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Accounting MS Overview

Master of Science in Accounting Program

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South University 2020 Graduation

South University’s Master of Science in Accounting degree is designed to help students to develop proficiency in analytical thinking and math skills. Our online* accounting degree program offers accounting, auditing, and taxation principles for a number of business settings**. The accounting and business coursework contained in the accounting classes, when combined with a completed bachelor’s degree, is designed to prepare you to qualify to take the Certified Public Accounting Examination***. Students should familiarize themselves with the specific candidacy requirements of the State Board of Accountancy in the particular state in which they wish to take the CPA examination.

* Fully online programs can have a ground clinical or practicum experience.

**South University does not promise or guarantee employment.

*** It is up to each student to review the national and state certification requirements for licensure, as well as the eligibility criteria to sit for those exams.  South University cannot guarantee each graduate will pass the required examinations.  Outside agencies control the requirements for taking and passing certification/licensing exams and are subject to change without notice to South University.

Admission Requirements

Admissions criteria for the Master of Science in Accounting (MS) Program

Graduate Admissions - Masters level

Prospective students are required to submit the following:

  • Completion of application for admission
  • Official transcripts for bachelor or graduate degree within 5 weeks* of the class start date. (All credentials earned outside the United States must be evaluated by a NACES or AICE-member credential evaluation service). Please speak with an admissions representative for more information.

Note: See program notes and specific requirements below for each graduate - masters level degree program

*Effective August 14, 2023 – Students beginning classes at Online Programs will have five weeks to submit acceptable documentation.

Specific requirements for admission to classified graduate status are:

  • A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
  • Completion of application for admission.
  • A 2.7 overall grade point average or higher on completed requirements for the baccalaureate degree, or, an earned graduate degree from an accredited institution with a CGPA of 3.0 or higher.

Admissions criteria for the Master of Science in Accounting (MS) Program:

  • Completion of application for admission,
  • An earned undergraduate degree from an acceptable accredited institution with a CGPA of 2.7 or better on a 4.0 scale

For additional admissions information please see the admissions section here.

Outcomes

Offered at Online Programs

Note: Not all Online Program offerings are available to residents of all U.S. states. Please contact an admissions representative for further information.

Master of Science in Accounting

The Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) degree program at South University is designed to prepare students with an undergraduate accounting degree for careers in professional accounting, including corporate and/or public accounting. The accounting coursework contained in the MSA program, may allow a student to qualify to take the Certified Public Accounting (CPA) Examination. Students should familiarize themselves with the specific candidacy requirements of the State Board of Accountancy in the particular state in which they wish to take the CPA examination.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to:

  1. Apply critical analysis skills to apply contemporary accounting principles and practices to the decisions faced by evolving business organizations.
  2. Integrate principles of accounting, economics, finance, law, risk, and management to articulate innovative solutions to organizational challenges.
  3. Integrate the auditing process, including the synthesis of information systems and communications, internal controls, and corporate governance.
  4. Critique and apply the concepts, principles, and methods gleaned from professional and academic accounting research to challenges in the accounting profession.
  5. Assess ethical, legal, and professional responsibilities required in the accounting profession.

Online Classroom

Haven’t experienced online learning before or wondering what it’s like to earn your degree online at South University? While the mode of learning is different from the traditional classroom experience with added convenience and flexibility, we hold the same high standards of academic excellence in the online classroom. 

South University’s online programs combine a curriculum designed for student outcomes and a classroom designed for flexibility and engagement. Our online classroom learning platform, Brightspace, provides you with a host of features to enhance your learning experience, including:

  • Advanced media content
  • Personalized navigation
  • Simplified online learning atmosphere
  • Access to digital books
  • Emailing and instant messaging options

We provide more than just an online classroom, bringing a range of campus experiences and services online. In addition, the online classroom is accessible on the go via mobile devices and with tools like the Pulse App. Pulse helps you stay connected and on track with your course by providing a number of features such as course calendars, readings and assignments, feedback and grades, and announcements.

Read more about online requirements here. 

Preparing For CPA Exam

When combined with a completed bachelor’s degree, the accounting and business coursework in the MS in Accounting online program may qualify you to take the Certified Public Accounting Examination. All students should familiarize themselves with the specific candidacy requirements of the State Board of Accountancy in the particular state in which they wish to take the CPA examination.

South University does not guarantee third-party certification/licensure. Outside agencies control the requirements for taking and passing certification/licensing exams and are subject to change without notice to South University.

Request Information

Fill out the form and a representative will contact you today to better understand your academic goals plus answer any questions you may have.

Campuses offer flexible learning formats* including: on-campus, virtual instructions, and online courses.

*Clinical, practicum, and externship requirements exist in certain programs and require field experiences. Learning formats may not be flexible.

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Success Stories

Outstanding Education for Remarkable Careers

We're committed to helping our graduates make impact in their professional and personal lives. We applaud our business and technology alumni and the difference they make. 

Jennifer Hunter Atkinson null
Jennifer Hunter Atkinson Grad Alumni
Class of '16
Bachelor of Business Administration-South University, Savannah

“South has undoubtedly played a pivotal role in steering my life into a direction I’m proud of. Through the last two years, I have gained tremendous support from my professors and I feel part of a community that challenges me to achieve personal and professional goals.”

Jefferson Reid 2012
Jefferson Reid Grad Alumni
Class of '12
Bachelor of Business Administration-South University, Savannah

“I wanted to stay in project management, but I knew my associate’s degree in aviation technology wouldn’t allow me to get where I wanted to be. A business degree was most relevant to the experience I had gained in the workforce. South University professors do a good job of teaching the concepts and then combining them.”

Annette Tornberg 2013
Annette Tornberg Grad Alumni
Class of '13
Associate of Science in Business Administration-South University, Online Programs

“I feel that if I did not go back to school to further my education, my job search would not have come to this conclusion. I attended college twice in my twenties, but dropped out due to lack of enthusiasm. Going back to school and completing it online is why I am now finally employed. Don’t give up. You are never too old to learn.”

Lauren Elsberry null
Lauren Elsberry Grad Alumni
Class of '12
MBA in Healthcare Administration-South University, Atlanta

“This program has helped make me better. It improved my time management. It improved my organization. I think because of its accelerated pace, it created those unexpected benefits. The classes I have taken in the AMBA program are relevant to my new position. I know my degree was something they looked at. South University has a good reputation; people have heard of it.”

Endora Todd 2004
Endora Todd Grad Alumni
Class of '04
Bachelor of Business Administration-South University, Montgomery

“The organization serves a unique population of students who see value in small class sizes, individual attention and support before, during and after graduation”