MSA

Master of Science in Accounting 

 
Experience Michigan
Experience Online
 
WHAT IS THE MS IN ACCOUNTING?

The MS in Accounting is an online program designed to help students meet the challenges of a dynamic professional career in accounting. Students will emerge from the MSA prepared to complete the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam as well as other professional certifications in accounting. The MSA program is open to students with an undergraduate accounting degree and those from all other disciplines. The MSA program is designed to ensure all students to succeed, no matter their educational background; and also allows students to complete the 150 credit hours required to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Students without business courses in their educational background may need additional courses to meet CPA requirements. See the CPA Requirements tab for more details.

 

WHY THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN-FLINT MSA?

The University of Michigan is known globally as a leader in higher education.  The accounting faculty at the University of Michigan-Flint’s School of Management enables students to develop an understanding of advanced concepts and essential skills for today's accounting practices. The MSA faculty are experienced, tested, and respected experts in their field, and bring practical knowledge into the online classroom. In addition, our faculty are highly accessible and committed to your success as a student and as a professional.  MSA students will continually develop professional skills such as: communication, critical and analytical thinking, integration of key knowledge, creating support structures, and the ability to effectively interact with a diverse demographic.

 

THE ONLINE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ACCOUNTING

The Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) is a 100% online program.  This approach provides flexible interactions many students and professionals require in their busy lives.  The online MSA experience provides the in-class experience in the online setting.  Online learning is done through many techniques including discussion boards, online chats, audio and video casts, and other methods.  The University of Michigan-Flint utilizes the Blackboard learning platform for its online education.  

The MSA is designed to be accessible to both students and busy working professionals from a wide geographic area. MSA online tuition is extremely affordable for both in-state and out-of-state students.  Students without an AACSB accounting bachelor degree may have to complete two Foundation courses.  The first MSA Foundation course is offered online in the Spring semester and in our hybrid/blended online format in the Fall semester. 

 

Net+ Courses

For those students wanting more in class interaction, the MSA program offers some courses in our Net+ format.  Net+ is a hybrid, blended online or mixed-mode format which combines the personal interaction of a traditional face-to-face class blended with the online experience.  These courses are designed to be accessible to busy working professionals from a wide geographic area while provide the classroom experience, networking opportunities and convenience of online learning. 

In your Net+ course, 60% of coursework is completed online and the remaining 40% of the program is in the classroom.  Net+ is similar to a weekend program since the in-class meetings occur on two weekends (Friday and Saturday) per semester.  These weekend “residencies” focus on the benefits of interaction among students and the professor.  These interactions are enhanced through lectures, group discussions, debates, simulations, guest speakers, team-based learning, presentations, and many other engaging activities.  Net+ blends the best of a weekend and online program.   Residency session attendance is a mandatory part of the course. 

Net+ does require students to attend on campus sessions twice per semester.  The Net+ calendar can be found on the right side of the page.  Here is the weekend residency schedule. 

Net+ Weekend Residency Schedule

 7:30 am - 8:30 am

 Catered Breakfast / Networking

 8:30 am - 12:30 pm

 AM Class Session
 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
 Catered Lunch / Networking
 1:30 pm - 5:30 pm*
 PM Class Session
*A light snack is also served during the afternoon class session.  Residency session attendance is mandatory.
 
 
MSA REQUIREMENT 

MSA Foundation (6 credits hours) (waivable)

    ACC 521, Accounting for Managers
    ACC 530, Intermediate Financial Reporting
 

MSA Core (21 credit hours)

   ACC 535, Financial Reporting Special Topics
    ACC 545, Seminar in Management Accounting
    ACC 550, Individual Federal Income Taxation
    ACC 555, Advanced Federal Income Taxation Theory and Research
    ACC 565, Seminar in Contemporary Accounting Systems and Control
    ACC 575, Auditing and Assurance Services
    ACC 580, Advanced Governmental and Nonprofit Accounting and Financial Reporting
 

MSA Elective (3 credits) (Choose one):

    ACC 525, VITA, Tax Preparation    
    ACC 538, Advanced Financial Reporting
    ACC 562, Forensic Accounting
    FIN 567, Financial Statement Analysis
 

MSA or MBA Electives (6 credits) (choose two)

Please refer to the online catalog for the MSA requirements.

 

Dual MBA/MSA

Students can pursue their dual MBA/MSA degrees and count courses toward both degree requirements.  The MSA is an online degree program and the MBA is a hybrid or blended online program.  See Dual Degrees for more details.

 

MSA Scholarship

This is a competitive scholarship for students admitted to the MSA program.  Students eligible for this scholarship must have a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative GPA, calculated by the School of Management, and a 500 GMAT score, or 3.5 GPA with a GMAT waiver.  Students selected for this scholarship will be awarded a $3,000 scholarship.  The award will be disbursed in the student’s first two semesters, $1,500 first semester and $1,500 the second semester.  Each student receiving the award must maintain half-time status during their first two semesters to receive the scholarship.

Program Costs

In-State Tuition                         Out-of-State Tuition

$777.50 per credit hour                            $969.00 per credit hour 

 

OFFICE OF EXTENDED LEARNING FEES

Online course fee ~ $46 per credit hour       

Please note: The MSA can be completed 100% online.  Students may take a Net+ course; but will pay Net+, mixed-mode, and University fees. Students taking an evening course will pay University fees. Students taking an online course will pay online course and University fees. 

SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT FEE

Net+ fee ~ $446 per course

OFFICE OF EXTENDED LEARNING FEES

Mixed-mode fee (Net+) ~ $93 per course

University Fees

Registration Assessment ~ Covers, but is not limited to, student services such as technology, student organizations/engagement, club sports, and recreation center ~ $227 per semester

Estimated Program Costs (in-state)

Online ~ $25,840.00 - $31,008.00 (in-state)

Estimated Program Costs (out-of-state)

Online ~ $31,585.00 - $37,902.00 (out-of-state)

Please Note: Program costs vary depending upon MSA Foundation course waivers.

