Spotlight On: Our Master's in Accounting Program
Friday, August 24, 2018
If you’re interested in pursuing a Master’s in Accounting, it can be difficult determining the right program for you. Considerations like costs, return on investment (ROI), job placement of graduates, alumni network, and the curriculum should be considered.
We gathered the information for our accounting graduate degree program and placed them in this easy-to-understand blog.
Curriculum
To earn a graduate degree in accounting, students will need to complete 30 credit hours over two semesters. Each semester will consist of 15 credit hours.
Students have three courses — totaling seven credit hours – that are required. In these courses, topics like accounting ethics and business law are covered. Our accounting courses are taught by professional accountants. The remaining 23 credits are achieved by completing 12 credits in accounting electives and 11 credits in general electives.
Opportunities in out-of-classroom experiences like case competitions and independent study research are offered. The program places an emphasis on sharpening skills in leadership and communication and mastering technical tools.
Our program meets the educational requirements to sit for the CPA exam or pursue CMA certification. The average first-time CPA exam pass rate for our MS Accounting graduates is 82%, which is well above the average first-time pass rate.
Program Customization
Our graduate accounting degree is one of the most flexible degrees at Purdue. With the option to start the program in either August or January, the degree can be earned according to a timeline that is suited to the student’s needs.
The Master’s in Accounting coursework also gives the student the option of customizing their coursework. Students can choose between two tracks to suit their goals: a certified public accountant (CPA) track or a CPA/certified management account (CMA) track.
Students in this program may also take masters level non-accounting electives if they have the appropriate background and prerequisites.
Program Cost and ROI
Tuition costs are subject to change in accordance with the Purdue Board of Trustee's decision. Current program costs at the time this blog was published:
In-state tuition: $22,418
Out-of-state tuition: $42,174
The job placement rate of MSA graduates with permanent work authorization is 88%. The average base salary is $53,700+. Purdue graduates with a Master’s in Accounting have been placed with each of the Big 4 firms as well as Fortune 1000 companies. A number of graduates have also chosen successful careers in public accounting, consulting, and assurance among other accounting fields.
Accolades
Our Master’s in Accounting program is ranked #1 among North American MS Accounting and Auditing Programs by Best-Masters.com.
Admissions
Applications for a spring start are accepted beginning August 1st. For a fall start, the applications are accepted beginning September 1st. Applicants must have earned a four-year bachelor's degree with a major in accounting to qualify for admission.
Full-time work experience is not required for admission. However, a minimum experience of a one-year internship is strongly recommended.
GMAT scores are required, but you can request a GMAT waiver if your GPA is 3.6 or higher.
Of course, there are a number of factors to review with any accounting graduate degree program you might consider. Our Master’s in Accounting program is an award-winning program that is cost-effective, customizable, and prepares students for their future accounting careers. If you’re interested in learning more, please visit our Master’s in Accounting page.