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Accounting (MSA)

Take your accounting career to the next level and refine your accounting skills and competencies so that you can reach your career goals.

Where It Is Offered
Commerce Online
Duration 2 years
Total Credit Hours 36 credit hours
No GRE or GMAT required
Thesis Requirements No thesis required

Invest in Your Career

A Master of Science in Accounting degree will take your accounting competencies and skills to the next level. Our AACSB-accredited accounting program will prepare you for a successful career in public accounting, corporate settings or government enterprises. More than just tax forms and Pro Forma, you'll learn what it takes to provide organizations with valuable insight into operations and trends that can drive company profitability.

Nationally-Ranked Affordable Programs

The College of Business has been recognized by the highly anticipated U.S. News & World Report rankings for 2023 for several programs.

  • 60th for Best Online Graduate Business Programs (Excluding MBA)

Curriculum

Prerequisites for Non-business Undergrad Majors:

Get your basics. Don't have an undergraduate degree in business? No problem, we've got you covered.

  • Accounting for Managers (ACCT 501)
  • Intermediate Accounting 1&2 (ACCT 502)

Core Accounting Courses:

Develop Professional Skills. Dive into topics like investment, corporate finance, monetary management, and financial reporting covered in the core courses.

  • Accounting Research and Communication (ACCT 595)
  • Advanced Managerial Accounting (ACCT 525)
  • Auditing (ACCT 527)
  • Business Law for Accounting (ACCT 568)
  • Financial Statement Analysis (ACCT 575)
  • Forensic & Investigative Accounting (ACCT 562)
  • Government and Not for Profit Accounting (ACCT 522)
  • Individual Income Tax (ACCT 538)
  • Advanced Income Tax Accounting (ACCT 540)
  • Advanced Accounting (ACCT 521)

Electives:

Make it your own. Customize your degree with electives covering a wide range of financial subjects.

  • 2 Accounting Courses from COB Catalog

Available Minors (4 Courses) :

Invest in your future. Stand out from the crowd by adding a minor to your degree.

  • Business Analytics
  • Cyber Security
  • Digital Marketing
  • Economics
  • Finance
  • Financial Planning
  • Economics of US Healthcare
  • Marketing Analytics
  • Corporate Management
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Real Estate

Available Certificates (No Prerequisite Required)

Get noticed. Add a certificate to boost your job skills, and get hired!

  • Auditing and Forensic Accounting
  • Tax Accounting

COurse Rotations

Download the Accounting Course Rotation
Business students

See Yourself Succeed with a Degree in Accounting

Students posing

Career Readiness

The College of Business offers an in-house Career Services Center focused on guiding business students seeking internships or employment.

AACSB Accreditation logo

Nationally Accredited

The College of Business is one of only 800 schools worldwide to be accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

Two hand Bump

Industry Connections

Through guest speakers, company tours and internships, professional networking, and other opportunities, students, faculty and alumni are connected with  the business community.

Professor talking about 'What is the value of a business education?'

Accomplished Faculty

Engage with exceptional faculty who are industry leaders and significant scholars, producing cutting-edge research in their field.

Faculty Spotlight

Accounting is the language of the business.

Chu Chen, Ph.D., CMA
Associate Professor of Accounting
Shiyou Li Headshot.
Shiyou Li Ph.D., CPA, CMA
Associate Professor of Accounting
Meifang Xiang Headshot.

I find accounting to be interesting and challenging. It is the language of the business world. Accountants are needed everywhere.

Meifang Xiang, CPA, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Accounting
Ran Ling, Ph.D., CPA
Assistant Professor of Accounting
Dr. James Hamill Headshot.

This being my third university teaching experience, I find the faculty at A&M-Commerce are much more likely to have recent and relevant work experience in their field. The combination of online and face-to-face instruction accommodates the nee…

James Hamill, Ph.D., CPA
Associate Professor of Accounting
Hongmei Jia Headshot.

My philosophy is to teach students to ‘learn how to learn.'

Hongmei Jia, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Accounting
Daniel Hsiao Headshot.

Accounting does not require a math genius. Its focus is on practicing logical thinking to assist decision-making. It’s an interesting and rewarding profession.

Daniel Hsiao, Ph.D., CPA, CISA
Associate Professor of Accounting

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

A degree in accounting will offer you the opportunity to:

  • Develop skills that prepare you for the demands of the global business environment.
  • Prepare you for a number of certification exams.
  • Learn about federal income tax on both individual and corporate levels.
  • Sharpen your abilities to research, analyze and communicate topics in accounting and/or tax by using qualitative and/or quantitative research methodology.
  • Gain an understanding of cost management concepts.
  • Explore information systems that provide accounting and other information to make effective and efficient decisions.
Business professor

Careers

Accounting gives you the ability to achieve competency in internal control systems, managerial accounting, income tax accounting, financial accounting and not-for-profit accounting. Our MS in Accounting degree program provides advanced learning in all major areas of accounting including business law, forensics and investment accounting. As a result, the courses in this degree program will position you to meet the trends in the business environment.

