability. For more information about this opportunity, please contact a Student Success representative.

Who Should Register

The online M.S. in Accounting program is ideal for:

• Professionals who aspire to obtain CPA licensure or sit for the CPA examination.
• Current accounting professionals who desire a more senior-level accounting role.
• Those seeking accounting careers in local and state governments, not-for-profit organizations, financial institutions, and/or public accounting firms.
• Individuals looking to pursue certification in public accounting or other related accounting certifications.

Why Choose Eastern?

• Eastern Connecticut State University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
• Offers students a strong liberal arts foundation grounded in a variety of applied learning opportunities.
• Ranked among the top 25 public institutions in the North by U.S. News & World Report.
• Awarded 'Green Campus' status by the Princeton Review 13 years in a row.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible to apply for Eastern’s M.S in Accounting program, prospective students must provide evidence of having earned a bachelor’s degree from an approved/accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 2.7**. Work experience will be part of the assessment if your GPA is below 2.7. Other requirements for admission include:

• A completed application with a $50 non-refundable application fee. Start your application.
• Recommendations from two references.
  • Two recommendation surveys completed by individuals knowledgeable about the applicant’s abilities to complete graduate work.
• Official college transcript(s) for all non-Eastern colleges/ universities attended.
• Personal/Philosophy statement, explaining your professional goals.
  • Personal statements can be uploaded as supplemental items in the online application system.
• A résumé/CV addressing your professional history, educational, and career interests.

**Additional undergraduate accounting course prerequisites may be required after admission for applicants with non-accounting degrees and who have inadequate background in accounting.

Required Courses

What You'll Learn

Advanced Functional Knowledge of Accounting: Knowledge and understanding of concepts, theories, and practices in accounting information systems and financial reporting, assurance service, accounting for governmental and not-for-profit organizations, international accounting, and taxation.

Upon completion of M.S in Accounting, graduates will be able to demonstrate advanced functional knowledge of accounting by:

• Using the concepts and theories of advanced functional knowledge in professional settings.
• Advising clients and supervisors on advanced tax issues related to corporations, S-corporations, C-corporations, trusts and estates, and partnerships.
• Forming an informed and objective opinion regarding the reliability and relevance of accounting and financial information.
• Applying International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and mastering international financial reporting practices.

Critical Thinking: Identification and analysis of complex technical information to reach well-reasoned conclusions about accounting issues.

Upon completion of a M.S. in Accounting, graduates will be able to demonstrate critical thinking by:

• Identifying an accounting problem or issue to be addressed,
• Evaluating technical information relevant to the problem or issue,
• Evaluating the assumptions and limitations of decision alternatives, and
• Formulating well-reasoned decisions and conclusions.

Data Analytics Skills: Extracting, transforming, and analyzing data, and identifying irregularities and patterns in big data to predict outcomes using data analytics techniques.

Upon completion of a M.S. in Accounting, graduates will be able to demonstrate data analytics skills by:

• Applying appropriate data analytics techniques to solve accounting problems.
• Using data analytics software (IDEA, Power BI, and ACL software) to extract, transform, and load relevant accounting data.
• Applying fundamental business knowledge to analyze accounting problems.
• Conducting applied scientific research.
• Using analytics and data visualization technologies to support accounting data analysis.

Professional Responsibility: Understanding the professional responsibilities and ethical standards of the accounting profession.

Upon completion of a M.S. in Accounting, graduates will be able to demonstrate professional responsibility by:

• Recognizing the roles and duties of the professional accountant in accounting firms, businesses, and other agencies.
• Identifying ethical considerations relevant to accounting problems.
• Evaluating the ethical impact of accounting practices and decisions.
• Using ethical and professional judgement to make accounting and business decisions.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), accountants and auditors are projected to see a 4% job growth rate through 2032***. This equates to approximately 67,400 new jobs over the next decade. Additionally, approximately 126,500 job openings for accountants and auditors are projected each year, on average, through 2032. According to the BLS, the continued globalization of business, a growing economy and a complex tax and regulatory environment are expected to keep accounting roles in demand.

Whether your goals are to pursue a public accounting/taxation career, earn your CPA designation, or work in the industry, Eastern’s master’s program will provide you with rigorous preparation to achieve future success regardless of your chosen career path. Holders of any academic discipline are welcome to apply.

Potential accounting careers include:

• Accounting manager
• Senior auditor
• Financial accountant
• Corporate controller
• Senior financial analyst
  
  

***U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Accountants and Auditors, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/accountants-and-auditors.htm (accessed Sept. 6, 2023).
National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions, and do not guarantee actual job growth. Degree program options do not guarantee career or salary outcomes. Students should conduct independent research for specific employment information.