Master of Science in Accounting

CIP Code: 52.0301

HEGIS Code: 0502

Director of Master of Science in Accounting: Dr. Chester Brearey, Professor of Accounting

The Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) at Siena University is a one-year, full-time, 30-credit program designed for students with an undergraduate degree in accounting from an AACSB-accredited institution who wish to pursue CPA licensure in New York State. The curriculum emphasizes ethical responsibilities, leadership, critical thinking, quantitative analysis, and communication skills, while satisfying New York’s 150-credit hour educational requirement for CPA eligibility. Students gain practical experience through internships with CPA firms, government agencies, and industry partners, often leading to full-time employment.

ADMISSIONS CRITERIA

For details on admissions requirements, visit: MSA Application Requirements

Prerequisites:

Applicants must have successfully completed the following (or approved equivalents)
Financial Accounting - ACCT 200
Managerial Accounting - ACCT 205
Intermediate Accounting I - ACCT 300*
Intermediate Accounting II - ACCT 305*
Cost Accounting - ACCT 350*
Taxation I - ACCT 340*
Accounting Information Systems - ACCT 370*
Auditing - ACCT 430
Managerial Finance - FINC 201
Computer Science - 3 credits at CSIS 110 level or higher
Undergraduate Business Core - Siena University or equivalent AACSB institution

*4 of the 5 courses require at least a B- grade to be considered for admission.

Requirements for the Master of Science in Accounting (30 credits)

GBUS - 502. Business and Accounting Ethics 3 credit(s)
GBUS - 550. Quantitative Methods for Data-Driven Decision Making 3 credit(s)
FINC - 550. Financial Management 3 credit(s)
MACC - 500. Advanced Financial Accounting 3 credit(s)
MACC - 512. Seminar in Accounting Research & Communication 3 credit(s)
MACC - 530. Auditing 3 credit(s) (If an undergraduate auditing course has been successfully completed, MAAC 530 can be substituted with an offered elective.)
MACC - 542. Advanced Tax 3 credit(s)
MACC - 572. Computer Auditing and IT Controls 3 credit(s)
Electives 6 credit(s)

Internships

MS candidates have the opportunity to pursue six credit hours of internships available as elective courses. These internships are located at CPA firms, New York State agencies and other businesses. Internships will allow students to become integrated into an organization’s operations. Students gain a broader view of the accounting profession and will work approximately 120 hours a semester for each 3 credit hour internship.