Master of Science in Accountancy
Program Overview
The Master of Science in Accountancy degree program includes 30 credit hours of coursework and consists of two main tracks: (1) Financial Reporting and Assurance and (2) Taxation.
Among the unique features of the program are the two directed research projects which allow students to gain invaluable knowledge and expertise in specific topics germane to their intended areas of practice. These directed research projects are conducted in the context of the Program’s two required courses, ACCT 500- Accounting Theory (fall semester) and ACCT 599- Contemporary Accountancy Issues (spring semester).
The curriculum prepares graduates for positions in public accounting, industry and government. Our program is centered on four learning objectives aimed at ensuring the professional success of our students, including:
A Broadened Perspective
Specialized Technical Skills and Knowledge
Professional Ethics
Effective Communication
Students completing the program will meet the education requirements for licensure as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in most states.
Full-time and Part-time Evening Program Options
The College of Charleston MSA Program can be completed on a full-time basis within 12 months or a part-time basis during the late afternoons and evenings over a two-year period.
Learn more about these options.
Accelerated Accountancy Program Option
The College of Charleston offers an accelerated Accountancy Graduate Program option that provides senior-level undergraduates with at least 90 credit hours the opportunity to complete six graduate hours (two courses) of coursework toward the Master of Science in Accountancy. This option is limited to undergraduate accounting majors at the College of Charleston. Admission to the accelerated accountancy program option does not require a GMAT score or letters of recommendation. A statement of career goals and an interview with the Program Director will be required.
Admission to the program includes a minimum 3.20 overall GPA and a minimum 3.00 in the accounting major with the following completed coursework:
ACCT 307- Accounting Information Systems
ACCT 308- Cost Accounting
ACCT 316- Intermediate Accounting I
ACCT 317- Intermediate Accounting II
ACCT 341- Federal Taxation
Once admitted to the accelerated program, students will work with the Accountancy Graduate Program Director to develop a plan of study. The availability of graduate level courses for undergraduates will depend upon the completion of prerequisites for certain courses. For example, ACCT 538- Business Taxation (offered each Fall) will be a prerequisite for the Spring taxation courses (ACCT 540- Research in Taxation and ACCT 589- Advanced Taxation).
Beginning in Spring 2022, the ACCT 500- Accounting Theory (offered each Fall semester) prerequisite will no longer be required for ACCT 599- Contemporary Accountancy Issues. This will allow students to have easier access to these two required courses regardless of whether they begin the program in Fall, Spring or Summer. However, completion of ACCT 418- Intermediate Accounting III and ACCT 409- Auditing Theory will be required for ACCT 500.
Those interested in the Accelerated Accountancy Graduate Program option should contact Dr. Robert Hogan, Program Director at hoganrs@cofc.edu.