Career Possibilities and Current Median Salaries

Accountant
$77,250
Actuary
$105,900

US DOL Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2023

Minor

We offer various minors that can be combined with your Accounting (MSA) degree. You can learn more about the available minors and their course requirements by visiting the Minors for Graduate Programs page.

Minors for Graduate Programs
Business students outside school

What You Will Learn

Learning is experiential in our MS in Accounting program. With courses covering tax accounting, audit, international accounting, business ethics and even forensics, you will develop the analytical skills and professional expertise demanded by top firms around the world. The College of Business Career Center will assist you in building a foundation for long-term career growth through internships and other services.

Courses to Prepare You for Your Career

  • Foundation courses including Research and Communications, Auditing, Financial Statement Analysis and Government and Not-For-Profit
  • Core accounting courses including Advanced Accounting and Advanced Income Tax Accounting

Featured Courses

Forensic and Investigative Accounting ACCT 562

You will explore important topics associated with modern forensic accounting. Topics include fraud auditing, litigation support, valuation, cybercrime, and other key forensic topics.

Sales, Franchise & Other Taxes ACCT 550

You will explore taxes imposed by state and local governments. You will be exposed to different taxing bodies that impose taxes and the justifications and amounts subject to taxation. You will use online tax research services.

Government & Not for Profit Accounting ACCT 522

You will cover financial reporting, managerial, auditing, taxation, and information systems issues in governmental and nonprofit entities. Ethics and professional standards, as well as communication and analytical skills, are developed alongside analyzing transactions in a governmental entity and follow their effect on the financial statements.

Advanced Managerial Accounting ACCT 525

You will study accounting as it relates to making decisions. Readings, cases, and problems dealing with managerial accounting issues, accounting concepts, budgeting and cost control, using accounting information in planning and control.

View Full Curriculum In The University Catalog

Course Delivery and Resources

Our programs are designed to be flexible, meeting the needs of working professionals who want the convenience of a fully online degree, full-time students who prefer face-to-face classes and blended options for those who need the convenience of both. We offer a graduate-level business degree to fit your lifestyle and career aspirations.

Student Organizations

Beta Alpha Psi

Beta Alpha Psi is an international scholastic and professional financial information honors society. The primary objective of the society is to encourage and give recognition to scholastic and professional excellence in the fields of accounting, finance and management information systems.

National Association for Black Accountants

National Association for Black Accountants (NABA) is dedicated to bridging the opportunity gap for black accounting and finance professionals by providing leadership and technical training, as well as networking and career opportunities. NABA is the largest professional membership organization focused specifically on African-Americans and people of color in the accounting, finance and business-related fields. NABA's members share and promote a professional ethos – “Lifting as We Climb!” NABA is represented at Texas A&M University-Commerce campus. For more information, please visit the Department of Accounting and Finance.

Business students at event

Graduate Business Program Costs

Program Costs

Use the following links to get further information to tuition and fees, financial aid and scholarships.

Tuition Calculator
Financial Aid
Scholarships

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Accounting (MSA)- Admissions Domestic

Admission

Submit Application

  • Select “Create a new graduate school admissions application.”
  • Select “Texas A&M University-Commerce (Commerce)” as your “Target University.”

  • Select “Accounting, MSA” as your “Major.”
  • Pay the $50 application fee.

Wait to receive an application confirmation email before proceeding to the next step.

  • After you submit your application, the Graduate School will send a confirmation email within two business days to the personal email account you used for ApplyTexas.

Provisional Status

After you submit your application, you may be granted provisional status, which means you can enroll in one semester of courses. You will not be eligible for financial aid until you submit all of your documents and are accepted into the program.

Submit the following documents after you receive an application confirmation email.

Contact your previous institution(s) and request that they send your official transcripts to [email protected].

  • We recommend that you request transcripts for all of your academic work.

All international transcripts must be evaluated and the evaluation submitted to the Graduate School.

We accepts evaluations sent directly from the following Agencies.

  • If a normal evaluation is submitted, official original transcripts with all marksheets will still need to be submitted.
  • If a WES ICAP or equivalent is submitted, we will not need the official transcripts to be submitted separately.

If your institution is unable to submit a digital copy, hard copies may be mailed to:

Texas A&M University-Commerce
Attn: Graduate School
PO Box 3011
Commerce, Texas 75429-3011

We will need official/original documents. If those documents are the only copies you have, the Graduate School can mail them back to you upon request. Contact [email protected] for more information.

Request one signed letter of recommendation, on letterhead, from a professional who can attest to your goals and ability to succeed in the program. That individual should:

If you are unable to submit a digital copy, hard copies may be mailed to:

Texas A&M University-Commerce
Attn: Graduate School
PO Box 3011
Commerce, Texas 75429-3011

Describe your preparation for graduate work and your academic interests and goals in no more than 500 words.

