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 two courses of study — a general 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.
Professional Licensure
This is a program that can lead to licensure or certification. 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.
Courses
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Graduate Bulletin and Course Catalog
Application Essentials
Required Entrance Exam: GMAT (score must be no more than 5 years old)
GMAT Exam Waiver: The standardized exam requirement may be waived for applicants who:
- Hold an undergraduate degree in accounting with a GPA of 3.5 or higher from a regionally accredited school and have included at least two of three letters of recommendation from accounting professors; OR
- Have five or more years of professional work or military experience; OR
- Hold professional certification with a quantitative focus such as CPA, CFA, CMA, etc.
The GMAT waiver is only available to candidates who have not taken the GMAT within the past five years.
Accelerated Admissions: An accelerated admission option is available for undergraduate students currently enrolled at Appalachian State University who meet the requirements for the GMAT Exam Waiver.
Required number of references to specify in the online form: 3
Supplemental Information: Resume (Required upload for application submission)
Basic Conditions for Consideration of Admission: Meeting or exceeding the conditions below does NOT guarantee admission. All applications for a given entry term will be weighed based upon the number of seats available and the quality of the complete application packages. With special permission from the Graduate School, a program may admit a limited number of students with exceptional circumstances who do not meet the graduate school minimums.
Graduate School: 3.0 GPA in the last earned degree and official scores from the appropriate admission test(s), OR 2.5 GPA in the last earned degree and official scores at the 25th percentile level from the appropriate admission test(s).
Admission to Accounting: The foundation for the admission decision is the GMAT score and undergraduate academic performance, including the trend of grades during undergraduate schooling and the GPA in the undergraduate major. Relevant work experience may also be considered in the admission process. Admission is competitive.
Employers
- BDO
- Bernard Robinson & Company
- BGW CPA
- Cherry Bekaert
- CohnReznick
- Davidson, Holland, Whitesell & Company
- Deloitte
- Dixon Hughes Goodman
- Elliott Davis Decosimo
- Ernst & Young
- Grant Thornton
- Johnson Price Sprinkle PA
- KPMG
- PwC
- RSM
- Smith Leonard PLLC
- Wells Fargo Audit Services
Application Deadlines
Spring Admission
November 1, general concentrations only
Summer Session 2 Admission
April 1, priority deadline is March 15
Fall Admission
July 1, priority deadline is March 15
Why Appalachian?
- Our program has an excellent reputation among employers and a powerful alumni network, resulting in a near 100 percent placement rate.
- Recent updates to the program include a focus on data analytics and spreadsheet technologies in addition to a comprehensive education in accounting fundamentals.
- Our faculty members are dedicated to student success.
- The program has a dedicated career counselor to assist with professional development and job placement.
- Full-time students can complete the program’s 30 credit hours in two semesters and one summer session if prerequisite coursework is not needed. Part-time students are also admitted into the program.
- Students who need prerequisite undergraduate courses are able to complete these courses while working on their MS-Accounting degree.
- Students have the option of completing a professional Business Analytics Certificate by extending their program of study by six hours. Students should be able to complete the MS-Accounting degree and the certificate in two semesters and three summer sessions.
- 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.
- Our graduates consistently receive high scores on the CPA exam.
- Many undergraduate alumni choose to stay at or return to Appalachian for the MS-Accounting program before returning to jobs with the company with which they interned during their undergraduate senior year.
- A thesis option is available for students interested in pursuing research.
- The School of Graduate Studies offers scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships to support eligible, full-time, degree-seeking students.
- The program offers additional scholarships, including funds for short-term study abroad.
Location
On campus
Careers
- Accountant
- Assurance Associate
- Audit Associate
- Auditor
- CPA
- Tax Associate
- Tax Preparer
Contacts
Dr. Lynn Stallworth
Program Director
stallworthhl@appstate.edu
828-262-6189