Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Program Is It?

Walden University's M.S. in Accounting and Management degree program is designed to develop the leadership, critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills needed by managers in the accounting field. Students in this program can choose between two specializations: Accountants as Strategic Managers or the Self-Designed specialization. The former is a more traditional format, while the latter allows for individualized course selection. Both programs offer a core education in accounting, which includes study of legal issues, current trends, communication strategies, and financial management. Other topics include project management, managerial accounting, global leadership, and change management. The program generally takes about 20 months to complete, though this period can vary depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable.

What Are the Prerequisites?

You should have an educational background in accounting, finance, or math, and have a bachelor's degree.

What Are the Course Requirements?

Degree program curriculum and credits are subject to change; contact Walden University for the most current information before enrolling in a program. Both specializations of the M.S. in Accounting and Management degree program at Walden University require the completion of 30 semester credit hours. This credit total is split evenly between core and specialization courses.

Accountants as Strategic Managers Specialization 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
• Critical Thinking for Effective Management
• Leadership in a Global Landscape
• Principles of Project Management
• Creating Sustainable Solutions Through Systems Thinking
• Leading Strategic Initiatives for Growth and New Value

Self-Designed Specialization 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
• Choose five courses from the following:
  • Critical Thinking for Effective Management
  • Leadership in a Global Landscape
  • Creating Sustainable Solutions Through Systems Thinking
  • Principles of Project Management
  • Leading Strategic Initiatives for Growth and New Value
  • Initiating and Managing Change
  • Global Information Systems Development
• Choose up to two of the following courses:
  • Managing Operational and Financial Business Risks
  • Managing Regulatory Compliance
  • Accounting Theory and Application
  • Tax Analysis and Decision-Making
  • Solving CPA Problems
  • Forensic and Advanced Auditing Topics
  • International Perspectives in Accounting
  • Not-for-Profit and Government Accounting

What Could I Do After I Graduate?

Career Opportunities

Graduates of Walden University's M.S. in Accounting and Management program could be prepared to work in corporate finance departments, government offices, or tax firms. Completion of this program could also qualify graduates to take the CPA licensing examination. Positions graduates could pursue include:

• Chief cost accountant
• Managerial accountant
• Financial controller
• Financial consultant

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 and Management can help graduates progress toward meeting those requirements. It offers 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 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.