Master of Science in Accounting (MSA)
The 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. Students interested in pursuing the CPA exam should consult with their faculty advisor. Although not required for eligibility, a CPA review course after graduation is strongly recommended as final preparation for the examination.
A candidate for the MSA degree will normally need to complete a minimum of 10 courses. Students who have successfully completed equivalent coursework at another accredited graduate program may request to have two courses (maximum of six credits) transferred and applied toward degree requirements.
- Study 100% online in a program that fits your into your busy schedule with no sacrifice in quality.
- Collaborate with your classmates 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.
Take the next step toward a rewarding career in accounting. Request information today.
What You’ll Learn
In Dominican’s online MSA program, you’ll consider the legal and ethical dimensions of accounting and start building your career. That challenging, comprehensive, values-based approach to business education is one of the things that sets us apart. Our MSA courses are also deeply rooted in experiential learning, enabling you to gain experience handling real-world business challenges. See our full MSA course listing.
- 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
- AACSB-accredited (a distinction earned by less than five percent of business schools worldwide)
- Gain access to extra study content from a leading CPA exam review company
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 ACCT 101 Financial Accounting. Students who do not meet this admission requirement may elect to complete ACCT 101 at Dominican, prior to starting the MSA program requirements.
Program Requirements
Select ten courses from the following:
- ACCT 701 Accounting Data Analytics and Visualization
- ACCT 710 Cost Management
- ACCT 711 Federal Taxation of Individuals
- ACCT 712 Federal Taxation of Corporations and Partnerships
- ACCT 713 Financial Reporting I
- ACCT 714 Financial Reporting II
- ACCT 715 Advanced Accounting
- ACCT 716 Audit and Assurance Services
- ACCT 717 Advanced Auditing and Data Analytics
- ACCT 718 Business Law for Accountants
- ACCT 719 Financial Reporting III
Program Electives
Students who wish to prepare for CPA exam certification or more advanced studies in accounting should consult with their faculty advisor about completing the following elective courses.
- ACCT 790 Special Topics in Accounting
- ACCT 811 Governmental and Non-Profit Accounting
- ACCT 812 Research in Accounting
Financing Your MSA Degree
Along with opportunities for financial aid through loans and grants, the Brennan School of Business offers a variety of departmental scholarships for outstanding academic achievement and 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:
- BKD
- 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 five 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 course in financial accounting (completed with a grade of B or higher)
- 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.