About
The educational objective of Appalachian State University’s Master of Science in Accounting program is to provide advanced coursework to meet the needs of students seeking professional positions and successful careers in the field of accounting. Our students are highly regarded by employers and heavily recruited.
The MS in Accounting program offers three courses of study — a general track, a data analytics track, and a tax track. Both include courses in data analytics and other technologies as well as in-depth accounting knowledge as part of a rigorous curriculum. Additionally, the program broadens the general business knowledge of its graduates to improve their performance beyond the entry-level into their professional careers.
The program also includes elective courses that further help prepare students for the successful completion of certifying examinations such as the Uniform Certified Public Accountant Examination.
Graduate Bulletin and Course Catalog
Professional Licensure
This is a program that can lead to licensure or certification. Students have the option to take any of our four one-hour CPA review modules which count toward elective hours and offer a structured environment in which to prepare for the exam.
Appalachian State University cannot confirm whether this program will meet the requirements for professional licensure in other states or territories.
If this applies to you, check the U.S. Department of Education for information on licensure requirements and licensing agencies in other states. Or, you may address questions to State Authorization at Appalachian at stateauthorization@appstate.edu or 828-262-7559.
Prerequisites
Undergraduate prerequisite courses do not have to be completed prior to beginning graduate course work in the MSA program.
The following prerequisite courses are required. A student may take these at App State or another institution, with prior approval. Appalachian students should register for the following:
- ACC 2100 – Principles of Accounting 1
- ACC 2110 - Principles of Accounting 2
- ACC 3100 – Intermediate Accounting 1
- ACC 3110 – Intermediate Accounting 2
- ACC 4550 – Intermediate Accounting 3*
- ACC 3200 – Cost Accounting
- ACC 3570 – Accounting Systems**
- ACC 3580 – Individual Income Tax
- ACC 4560 - Auditing
- ECO 2030 – Principles of Microeconomics
- ECO 2040 – Principles of Macroeconomics
- ECO 2200 Business and Economic Statistics 2
- FIN 3680 – Intro to Finance
- MGT 3630 – Intro to Organizational Behavior
Notes
- The descriptions of each course are found in the undergraduate catalog.
- If you wish to complete these classes at App State, it is important to note the specific prerequisites that each class requires.
- You may take these courses at another institution. Prior to registering for these classes, please email Dr. McSwain with the course title and description from the university catalog to ensure the class would be approved for credit.
- * If the Intermediate Accounting sequence is completed at a school where the material is covered in two rather than three courses, the two-course sequence will fulfill the requirement.
- ** You may opt to take the graduate-level systems course as an elective to fulfill the Accounting Systems requirement.