Master of Science in Accounting and Taxation, M.S.A.T.

Program Information

(See following text for exceptions.)

Kristin Ingram (Director, Graduate Programs in Accounting and Taxation)
Professors Bannister (Department Chair), Jaeger, Wahab
Associate Professors Gantt, Lamberton, Smith
Assistant Professors Generas, Oz
Instructors Bulter, Ingrim (Program Director), May

The Master of Science in Accounting and Taxation (MSAT) program is designed for students who seek to develop or advance a career in professional accounting or taxation in industry, public accounting, government, or not-for-profit organizations. The program of study meets the needs of students with undergraduate degrees in accounting who wish a fifth year of study, as well as those students with non-accounting or non-business undergraduate degrees.

Graduates of the program are qualified to take the CPA and CMA examinations. The program meets the 150-hour requirement for the CPA examination in the state of Connecticut and the general requirements established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Students wishing to take the examination in other jurisdictions should contact the jurisdiction to inquire as to specific requirements.

Course work focuses on two tracks: Financial and Assurance Services, and Taxation. The application of analytical tools for planning, controlling, and decision-making purposes are contained in both tracks.

Degree requirements normally constitute 30 credit hours of specified courses, including five accounting courses and five elective courses selected from any discipline with the Barne;y School. The specific required and elective courses are outlined below.

Admission is based on the candidate’s undergraduate grade point average, GMAT, a personal statement, and two references. The GMAT requirement is waived for candidates who have passed the CPA, CMA, or CFA  examinations, or the bar examination; or those who possess another graduate degree from an appropriately accredited institution.

Applicants must produce evidence of successful completion of the following basic accounting core courses or equivalent:

• AC 320 - Financial Reporting Theory I
• AC 321 - Financial Reporting Theory II
• AC 322 - Financial Reporting Theory III
• AC 332 - Cost Management
• AC 425 - Federal Income Tax Concepts
• AC 430 - Auditing Concepts and Problems
• MBA 612 - Accounting Concepts  

The above accounting core courses must have been taken at a four-year, accredited college or university, that offers a bachelor’s degree in accounting.  Applicants who have not met the above accounting core requirements will be expected to complete successfully, with a minimum 3.0 GPA, the requirements at the start of their program. Applicants who have passed the CPA examination will receive an automatic waiver of the above requirements.

To receive the degree, students must complete all program requirements with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 and no more than one grade below B in the courses beyond the basic accounting core courses.

Transfer of Credit

Students who have completed course work at an accredited graduate business school may transfer credit toward the degree for a total of up to 6 credits of courses that have been completed with a grade of B or better. Transfer credit is not included in the grade point average.

Required credits [30]

Program Specializations

The MSAT program offers two tracks. The first track is designed for those students who are interested in careers in financial and assurance services. The courses in this track contain information that is of particular interest to the public financial reporting and assurance services functions. The taxation track is designed for students who are interested in careers in taxation both within public accounting and in industry.