| CofC Home | School of Business | Career Services | Registrar | Library | CougarTrail | Webmail |
| Program Information | Current Students | Professional Resources | Contact Info | Home |
|
|
 |
|
ABOUT THE PROGRAM Some of our students have work experience, but most apply to
the program immediately after completing their undergraduate degrees
in order to earn the additional credits they need to be licensed
as a CPA. Most students with undergraduate accounting degrees
fall about 30 credits short of the 150 credit hours (at least
36 in ACCT) required to be a CPA in South Carolina (and most other
states). The MS ACCY program gives students an opportunity to
earn these credits and improve their marketability BEFORE entering
the full-time work force. While full-time work experience is not required, applicants who have not served an internship with a public accounting firm should complete one before beginning our program. All of our students are full-time. As such, students will take all of their classes in the day
time and will be encouraged to graduate within 1 calendar year.
Most of our students find that working more than 10-20
hours a week in an off-campus job impairs their academic performance
in the MS ACCY program. Yes. The College of Charleston School of Business and Economics
and the Department of Accounting and Legal Studies are accredited
by AACSB International — the Association to Advance Collegiate
Schools of Business. Past placement of MS ACCY students has been excellent. In spite of the economic downturn, nearly all of our students in 2008 and 2009 have been placed by the time they graduated. In order to have a job upon graduation in the current environment, students MUST have completed an internship with a public accounting firm (or similar institution) BEFORE beginning our Master's program. In addition to having served as an intern, some of the primary factors for job placement are:
GETTING INTO
THE PROGRAM Legal Environment of Business Principles of Accounting No. However, a student must have a Bachelor's degree and completed prerequisite
courses in business and accounting (see above) before applying to the MS ACCY Program. Students interested in the MS ACCY Program who have not completed the prerequisites should contact Dr. Michael Cipriano, Program Director, to discuss the steps necessary to fulfill the pre-requisite requirements. Yes. During the time period in which students are taking prerequisites, they are considered non-degree seeking undergraduates. Upon completion of the prerequisites, the Graduate Committee will consider their application to the MS ACCY Program. What is involved in applying for the MS ACCY program?
Is an interview required for acceptance into the program? No. However, we encourage potential students to visit the university
and to talk with our students and faculty to learn more about
the program. For May/Summer admission, applications must be completed by April 1. For Fall admission, applications must be completed by June 1. For students interested in being considered for graduate assistantships, applications for both admission to the program and the graduate assistantships must be completed by March 1. Spring admissions are discussed as needed. Generally, our students earn combined scores on Math and Verbal around the 50th percentile or better (above 520). The average GMAT score for students admitted to the program is generally between 555-585. The GRE exam is not acceptable. GMAT Scores must be no more than five years old. Generally, your overall and accounting GPAs should be at least a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. The average undergraduate GPA for students admitted to the MS ACCY program is generally around 3.4. The minimum accepted TOEFL score is 100 on the new, internet-based version (250 on the CAT version & 600 on the paper exam).
ONCE YOU ARE
IN THE PROGRAM The course of study consists of 30 semester hours. For students who have completed all prerequisites, the program can be completed in two full semesters of 12 hours each (Fall and Spring) and one summer. Students who have served summer internships will start the program in the fall and end the following summer. Students who have served winter internships can start the program in the summer and end the following spring. The May/Summer term ends in June so students taking May/Summer courses will also have the opportunity to study and sit for the CPA Exam before beginning full-time employment (most traditional public accounting jobs begin in the Fall). Becker CPA Exam Review conducts their LiveCourse on campus immediately following the May/Summer term. What courses are required for the MS ACCY degree? We have two courses required for all students. ACCT 500 (Financial
Accounting Theory) and ACCT 513 (Financial Statement Analysis).
ACCT 500 will typically be offered in the Fall and is a pre-requisite
for ACCT 513. ACCT 513 will typically be offered in the Spring. All students take two (2) required courses and four (4) elective courses. Additionally, students in the program can choose to take the four-course sequence in the Accounting Information Systems, Financial Reporting/Auditing or Taxation tracks. The Accounting Information Systems (AIS) Track allows students to focus on both a) how information systems are constructed, maintained and protected from potential contaminants and b) how to generate business intelligence from large data sets using sophisticated analytical techniques and powerful computer languages. This track allows students to develop information technology skills as they prepare for careers in auditing (including Information Technology Auditing), high-level data analysis and business advisory services. Depending on a student’s preference, s/he may choose to follow up the completion of track courses by sitting for the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) Exam and/or pursuing a Certificate in Data Mining from the SAS Institute, in concert with the College of Charleston . The Financial Reporting/Auditing (FR/A) Track allows students to consider the future of financial reporting and auditing. Advances in information technology and globalization are creating significant changes in the skills required to conduct financial statement and internal control audits. This track allows students to develop these skills as they prepare for careers in financial reporting, external and internal auditing. Not only is there an information systems course in the track, but the other three track courses also contemplate the influence of information technology on the financial reporting process, particularly as it impacts both the internal and external auditor. The Taxation (TAX) Track allows students to study tax planning/strategic as well as compliance with various aspects of tax law through the four-course track sequence. Research skills are developed throughout the track and students are consistently challenged to present their solutions to tax issues during in-class presentations. Contemplation of the tax code as it pertains to individuals, corporations, partnerships and other pass-through entities is supplemented with examination of the ethical responsibilities which must be embraced by tax professionals. This track allows students to develop these skills as they prepare for careers in public accounting, consulting and corporate finance.
Relative to most similar graduate programs, the number of accounting
and non-accounting electives (typically 4) that our students take
is high. This flexibility allows students to tailor their curriculum
to fit their interests and career needs.
PAYING FOR THE PROGRAM Yes. However, these merit-based awards are quite competitive. In order to be considered for most graduate assistantships, your application must be received by March. Finalists for these awards generally have GPAs and GMAT scores that are well above the program averages. You should apply for a graduate assistantship with your application at: http://www.cofc.edu/gradschool/current/pdf_forms/graduateassistantship.pdf. Are student loans available to MACC students? Yes. Currently graduate students may borrow from several student
loan programs. These programs are constantly changing. For specific
program requirements and application materials, contact the Office
of Student Financial Aid (http://www.cofc.edu/finaid) Yes. For additional information or to arrange a campus interview/visit, please contact: And, for general information about the application process:
|
The best business schools in the world.
|
Contact Us | MS ACCY Program • The Graduate School of the College of Charleston • 66 George St. • Randolph Hall 310 • Charleston, SC • 29424 • (843) 953-7166 |