Master of Science in Accounting (MSA)
Dominican University’s Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) program is a fully online program designed for the student who wants to prepare for a career in accountancy but does not have an undergraduate accounting background. Based on their career goals, students can choose from one of two high-impact pathways that will prepare them for a wide range of professions in the accounting industry. Plus, students can earn credits toward the 150 hours required to sit for the CPA exam.
Standard MSA pathway
Our standard MSA pathway is designed for students who do not wish to specialize in a specific area. It emphasizes essential accounting subjects—data analytics, financial reporting, auditing, business law, taxation—from an ethical point of view. It also offers an optional internship to help students gain more experience at public and private accounting firms. The 30-hour pathway provides graduates with the tools needed to be competitive in professional accounting careers. Students following the standard MSA pathway will need to complete a minimum of 10 courses to earn their degree.
MSA Plus
In our MSA Plus Financial Reporting Concentration, students will complete the 10 accounting courses in the standard MSA pathway and three additional courses covering advanced topics in financial statements, nonprofit/governmental accounting, and data analytics/analysis. The MSA Plus is ideal for students planning to sit for the Business Analysis and Reporting CPA exam. It is also ideal for accounting professionals and new/existing CPAs seeking career advancement.
Students who successfully completed equivalent coursework at another accredited graduate program may request up to a maximum of up to two courses (maximum of six credits) transferred and applied toward degree requirements. Requests for transfer of credits are reviewed carefully but transfer is not guaranteed.
MBA Plus
Students in the MBA Plus program may also complete three additional courses to explore the accounting profession or prepare them for the CPA exam. Students should speak to the Director of Graduate Programs about the MBA Plus in Accounting to determine the best pathway.
Benefits of the MSA Program
- Study 100% online in a program that fits your busy schedule with no sacrifice in quality.
- Collaborate with your classmates and instructors and build a new professional network through our engaging cohort model.
- Gain experience and confidence by solving business challenges with leaders from the corporate and nonprofit sectors.
- Receive expert career coaching from our Executives in Residence team of current and former C-suite leaders.
- Choose from one of two pathways within our flexible MSA program based on your career interests.
Take the next step toward a rewarding career in accounting. Request information today.
What You’ll Learn
In Dominican’s fully online MSA program, you’ll consider the legal and ethical dimensions of accounting and start building your career. Our challenging, comprehensive, values-based approach to business education is one of the distinctive qualities that sets us apart. Our MSA courses are also deeply rooted in experiential learning, enabling you to gain experience handling real-world business challenges. By offering two flexible pathways, we ensure that your career aspirations are met regardless of your chosen route. See our full MSA course listing.
MSA Pathway (30 Credit Hours)
Dominican’s traditional MSA pathway is perfect for those seeking to pursue or advance their careers in accounting. Our flexible curriculum allows you to substitute up to two required courses for advanced accounting courses, an accounting internship, or an MBA course.
- 10 courses (eight weeks each)
- Finish in as little as 12 months
- No prior business background or GMAT required
- Secure internships and full-time positions with help from the Brennan Career Development Program at the Brennan School of Business
MSA Plus Financial Reporting Concentration (39 Credit Hours)
Students seeking careers as certified public accountants will gain the foundational skills needed to tackle the CPA exam and its new requirements. This innovative pathway addresses recent changes to the CPA exam by providing three additional courses that will enable students to prepare for the discipline-specific Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR) section. Students may substitute one course in this pathway.
- 13 courses (eight weeks each)
- Finish in as little as 12 months
- No prior business background or GMAT required
- Secure internships and full-time positions with help from the Brennan Career Development Program at the Brennan School of Business
Areas of Focus
You will acquire the knowledge and skills of a professional accountant with expertise in a wide variety of specialty areas, including:
- Forensic accounting
- Fraud accounting
- Internal auditing
- Business law
- Cost Management
- Taxation
Program Prerequisite
For admission to the program, students should have completed a three credit-hour course equivalent to an undergraduate or graduate financial accounting course from an accredited institution, subject to departmental approval. Students who do not meet this admission requirement may elect to complete ACCT 101 at Dominican, prior to starting the MSA program requirements.
Financing Your MSA Degree
Students will find opportunities for financial aid through loans and grants as well as graduate assistantships for those who wish to work with faculty while pursuing their degree. Contact our Office of Financial Aid to learn more. We can be reached at (708) 524-6809 or finaid@dom.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What can I do with an MSA degree?
Accountants and auditors are in demand in practically every type of business, institution and government agency. They examine financial records for accuracy, make sure taxes are paid on time and in accordance with the law, and help organizations and businesses find ways to operate more efficiently. The job outlook is particularly strong, according to Labor Department forecasts. In fact, our students have received job offers before graduation.
A few of the accounting firms employing Dominican business graduates:
- Deloitte
- EY
- KPMG
- Plante Moran
- PwC
- RSM
How affordable is the tuition?
We offer our Master of Science in Accounting at a significant discount compared with other graduate business degrees. The cost is $495 per credit hour. Read more about tuition and aid at the Brennan School of Business.
Why does AACSB accreditation matter?
The Brennan School of Business at Dominican University is AACSB-accredited, a distinction earned by less than six percent of business schools worldwide. AACSB schools are evaluated on a number of factors, including intellectual contributions and impact, student progression and career development and teaching effectiveness. Accreditation is a mark of a strong return on your investment with higher-caliber academics. See what sets us apart
What are the application and MSA requirements?
To apply, you will need the following:
- A bachelor’s degree in any discipline
- One undergraduate or graduate course in financial accounting (completed with a B or better) from an accredited institution, which must be approved by the department. Students missing the prerequisite can complete the prerequisite in the summer before the program starts in an 8-week online format.
- Two recommendations (from a current or past employer, professor or professional colleague)
- A personal statement and résumé
The GMAT and work experience are not required. Ready to take the next step? Apply now online
Can I transfer credits?
You may transfer up to six relevant graduate-level credit hours toward your Dominican MSA. All transfer credits are subject to approval and must be submitted on an official transcript showing a grade of B or higher. To see if your credits transfer, contact the Office of the Registrar.