Submit a resume or curriculum vitae (CV) which includes your academic and professional history and achievements.

Look for application updates in myLeo > Apps > Check Application Status

  • Once an admission decision has been made, you will receive an email to your student email account at myLeo > Apps > Leomail.

  • Apply for scholarships and graduate assistantships once you are admitted.
  • Apply for financial aid by submitting a FAFSA and sending it to school code 003565.
  • Contact your financial aid advisor with any questions.

Once registration opens and you are eligible to enroll, your graduate enrollment specialist will contact you to complete registration.

  • View your degree plan in DegreeWorks.
  • To register for classes, go to myLeo > Student Resources > Registration Menu.

Contact your graduate enrollment specialist if you have any questions regarding your degree plan and registration.

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Department contact

Rebecca Stevens Graduate Student Services Coordinator: College of Business, College of Humanities Social Sciences and Arts, and Non-Degree
Alum Marcia Henderson Graduate Advisor for the College of Business
Michael Opara, DBA, CPA Department Head/Associate Professor of Accounting
Denise Rater Administrative Associate
College of Business Mentoring and ADVISING Center

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the MSA offered?

The MSA is offered both in Dallas and online. A few courses are also available in Commerce.

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Do I need to take ACCT 501 and 502 first?

Yes, but there are several other courses that you can also take at the same time.

Do you find this helpful? Yes No

If I already have an MBA from TAMUC, how many additional hours are required to also get an MSA?

You can complete an MSA with as few as 24 additional hours.

Do you find this helpful? Yes No

How many hours are required to earn the MSA?

The MSA is a 36 hour program, or 42 hours if you lack the two prerequisites.

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What are the MSA prerequisites?

ACCT. 501 and 502 are required if you have not already passed Principles of Accounting and Intermediate Accounting, respectively.

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Can I complete the courses in any order?

Yes, you can, so long as you have any required prerequisites for a course.

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How long does it take to complete the MSA program?

Some students may be able to totally complete the program in one year and one semester; however, everyone’s situation is different and it could take longer.

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Do I have complete choice as to which 36 hours I take?

No. There is an accounting core of 24 hours and an advanced accounting core of 6 hours. The remaining 6 hours consists of electives.

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Can I transfer any credits into the MSA?

Yes, up to 12 hours.

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Who can I contact with additional questions?

Please contact the Director of the College of Business Graduate Advising, Shanna Hoskison at 1-866-622-3899 or at [email protected].

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How can I take the Comprehensive Exam?

During your last semester you must apply for graduation to initiate the Comprehensive Exam process. When you apply for graduation (in your final semester) you will be notified regarding the exam expectations. The exam details will come about 1-2 weeks after the graduation application period closes to your MyLeo Email.

Comprehensive exams are typically given around midterms. Contact the graduate advising office [email protected] no later than the second week of the semester if you have any questions.

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What other use do the electives have?

If you have already completed a particular course, or subject material, elsewhere and are not getting credit for it in the MSA, you will choose an elective to achieve your required hours rather than repeating the course again.

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Can I use the prerequisite courses as electives?

No, they do not form part of the degree. They are required so that you have the background in accounting to be able to take the courses which comprise the MSA program.

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How has ACCT 595 changed?

The research component previously used to satisfy the Research requirement of the State Board (CPA exam) has been removed. ACCT 595 no longer satisfies the State Board’s requirement for research.

Please see “Where can I get the required research hours?” for more information.

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Where can I get the required research hours?

The State Board approved ACCT 521 and ACCT 538 for one-hour of research each. Going forward, both courses (ACCT 521 and ACCT 538) will each provide one hour of the required research credit.

Do you find this helpful? Yes No

Do the changes to ACCT 595 mean I need to take additional classes?

Not necessarily.

If you are not planning to take the CPA exam, changes to ACCT 595 are not relevant.

If you completed ACCT 521 and ACCT 538 in Fall 2014 or later, then you have earned the research hours required. If you need research credit to satisfy the State’s requirements, you may take ACCT 588, which will count as an elective course.

Do you find this helpful? Yes No

Will the MSA qualify me to take the CPA exam?

This will depend upon the rules of each individual state. Please see the following link provided by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Additional information about becoming a CPA, including about the exam, can be found at www.aicpa.org/becomeacpa.html

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Where can I find the MS accounting comprehensive exam procedures?

You can find the procedures here.

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Where can I get the required communication hours?

The communication hours required by the State Board are still satisfied in ACCT 595.

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When can I take ACCT 595?

Ideally, you should take ACCT 595 first. However, if you are already enrolled, you may take ACCT 595 as soon as possible.

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  • P.O. Box 3011
  • Commerce, TX 75429-3011

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