Master of Science in Accounting (M.S.A.) - Student Learning Outcomes
Student who earn the M.S.A. will achieve the following program goals:
- Accounting Knowledge
The overriding goal of the M.S.A. Program is to ensure that its graduates will be well grounded in fundamental accounting principles relating to financial statement preparation and analysis, management decision making, internal controls and security, risk assessment, business processes, auditing and assurance and principles of federal income taxation. All M.S.A. graduates will have sufficient awareness of the concepts of accounting and tax to recognize problems and concerns that may require further research.
- Accounting Research
Graduates will be competent in researching the accounting, tax, and business related research sources as well as other financial literature independently to solve problems that are beyond the scope of fundamental accounting and tax knowledge. They will have access to major accounting and tax data services and training in their use. Graduates will develop the research skills that will enable them to be successful in their professional career as well as become lifetime learners.
- Critical Thinking
Graduates will have the ability to analyze, integrate and communicate complex accounting, tax and financial information to arrive at reasoned conclusions and make informed decisions. They will be able to solve challenging problems by evaluating the logic, validity, and relevance of data. They will be able to recognize issues and raise concerns regarding potential problem situations. Graduates will achieve disciplinary competence in specialized areas.
- Communication Skills
Graduates will be able to communicate in a clear, concise and effective manner in both written and oral form.
- Professional Responsibilities
Graduates will be aware of their professional responsibilities concerning ethical choices they will encounter in the accounting, tax and financial reporting regulatory environments. They will understand the roles of accountants in society in providing and ensuring the integrity of financial and other information.
- Professional Development
Graduates will appreciate the need to set career goals. They will understand the importance of networking, developing professional relationships and becoming involved in professional organizations. They will understand the nature of leadership and the importance of volunteering. They will not only be able to work independently but also will have a better understanding of how to work with others and function in a team setting.