The MSA is well-suited for those with bachelor?s degrees in accounting and other business areas desiring to pursue a career in public accountancy. Many with undergraduate degrees in business will be able to complete the MSA in 30 credits, depending on course waivers. Most with undergraduate degrees in accounting will be able to complete the MSA in 30 credits, depending on course waivers.? Students with many course waivers must complete a minimum of 30 credits overall to receive the MS degree. ?Students with non-business undergraduate degrees can also apply, but are encouraged to consider the?MBA accounting major?which also meets the CPA requirements.

In 2013 the MSA was completely redesigned to provide options for accountancy undergraduate students wishing to complete a master?s degree to become CPA licensure-eligible. Typical MSA students with degrees in accounting will have five required courses and five free electives in their course of study. The organization of the MSA focuses on preparing entry-level students for a long and successful career in the public accounting profession. The MSA provides maximum flexibility so students can alter their academic course of study to reflect whether they will be entering advisory, assurance, or tax service lines.

MSA students with undergraduate degrees in accounting can take as many as seven tax courses if they choose to follow a tax sub-concentration. MSA students with undergraduate degrees in accounting can also take up to five courses in systems, ?big data,? financial instruments, business valuation, management, and regulatory compliance if they prefer to develop knowledge useful in accounting, assurance, and advisory practices.