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msac accounting
Graduate
Master of Science (M.S.)

Accounting (M.S.A.C.)

Accounting professionals have a vast number of career paths and industries to choose from, which means our graduates enjoy high employment rates and job security.

Geared toward graduates who don't have a bachelor's degree in accounting, Seton Hall's Masters in Accounting (M.S.A.C.) program prepares you for a successful career and satisfies the educational credits required to sit for the CPA exam in New Jersey, New York and most other states.

Many of the biggest firms and best-known agencies, including Big 4 Accounting firms among others, such as EY, Johnson Lambert, PwC, RSM, Withum, CohnReznick and Deloitte turn to our program for recruiting at on-campus events, including our annual "Meet the Firms Night."

Full-time students can complete their coursework, on campus or online, in just 12 months; part-time students typically finish our program in two years.

Is a Master's in Accounting Right for You?

Deciding if a Master's in Accounting is right for you, especially if you don't have a bachelor's degree in accounting, requires careful consideration. If you have a genuine interest in financial systems, auditing, or tax regulations, this program can offer specialized knowledge that can be the gateway to a rewarding career in accounting or finance. The best master's in accounting programs are designed to provide students with the foundational accounting principles, ensuring a smooth transition for even students pursuing as a new career. This pathway not only helps diversify your skill set but can also make you more marketable, as you'll bring a unique blend of your undergraduate education and advanced accounting skills to potential employers.

How Will the M.S. in Accounting Prepare You for the CPA Exam?

If you're aiming for certifications like the CPA, an M.S. in Accounting can provide the necessary educational credits and deep dive into subjects essential for the exam. It's crucial to be prepared for the rigorous coursework and to have an aptitude for numbers and analytical thinking. If you're looking to transition into a field with strong job prospects and have an inclination for financial analysis and detail-oriented tasks, then a Master's in Accounting might be a fitting choice, regardless of your undergraduate background.

Resources:

Graduate Degrees in Accounting

Seton Hall is home to the only accounting program in Northern NJ to achieve both business & accounting accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

Tony DiMeo

"The accounting program was the perfect mix of focused curriculum, supportive faculty, flexible coursework for the working professional and overall affordability."

Tony DiMeo, CPA
Director, Investor Relations - Becton, Dickinson & Company

Curriculum

Our program is of particular interest to those with liberal arts, social science, education, nursing or engineering degrees. Students can earn this academic credential in accounting while gaining eligibility for CPA, CMA or CIA certifications.

Led by our dedicated, experienced faculty, you'll study financial accounting, auditing, taxation, and management accounting, thus satisfying the state's curriculum requirement.

You'll take accounting or taxation electives, choosing from specialized courses such as:

  • Forensic Accounting
  • Governmental and Not-for-Profit Accounting
  • Tax Problems of Partners and Partnerships

You'll also find an emphasis on values; at Stillman, our mission is to enrich each student's life through an ethics-centered curriculum.

Prequalification Sequence

Students without a business background may be required to complete a sequence of online prequalification courses that do not bear credit. Accepted students can be waived from these courses based on prior coursework if conditions are met. Challenge exams are also available.

The requirement to complete pre-qualification courses bears no impact on admission to the program. The pre-qualification courses include:

BMBA 8008 Accounting Pre-Qualifier

The course provides the foundation for understanding how accounting information serves decision-makers in the global business world. The course focuses on the basics of accounting and reporting, outlining the composition and interrelationship of the primary financial statements and the principles that underlie their preparation. This course satisfies both the financial and managerial accounting prerequisite and must be taken before BACC7100.

BMBA 8009 Legal Studies Pre-Qualifier

The course provides an overview of the American legal process; an introduction to the relationship between law and business with special emphasis on the law of contracts. Satisfies One course in Legal Studies, Business Law, Legal Environment of Business and must be taken before BLAW7314.

Program Faculty

The Stillman School prides itself on maintaining a close-knit community and an academic experience characterized by extensive faculty-student engagement. Many of our full-time faculty have attended top Ph.D. programs and are in demand as lecturers, consultants and media experts. Often partnering with students to undertake relevant research projects, they transform the concepts of business theory into practice, offering hands-on instruction and preparation for real-world success.

View a full listing of the Stillman School faculty »

Abraham Fried posing
Abraham Fried
Associate Professor of Accounting and Taxation
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Headshot of David Gelb posing
David Gelb
Associate Professor of Accounting and Taxation
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Photo of Yu-An Chen posing
Yu-An Chen
Assistant Professor of Accounting and Taxation
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Contact Us

The Stillman School of Business offers an ethics-centered graduate education that "transforms concepts into business practice." Our accounting programs have distinguished themselves for high academic standards, innovative teaching and one-on-one professional development opportunities for students. We are among the top 1 percent of business schools worldwide that have achieved both business and accounting accreditation from The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

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Contact Us

  • Mark Holtzman, Ph.D., CPA
  • Chair, Department of Accounting and Taxation
  • Director of Graduate Accounting Programs
  • [email protected]

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