A professional engaged in accounting work.

Master of Science 

Professional Accountancy

Program of Study

programofstudy

This 30-credit program can be completed in two semesters of full-time study or in two or more years of part-time study.

Required Courses

  • Statistical Methods for Forensic Accounting and Assurance
  • Financial Statement Fraud and Corporate Governance
  • Contemporary Developments in Accounting Thought
  • Financial Statement Analysis
  • Advanced Cost Management
  • Corporate Financial Problems
  • Research Seminar in Accounting
  • One accounting elective
  • One business elective


Additional Information

See the Graduate Bulletin for details.

For more information, contact Dr. Mark Hughes at [email protected].

Two people filling out forms together

This program is approved for licensure or certification in New York State and the institution has not made a determination regarding the educational requirements for any other state.

Career Paths

career

As a graduate student in accounting at UAlbany, you’ll be able to access special career services offered by the Massry School of Business. Graduates are highly sought after by recruiters from major accounting services firms, private corporations, and government agencies. 

 

Sample Job Titles

  • Audit Associate
  • Assurance Associate
  • Municipal Auditor
  • Program Auditor
  • Staff Accountant
  • Senior Associate

Sample Potential Employers

The Big Four: Deloitte, Ernst & Young, KPMG, PricewaterhouseCoopers

Mid-Size Firms: Baker-Tilly, BDO Seidman, CBIZ, Citrin Cooperman, Grant Thorton, Mazars, RSM, Hilltop, UHY Advisors

Corporations: Bain Capital, Cantor Fitzgerald, Comcast, Ayco (division of Goldman Sachs), IBM, MGM Resorts, Moody's, Showtime Networks, Viacom, Xerox

New York State Government: Office of the State Comptroller, Office of the Attorney General, Department of State, Division of Criminal Justice Services, Department of Taxation and Finance 

United States Federal Government: Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service, Department of Defense, Government Accountability Office, Securities and Exchange Commission

Becoming a Certified Public Accountant

Public accounting is a regulated profession that requires you to meet certain requirements before you can obtain your license to practice. 

As a certified public accountant (CPA), you’ll be legally authorized to prepare and review financial statements and other fiscal information for corporations, nonprofits, and/or government agencies.

The AACSB-accredited full-time MS in Accounting program at UAlbany meets the education requirements for certified public accountant licensure in New York and qualifies you to apply for the Uniform CPA Examination.  

This comprehensive accounting exam is developed by multiple organizations and required for CPA licensure in all 50 states.

Two business people making a deal

"My professors had my best interests at heart, which made studying for CPA exams and juggling my course load much easier. They genuinely want to see you succeed. Knowing this helps you keep pushing forward – because failure is not an option with the overwhelming support you get from UAlbany’s School of Business community."

- Tom Galarza, '16, CPA, PwC
 

“I chose this program because of the great reputation of the School of Business at UAlbany and the tremendous professors that are a part of the program.” 

- Cody Golub, '16, CPA, Eisner Amper, Auditor

Admissions Requirements
Deadlines

Priority Review Deadline

  • Fall: November 1
  • Spring: Not Available
  • Summer: Not Available


Departmental Assistantship Consideration

  • Fall: March 1
  • Spring: Not Available
  • Summer: Not Available


 No Departmental Assistantship Consideration

  • Fall: June 1
  • Spring: Not Available
  • Summer: Not Available
Required Application Materials
  • Transcripts from all schools attended
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
    One academic reference is required, however two academic references are preferred
  • Resume
  • Statement of Goals
    The statement is generally one to two pages discussing what you have to offer the program and what you wish to get out of the program.  It should include a brief description of the applicant's field of interest, related background, desired area of study and research emphasis or career goals.
  • GMAT*

*The GMAT will be waived for admission until Fall 2024. 

Special Notes

Admission to the program requires a NYSED-approved undergraduate degree in accounting from an accredited U.S. university, or its equivalent (including 24 accounting credits and 36 business-elective credits). The application deadline for International Students is March 1.

This program is licensure qualifying. Students who have previously been convicted of a felony are advised that their prior criminal history may impede their ability to complete the requirements of certain academic programs and/or to meet licensure requirements for certain professions.  If applicants have concerns about this matter please contact the Dean’s Office of the intended academic program.

admissions
Student Learning Objectives

Learning objectives that UAlbany students are expected to attain through their course of study within their academic program.

Master of Science
  • Students will be able to interpret and analyze accounting information for internal control, planning, and performance evaluation.
  • Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the application of accounting tools to business problems.
  • Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the ethical responsibilities of accountants and the importance of ethics in the financial reporting process.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the impact of the global business environment on the practice of accounting.
  • Each student will demonstrate an ability to communicate complex auditing and accounting issues.
  • Demonstrate an ability to critically analyze a financial reporting situation and devise a cogent argument.
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