Apr 17, 2025  
2019-2020 SGPP Catalog and Handbook 
    
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2019-2020 SGPP Catalog and Handbook [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Accounting, M.S.

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Program Description

The demand for accounting leaders continues to increase nationally in both public and private sectors specifically, accountants that are business partners. The M.S. in Accounting program provides students with the skills and knowledge to move into accounting management positions. The program focuses on professional skills, confidence, lifelong learning, and continuous improvement, in addition to enhanced accounting proficiencies. This program also builds upon the successes of the Bachelor of Science in Accounting program, and provides an avenue for students to continue their accounting education.

Accounting Certification

This program provides students the opportunity to work toward the 150 credits required to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).  This program is also designed to provide content knowledge to help prepare students for the CPA exam and/or the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) exam. Students should be aware that CPA requirements vary by state; it is the responsibility of individual students to review all requirements and criteria for the state in which they are seeking certification.

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, graduates should be able to do the following:

  1. Use advanced accounting knowledge to address organizational issues.
  2. Evaluate complex accounting situations.
  3. Assess emerging and global accounting issues that can contribute to organizational success.
  4. Articulate a process for making ethical decisions.
  5. Manage accounting teams to achieve established goals.
  6. Communicate complex financial information in a clear and concise manner.

Program Structure and Delivery

The Master of Science in Accounting program is offered in a blended format or fully online. Courses delivered in the blended format integrate face-to-face classroom meetings and online activities or interactions in a planned, instructionally valuable manner.

Degree Requirements

Foundation Courses* 9 cr.
Core Courses 24 cr.
Elective Courses   3 cr.
Capstone Course   3 cr.
Total 30 cr.

* Foundation courses do not count toward the degree.

Foundation Courses: 9 cr.

Required Core Courses: 24 cr.

 

Elective Courses: 3 cr.

 

Required Capstone Course: 3 cr.

 

Faculty

The faculty members for this program have earned doctorate or master’s degrees. Faculty are selected for their combination of educational and professional experience and expertise.

Admission Requirements

Applicants may apply for admission to master’s degree programs at any time during the year. Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution and maintained an overall grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale. Applicants must also provide transcript(s) demonstrating successful completion of coursework from a regionally accredited institution in three areas–intermediate accounting, audit, and tax–as prerequisites to program admission.  Applicants must demonstrate the language proficiency necessary for successful graduate coursework. Applicants must complete an interview with a program administrator as part of the admission process. 

Application Process

Applicants must submit the following:

  1. Completed application form with the nonrefundable application fee (fee not required for alumni or students seeking readmission or veterans and active military personnel), and
  2. An official transcript(s) issued to Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota from the institution posting the applicant’s completed bachelor degree and other relevant transcripts documenting program prerequisites and potential transfer credits. (An official transcript is one that is sent to the university by the credit-granting institution. Transcripts from countries other than the U.S. must be evaluated on a course by course basis by a university accepted evaluation service, such as World Education Services, Educational Credential Evaluators, Educational Perspectives, or One Earth International Credential Evaluators and be deemed equivalent to accredited U.S. university standards).  Evaluations from an approved member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES.org) will also be accepted.
  3. A reflective essay which includes the following:
    1. brief description of the applicant’s background, training, and experience; and
    2. statement indicating the career goals of the applicant and their reasons for seeking admission to the program; and
    3. description of the areas the applicant considers to be their strengths and areas in which the applicant wishes to develop greater strengths and abilities; and
    4. personal information the applicant wishes to share.
  4. Letter(s) of recommendation that verify professional and/or volunteer experience and academic ability; and
  5. A current résumé listing educational background and work experience.
  6. Applicants with international transcripts may require an English language proficiency exam (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE or MELAB accepted.)

Please Note: Application materials should be sent to the attention of the Office of Admission on the Twin Cities Campus.
 

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Office of Admission
2500 Park Ave S
Minneapolis, MN  55404

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