Mar 29, 2024  
2022-2023 SGPP Catalog and Handbook 
    
2022-2023 SGPP Catalog and Handbook [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Accounting, M.S.


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 delivered in a fully online.

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.

Required Capstone Course: 3 cr.


Graduate Credit Use Towards Degree


Students may use all 12 credits of the Accounting Certificate toward completing the M.S. in Accounting. Students may substitute 6 credits from any of the following completed SMUMN certificates to replace ACCT610 Leadership or ACCT645 Data Analytics in Accounting. The substitutions allow these certificate students to complete the M.S. in Accounting with just 30 credits.

Artificial Intelligence Certificate  

Business Analytics Certificate  

Cybersecurity Management Certificate  

Cybersecurity Technology Certificate  

Finance Certificate  

Healthcare Administration Certificate  

Healthcare Analytics Certificate  

Human Resource Management Certificate  

Individual and Team Leadership Certificate  

Innovation and Entrepreneurship Certificate  

International Development Certificate  

International Human Resource Management Certificate  

Nonprofit Management Certificate  

Organizational and Change Leadership Certificate  

Project Management Certificate  

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 may apply for admission to master’s degree programs at any time during the year.  Applicants may 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 demonstrate the language proficiency necessary for successful graduate coursework. Applicants may be required to complete an interview with a program administrator as part of the admission process.

Applicants must submit:

  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 their immediate family) and,
  2. An official transcript 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 personal statement which includes:
  • brief description of the applicant’s background, training, and experience and,
  • statement indicating the career goals of the applicant and his or her reasons for seeking admission to the program and,
  • description of the areas the applicant considers to be his or her strengths and areas in which the applicant wishes to develop greater strengths and abilities and,
  • personal information the applicant wishes to share.
  1. Names of two people (including title, organization, email, phone number) who could serve as professional references, if needed, during the application review process. The best references are those who know you in a professional capacity, such as current or former supervisors.
  2. A current résumé listing educational background and work experience.

See individual programs for additional application requirements.

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