 

Tuition and fees are subject to change at any time without prior notice by action of the University of Michigan Board of Regents.  Last updated: 7/26/2019

 

Applying

To be considered for admission, submit the following to the Office of Graduate Programs, 251 Thompson Library:

 
ADMISSION

The School of Management uses all the materials collected in the application to determine admission.  The MSA program calculates the students overall undergraduate GPA from all schools attended and combines it with their GMAT or GRE score.  The MSA program will review a student’s statement of purpose, resume and recommendations.  A decision is based on a student’s entire application.  The quantitative formula is (GPAx200) + GMAT/GRE.  A student achieving an index of 1100 or greater has an opportunity for a standard admission, with an index of 1000-1099 a student may have an opportunity for probationary admission. 

Application Deadlines
  • Fall Semester Early Deadline: May 1*
  • Fall Semester Final Deadline: August 1
  • Winter Semester: November 15
  • Spring Semester: March 15
  • Summer Semester: May 15

*You must apply by the early deadline to be eligible for scholarships, grants, and research assistantships.

International students are required to apply earlier than the deadlines posted here. The final deadlines for international students are May 1 for the fall semester, September 1 for the winter semester, and January 1 for the spring term.

CPA

There are several approaches to completing the education requirements to become a CPA and the University of Michigan-Flint School of Management offers three options:    

  • Master of Science in Accounting
  • Master of Business Administration w/ 12 credits in Accounting
  • Undergraduate degree w/ 150 total credits

 

CPA Licensure Requirements

To become a licensed CPA in the state of Michigan students must complete three requirements: 

  1. Education Requirement
  2. Experience Requirement
  3. Examination Requirement

 

To find specific details about the state of Michigan and other state’s exam requirements, please view the NASBA website and select CPA Exam.  Information about becoming a licensed CPA in Michigan can be found under NASBA – CPA Michigan and the State of Michigan LARA - CPA.

The requirements to become a CPA are somewhat detailed. However, early planning and consultation with an Accounting faculty member or School of Management advisor will enable you to complete the educational preparation necessary to enter this rewarding field efficiently and effectively.

 

Education Requirements

One of the following two education requirements must be completed to become a CPA:

  1. Complete at least 150 semesters hours of undergraduate education, including at least 30 semesters hours of accounting courses and at least 39 semester hours of other business courses. 
  2. Complete a master’s degree in accounting or business administration that includes at least 12 graduate semester hours of accounting. 

 

Experience Requirements

CPA candidates must complete one year of qualifying audit experience in a CPA firm or government agency under the direction of a licensed CPA. 

 

Examination Requirements

In order to be eligible for the Uniform CPA Examination as a candidate of Michigan, you must meet the following requirements:

  1. Have completed a curriculum required for a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution (or equivalent educational institution) including the completion of:
  2. 3 semester hours (4.5 quarter) hours in Auditing. 
  3. 21 semester (31.5 quarter) hours in accounting including study in each of the following:
    A. Financial Accounting and Accounting Theory
    B. Managerial Accounting, including Cost Accounting
    C. Accounting Systems and Controls
    D. U.S. Federal Taxation
    E. Governmental/Fund Accounting
  4. 24 semester (36 quarter) hours in general business subjects
  5. Candidates must complete all four parts of the Uniform CPA Exam (NASBA information).

 

UM-Flint Master’s Programs

The route to becoming a CPA varies by student.  Students that have completed a Bachelor degree in accounting or in any other discipline can complete the education requirements for licensure and examination with the three options the University of Michigan-Flint School of Management offers.  Students without an accounting/business undergraduate degree may need additional business courses to meet the requirements.  Section 4 of the Examination requirement is the biggest concern for students without undergraduate degrees in business/accounting. 

 

Students considering a Master program to complete the 150 credit hour requirements can pursue the University of Michigan-Flint Master of Science in Accounting (MSA).  Some students may be able to meet the requirements with the Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a Concentration in Accounting.  Students without accounting or business undergrad degrees may have to pursue additional course work to meet the CPA requirements.  Those students may wish to pursue the Dual MBA/MSA program.  Please contact a School of Management advisor or faculty member for questions about the CPA. 

 

Important Websites

Apply Now

Request Information

MSA Brochure

Info Sessions

 

Graduate Business Calendar

Course Rotation Schedule

Elizabeth Ray, MBA, MSA

Hometown: Davison, MI

The MBA/MSA programs basically re-wired my brain. I have learned how to think outside of the box, and also how to think about problems or situations from many different perspectives. Throughout my graduate studies, I have gained a great deal of confidence, which has served me well in securing my current position, and which will continue to serve me well as I continue the ascent in my career. Having a graduate degree from UM-Flint means more than the same graduate degree from some of the other educational institutions. I am proud to have the University of Michigan-Flint listed on my resume for three degrees.

 

UM-Flint School of Management Finance Lab

Graduate Business Programs Info Sessions and Webinars

Online presentations, on-campus open houses, and off-campus info session events in various locations throughout Michigan for UM-Flint's business graduate programs:

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UM-FLINT SOM GRADUATE SOCIAL NETWORK

Make the most of your School of Management graduate education by getting to know your peers and sharing knowledge, resources, know-how, and connections during and beyond your time at UM-Flint. Join the UMF-SOM Graduate Social Network for UM Flint's current and former graduate business students. The network is student managed and is a private space for you to connect, communicate & coordinate with your peers. 

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