Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Program Is It?

The University of Phoenix Master of Science in Accountancy program is designed to teach you about some of the current issues and problems in the accounting profession. Other points of interest touched upon in the curriculum include accounting information systems, managerial accounting, ethics in accounting and forensic accounting.

What Are the Prerequisites?

You should have some work experience in business and be comfortable working with numbers. Applicants are required to have an undergraduate degree from a regionally or approved nationally accredited institution with a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 on the undergraduate degree posted transcript.

What Are the Course Requirements?

If you choose to enroll in this degree program, 36 credits must be completed in order to meet the requirements of the degree. The courses address accounting topics such as taxation, auditing, internal control systems and ethics in accounting.

Core courses

• COM 530: Communications for Accountants (3 credits)
• ACC 537: Financial Accounting (3 credits)
• ACC 541: Accounting Theory and Research (3 credits)
• ACC 542: Accounting Information Systems (3 credits)
• ACC 543: Managerial Accounting and Legal Aspects of Business (3 credits)
• ACC 544: Internal Control Systems (3 credits)
• ACC 545: Financial Reporting (3 credits)
• ACC 546: Auditing (3 credits)
• ACC 547: Taxation (3 credits)
• ACC 548: Not-For-Profit and Government Accounting (3 credits)
• ACC 556: Forensic Accounting (3 credits)
• ACC 557: Accounting Ethics (3 credits)

What Could I Do After I Graduate?

Advanced Degrees

A master's degree in accountancy is often considered a vital degree for graduates who wish to work in the accounting profession. A doctoral degree in business administration is offered for those who wish to pursue a more advanced degree. However, students who enroll in these degree programs often pursue jobs in academia as professors and researchers. For graduates who plan to work as accountants, a passing grade on the CPA exam may be required. Prospective accountants must also meet any state requirements before they can begin work.

Each state sets forth standards required to be eligible to take the CPA exam and apply for licensure or certification as a CPA. While this certificate program was designed with consideration for the standards proposed by the National Association of State Boards of Accounting (NASBA), the University of Phoenix cannot, and will not, provide any assurance that completion of this program will allow a successful student to qualify within the student's specific jurisdiction. Potential applicants should check with the appropriate organization within their jurisdiction to determine if this certificate program, combined with their undergraduate degree and any other specific criteria, meets the requirements to qualify for examination in that specific jurisdiction. States frequently change their requirements for examination. There is no assurance that at the time of degree completion the specific jurisdiction's requirements will be consistent with the requirements at the time of admission.