Online accounting students can get their degree on their own time
The value of earning a graduate online degree in accounting comes down to the numbers. According to the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, graduate-level course work better prepares future accountants for the rigors of a highly tuned technical industry that also demands a grasp of communications, presentation and interpersonal relations for success. The Institute also claims that students with a graduate degree in accounting perform better on the Uniform CPA Examination. Data also supports the claim that accountants with a master’s degree are more likely to earn promotions to managerial or partner positions and have experienced starting salaries that are 10 to 20 percent higher than those accountants with a bachelor’s degree. With findings such as these, it is hard to deny the value in a graduate accounting degree.
“In the business world, no one is more in demand than the accountant,” said Dr. Tim Naddy, CPA, CFE. Dr. Naddy is an assistant professor of accounting, master of accountancy director and department of business administration chair at Shorter University. “Students learn the language of business and how all the departments work together such as marketing, purchasing, management and more. If being in business is about making money, then companies need folks who understand money.”
Shorter University’s online master’s degree in accounting provides a solid educational foundation designed to bridge advanced academic competencies with practical applications. Our graduates are prepared to meet the demands of a challenging and growing workforce, including 22 percent occupation employment growth through 2018 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Read on to learn more about our Master in Accountancy degree.
Online Accounting Classes
Shorter’s online Master of Accountancy courses consist of 31 credit hours, including the one-hour credit requirement for online learners – Introduction to Online Graduate Learning. A Shorter academic year consists of six terms with each class lasting for eight weeks. Course descriptions are below:
- Advanced Financial Accounting: This course examines major financial accounting issues with an emphasis on accounting for business. Students will study the conceptual framework of accounting, the standard-setting process, asset valuation and income determination as part of course curriculum. (ACC 5010)
- Advanced Managerial Accounting: Course curriculum is focused on managerial accounting applications, including cost allocation, variance analysis, pricing decisions, transfer pricing and budgeting. Performance tools for analyses and control evaluation will be used throughout the course, including decision making models, performance measures, benchmarking, forecasting and more. (ACC 5020)
- Seminar in Auditing and Assurance Services: This course is specific to the auditing and other assurance services performed by public accountants in the field. Topics may include planning and performing an audit of financial statements, evaluation of internal controls, auditing standards, applying statistical applications, data mining and other computer applications while performing an audit and assurance services, and current ethical and legal issues in auditing. Curriculum will be taught using current academic and practitioner literature as well as case studies to examine fraudulent behavior. (ACC 5100)
- Seminar in Internal Auditing and Fraud: This course provides a look into the duties and responsibilities of the internal auditor. Curriculum will be taught using current academic and practitioner literature as well as case studies to examine fraudulent behavior. (ACC 5120)
- Accounting Information Systems: Students will examine the design, implementation, control and audit of accounting information systems. Topics covered throughout the course will include internal controls, EDP systems, the accounting cycle, controls for financial reporting and management’s accountability. (ACC 5250)
- Financial Statement Analysis: This course will use various field case studies to examine the fairness and completeness in financial reporting, including related footnotes.
- ACC 5300 Corporate and Partnership Taxation: Students will study the federal income taxation of partnerships and corporations. (ACC 5200)
- Current Issues in Accounting: Curriculum is focused on current issues in accounting using current academic and practitioner literature for advanced study. (ACC 5050)
- Research Methods: This course provides a study of advanced statistical methods, quantitative concepts and other problem-solving and decision making techniques used in research and by accountants. (BUS 5400)
- Legal and Ethical Issues for Accountants: Legal and ethical issues impact the accounting industry. This course focuses on such topics as confidentiality, corporate law, whistle blowing and other issues faced by accountants. (BUS 5500)
Admissions Requirements
Students must meet the following requirements to enroll in our Master of Accountancy online program:
- An undergraduate GPA of at least a 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
- GMAT score of 450 points
- Completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. You are responsible for providing official transcripts from each institution attended
- Resume
- Two letters of professional recommendation
You do not need to have an accounting background to enroll in our master’s program. However, students will be required to complete any prerequisite courses before entry into the program.
You can complete our online application now!
Shorter Tuition and Financial Aid Information
When you invest in a master’s degree, you are making a smart investment in your future. While college tuition continues to rise nationwide, we are proud to offer affordable education options for all of our students, including online learners. Online graduate courses are offered at $500 per credit hour.
Eligible students can apply for financial assistance to offset the total cost of their degree. We offer a variety of financial aid opportunities in connection to available federal assistance. All students should complete the FAFSA in order to be eligible for financial aid. Use our school code (001591) when completing the FAFSA form. Visit our financial aid page for more information on available assistance programs.
Request more information today about an online master’s in accounting!