Master of Science in Accounting (MSA)
Overview
Our graduate program provides students with a deep understanding of advanced accounting principles. This enables them to confidently and precisely navigate complex financial scenarios; critically analyze authoritative sources; stay informed of evolving regulations and industry standards; and instills a strong ethical foundation to help them navigate the intricate ethical and legal landscape with integrity and foresight. Additionally, our integration of modern technology tools into our coursework helps develop the skill of leveraging cutting-edge solutions to address real-world accounting challenges.
Five Reasons to Get a Master’s Degree in Accounting at UNLV
- Accreditation: Lee Business School is one of 5% of business schools with both business and accounting accreditation by AACSB International (The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business).
- Jobs: The master’s program has an average placement rate of over 90% prior to graduation with nearly two-thirds of our graduates accepting positions in public accounting. This is linked to our successful internship program and bi-annual employers night events sponsored by our student group, Beta Alpha Psi.
- Networking: Access networking opportunities and strengthen the soft skills necessary for career success by participating in student organizations such as Beta Alpha Psi, the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), the Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALFPA), or the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) student chapters.
- Internal Audit Certificate: UNLV’s Department of Accounting is one of a select group of schools to be endorsed by the Institute of Internal Auditors as an IIA Educational Partnership school. Students can participate in the Internal Audit Certificate Program as part of their master’s degree program and can earn an internal audit certificate along with their degree.
- CPA Certification: The Department of Accounting has partnered with the to promote a culture of professional certificate attainment. We incorporate a certified public accountant (CPA) review course in our curriculum and have CPA exam pass rates for graduate students that exceed the national average. We are also actively involved with the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) and award 10 certified management accountant (CMA) scholarships annually.
Compete in the Dynamic Accounting Field
The master’s degree in accounting is designed to enhance skills for individuals planning careers in accounting. The demand for accounting graduates is evident – with nationwide job growth for accountants and auditors projected to be 11.2% by 2029, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
This growth necessitates a strong pipeline of accounting graduates. This degree provides specialized skills and knowledge needed to thrive in this industry and eventually become a CPA.
Receive Mentorship from Our Expert Faculty Members
Our accounting faculty are globally-recognized experts in the accounting field, publish in top-tier internationally recognized academic journals, and are engaged in their respective communities.
“All CPAs are accountants, but not all accountants are CPAs. Becoming a CPA will open more job opportunities, lead to higher pay, and faster advancement opportunities. The UNLV master of science in accounting program helps prepare you to become a CPA and will set you up for an amazing career.”Kimberly Charron, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Nevada Gold Mines Faculty Fellow; Director of MS in Accounting
Career Options
The master’s in accounting program can open doors to well-paying, stable career paths in many areas of business. Students develop strong technical and accounting skills and are exposed to state-of-the-art tools and techniques that prepare them for careers involving auditing, financial reporting, taxation, and forensic accounting, among others. With your accounting degree, you'll have the knowledge and skills to succeed in a variety of roles, including:
- Corporate controller
- Senior accountant
- Accounting manager
- Senior financial analyst
- CFO
- Public accountant
- Internal auditor
- IT auditor
- Tax accountant
- IRS auditor
“I enrolled in the accounting program at UNLV to further my accounting knowledge, partake in a prestigious program, and set myself up for success after graduation. The program has allowed me to complete the CPA educational requirements, pass the CPA exams, and make me a highly desirable job candidate. I will receive my CPA license in early 2023.”Bailey Thomas
MS Accounting degree recipient, Spring ‘22
Admission Requirements
Our program accepts graduates from all undergraduate disciplines. To be considered, applicants must have the following:
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year institution in the United States or an approved equivalent.
- Minimum GPA of 3.00 for the bachelor’s degree.
- Proof of English proficiency (international students).
- Students must have satisfactorily completed introductory financial accounting.
- Official result of the GMAT or GRE test. Students may qualify for a GMAT waiver based on having a 3.25 accounting GPA from an AACSB accredited school.
- Students who have not completed all the following courses (or equivalent courses) as part of their bachelor's degree may be required to complete them as a condition of their admission prior to graduation from the Master of Science – Accounting:
- Financial Reporting I (ACC 601)
- Financial Reporting II (ACC 602)
- Accounting Information Systems (ACC 609)
- Federal Taxation (ACC 610)
- Auditing and Assurance Services (ACC 670)
- Note: These courses will not count toward the 30 credits required for the Master of Science in Accounting.
Program Structure
The accounting program is designed for individuals interested in pursuing a career within the top levels of the accounting industry or for those who have no experience with accounting and want to build their knowledge of the profession. The program of study includes training in advanced accounting topics such as auditing, financial accounting, accounting systems, and taxation.
- If you have an accounting bachelor’s degree, you will be required to complete 30 credit hours (10 courses), which may be completed in as little as 12-months.
- Students who do not have a bachelor’s degree in accounting must complete 15 credits of prerequisite accounting courses in addition to the 30-credit hours.
- The program can be completed in-person or online.
The core accounting curriculum includes the following breakdown of courses:
- Complete five 700-level Accounting (ACC) courses from more than 15 choices.
- Examples include:
- Mergers and Acquisitions
- Financial Statement Analysis
- Partnership Taxation
- Systems Theory and Applications
- Examples include:
- Complete four graduate-level accounting or non-accounting elective courses from the approved list.
- Examples include:
- Fraud Examination
- Financial Decision Making
- Auditing in the Gaming Industry
- Internal Audit
- Internship
- Examples include:
In addition to the coursework, the master’s in accounting requires completion of a culminating capstone (students select one of the following).
- Federal Tax Topics
- Auditing Theory and Applications
- Advanced Management Accounting
“Pursuing an MSA at UNLV was one of the greatest decisions I could have made. Not only did it prepare me with the necessary skills to succeed, it also exposed me to many professional opportunities that helped me get ahead in my career.”Ingrid Zarate
MS Accounting degree recipient, Spring ‘21
Currently working as an Assurance Staff at Ernst & Young
Application Deadlines
Fall Term:
May 1 – International applicants
Aug. 1 – Domestic or permanent resident applicants
Spring Term:
Oct. 1 – International applicants
Dec. 1 – Domestic or permanent resident applicants
Summer Term:
Mar. 1 – International applicants
May 15 – Domestic or permanent resident applicants
Program Advisors Contact
Lee Business School
Director of MS in Accounting
Kimberly Charron, Ph.D.
Associate Professor & Nevada Gold Mines Faculty Fellow
Graduate Coordinator
702-895-1389
msa@unlv.edu
Prospective Student Contact
Lee Business School
Graduate Student Services
702-895-3655
LEEogss@unlv.edu
Catalog Information
Visit our Degrees Directory to view our catalog information.
