Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Program Is It?

Accounting theories, decision-making processes, and risk-management techniques are among the focuses of Walden University's M.S. in Accounting program with a specialization in Accounting With CPA Emphasis. Topics discussed in core and specialization courses include financial management, budgeting and forecasting, accounting standards, compliance issues, individual and corporate taxation policies and strategies, risk assessment methods, and ethics in the accounting field. Students also have the opportunity to research and analyze past CPA exams to build a better understanding of issues covered throughout the program and to better prepare for certifying examinations.

What Are the Prerequisites?

You should have an educational and professional background in accounting prior to enrolling in the M.S. in Accounting program with a specialization in Accounting With CPA Emphasis at Walden University.

What Are the Program Requirements?

You must complete 30 semester credit hours to earn Walden Universitys M.S. in Accounting program with a specialization in Accounting With CPA Emphasis. The credit total consists of 15 credits in the core curriculum and 15 credits in specialization courses.

Course Requirements

• Effective Communication for the Accountant
• Legal and Ethical Issues in Accounting
• Financial Management Tools for Decision Making
• Managerial Accounting for Organizational Performance
• Current Trends in Accounting Standards
• Managing Operational and Financial Business Risks
• Managing Regulatory Compliance
• Accounting Theory and Application
• Tax Analysis and Decision-Making
• Solving CPA Problems

What Could I Do After I Graduate?

Career Opportunities

You could be eligible to take national and state CPA exams after completing Walden University's M.S. in Accounting program with a specialization in Accounting With CPA Emphasis. Upon successful completion of these exams, you could seek positions in small or large corporations, government agencies, or private practice. Positions you could pursue include:

• Certified public accountant
• Public practice accountant
• Cost accountant
• Tax accountant

Career opportunities may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.

Most states require individuals to complete 150 semester hours in certain subject areas in order to be eligible to sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam and/or obtain a CPA license. Walden's M.S. in Accounting can help graduates progress toward meeting those requirements by offering 120 credit hours that include upper-level courses in topics such as financial accounting, auditing, taxation, and management accounting.

In each state, there are specific policies that must be followed when an individual is seeking to become a licensed accountant. Some states will not allow individuals who complete the Walden accounting programs to sit for the CPA licensing exams due to state-specific issues such as professional accreditation or face-to-face instruction. For information on the educational requirements for your state, refer to the state's Board of Accountancy or related agency.

Walden enrollment advisors can provide guidance about accountant licensure; however, it remains the responsibility of the individual enrolling in the program to read, understand, and comply with the licensure requirements in the state where he or she wishes to practice. Walden University can make no representation, warranty, guarantee, or commitment that successful completion of a Walden program, or coursework for credit within a program, will make a graduate eligible to sit for a licensure exam or to obtain state licensure.