Master of Science in Accounting (M.S.A)

Program Highlights

• The tax track allows professionals to attain detailed, specialized knowledge within their field.
• All master’s classes are taught in the evening so working students can easily complete the program.
• Professors bring public, industry and governmental (including IRS) experience into the classroom.
• OCU students have excellent job placement and CPA pass rates.
• Accounting and business scholarship money is available.
• The Meinders School of Business is a state-of-the-art facility on a centrally-located campus with plenty of parking available.

Degree Tracks & Courses

The Master of Science in Accounting (M.S.A.) is a highly structured program designed for students who desire knowledge in tax or financial leadership. Upon successful completion students will have met the educational requirements to sit for the Certified Public Accountant exam in most states. Qualified students may complete the degree in 30 hours of study.

An MSA degree provides a basic grounding in business-related disciplines, but does so with the aim of preparing one for the Accounting profession. Only an MSA is designed to prepare students to be Accounting professionals. In the MSB MSA, students obtain an in-depth knowledge of the highly technical financial accounting standards, auditing standards, tax statutes and regulations, etc. Such a solid technical grounding is indispensable for the professional Accountant.

MSB MSA students choose one of two tracks: Financial Leadership or Taxation. Both tracks are designed to prepare students for careers in public accounting, corporate accounting, government accounting and similar endeavors. Students completing the Financial Leadership track have the knowledge base and analytical acumen needed to pursue career goals such as Accounting Firm Audit Partner, Chief Financial Officer or senior government accountant. Students completing the Taxation track have the knowledge base and analytical acumen needed to pursue career goals such as Accounting Firm Tax Partner, Law Firm Tax Partner (if they also possess a Juris Doctorate) or senior government tax agent.

When you emerge from the MSB MSA program, because you will have greatly enhanced your understanding of a broad base of business topics and will have finely honed your technical skills, you will be prepared to “hit the ground running” as an Accounting professional. Further, because your classmates and fellow MSB alumni will be professionals from the Oklahoma City area, you will have obtained many important connections. Finally, Because your degree will be from a highly respected business school, your professional opportunities will be greatly enhanced.

Occupational Outlook

The Occupational Outlook Handbook for 2010-2011 states as follows
Employment change. Employment of accountants and auditors is expected to grow by 22 percent between 2008 and 2018, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This occupation will have a very large number of new jobs arise, about 279,400 over the projections decade. An increase in the number of businesses, changing financial laws and corporate governance regulations, and increased accountability for protecting an organization's stakeholders will drive job growth.

Job prospects. Job opportunities should be favorable. Accountants and auditors who have earned professional recognition through certification or other designation, especially a CPA, should have the best job prospects. Applicants with a master's degree in accounting or a master's degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting also may have an advantage.

MSA Curriculum (Effective Fall 2013 - current MSA students may elect in)

Advance Your Career. Enroll Today!
Call (405)208-6222 or 
contact the MSA Advisor Cindy Treadway(405) 208-5154 or ctreadway@okcu.edu

*Must be taken at an accredited U.S. school.

**Students who take only the coursework required for the Tax Track will NOT meet the requirements to sit for the CPA exam in Oklahoma.

***Students who take only the coursework required for the Financial Leadership Track will meet the requirements to sit for the CPA exam in Oklahoma, but are encouraged to engage in additional study to be adequately prepared for the exam. In addition, students who have not taken ACCT 2113 & 2213 or their equivalents at the undergraduate level are required to take these two courses prior to enrolling in ACCT 3113.