Curriculum

The MSAC curriculum at Stockton University provides a well-rounded education in advanced accounting concepts, ensuring that students are prepared for both the CPA exam and professional success in the field. The program requires the completion of 36 credits, which includes both core accounting courses and specialized electives. Click here to view the full MSAC curriculum worksheet.

Core Courses:

• Advanced Financial Accounting & Reporting
• Advanced Auditing & Attestation
• Accounting Information Systems
• Advanced Taxation
• Advanced Cost Accounting & Analytics
• Accounting Internship (can be fulfilled with a service learning experience or an accounting research project)

Internships and Cooperatives:

Internship opportunities are built into the curriculum to provide hands-on learning. 

Application Deadline

While graduate admissions selection committees review applications until the start of the semester, by applying prior to the Priority Deadline, you can ensure that your transition to Stockton is as smooth as possible: you will be invited to the New Student Orientation Event, and have access to priority registration which means you may have more options for monthly installments of a payment plan, as well as greater options for class selection.

Within a year of their undergraduate graduation, graduates of any undergraduate program in the Stockton University School of Business may obtain Direct Entry into the MSAC program provided they meet all of the MSAC foundation and prerequisite requirements through their undergraduate coursework.

Priority Deadlines

Summer: March 15
Fall: July 1
Spring: December 1

Prerequisite Requirements

• Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.2
• Prerequisite Courses

To be considered for admission to the MSAC program, applicants must submit the following by the deadline:

1. Click here to start your application. 
   • If you are a recent Stockton graduate, check to see if you qualify for the Direct Entry Option.
2. Application fee: $50 (non-refundable), submitted with your online application
3. Graduate application essay
4. Two current letters of recommendation sent electronically via the online application.
5. Resume
6. Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended (including Stockton) should be mailed, emailed, or dropped off directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions:
   
   By mail:
   Office of Graduate Admissions, N-Wing 007a
   101 Vera King Farris Drive
   Galloway, NJ 08205-9441
   
   Electronically:
   gradschool@stockton.edu
   
   

7. To review international applicant deadlines and admission criteria, please click here.  

BS/MSAC Dual Degree

Complete your undergraduate degree and an MS in Accounting (BS/MSAC) in approximately 5 years.

The Accelerated Dual Degree Program will prepare students for professional careers in accounting. One of the principal goals of the program is to provide a cost-effective and relevant path to complete the 150-credit education requirement for CPA licensure. The MSAC integrates experiential learning opportunities inside and outside the classroom with a deep dive into the concepts critical to success as a CPA.

Click here to view the BS/MSAC Dual Degree curriculum worksheet.

Why choose the Accelerated Dual-Degree Program? An accelerated Dual-Degree Program offers students:

• To complete both the undergraduate and MSAC degrees in approximately 5 years.
• To advance your knowledge in content critical to success as a CPA
• To leverage your success as an academically motivated Stockton Business major (cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher).
• To begin taking MSAC classes in your senior year.

The MSAC program is designed to achieve the following student learning goals and outcomes:

Learning Goal 1: Technical Competencies

Students will develop, demonstrate, apply, and synthesize knowledge and technical skills in auditing, taxation, financial accounting and reporting, cost accounting, and accounting information systems to analyze and solve business problems and improve business practices.

Student Learning Outcome 1: Technical expertise will be developed and demonstrated by students through

1. compliance with regulatory requirements
2. application of concepts to identify issues and find solutions
3. identification of risks and related impact
4. research, assessment, and application of authoritative guidance to arrive at appropriate solutions.

Learning Goal 2: Digital Acumen

Students will utilize prevailing technological trends and software applications and demonstrate proficiency in leveraging data analytics techniques to solve problems in auditing, taxation, financial reporting, cost accounting, and accounting information systems.

Student Learning Outcome 2: Students will develop and demonstrate digital acumen through

1. application of data analytic techniques to identify and solve issues and to assess and improve the business environment
2. utilization of digital technologies

Learning Goal 3: Professionalism

Students will communicate effectively and appropriately, and attain expertise in one or more accounting specializations (auditing, taxation, financial accounting and reporting, cost accounting, accounting information systems via internship or co-op; business analytics, forensic accounting via elective coursework).

Student Learning Outcome 3: Students will demonstrate

1. effective communication of results to stakeholders
2. synthesized expertise in one or more accounting specializations

Careers

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects annual employment growth from 2021 to 2031 for accountants and auditors at 5.6%.

BLS also compares earnings and employment rates by level of educational attainment. The 2022 reveals that those holding a master’s degree earn approximately 16% more than those with a bachelor's degree and the unemployment rate is lower for those with master’s degrees as well.

Extended Internships

The Extended Internships are intensive practicums offered through Stockton University's Master of Science in Accounting (MSAC) program in cooperation with CPA firms or industry partners. These experiences provide students with the opportunity to gain substantial intensive hands-on experience while earning academic credit, which count towards the 150-credit education requirement and the one-year work experience requirement for CPA licensure in New Jersey.

Students can pursue an extended internship (9 or 18 credits) instead of completing the coursework...gaining real-world professional experience in taxation, auditing, and/or financial and managerial accounting in private industry, government, or non-profits.

Key Features of the MSAC Extended Internships:

• Unparalleled Access to the Accounting Industry
  This practicum offers unparalleled access to the accounting industry, bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world application. By working directly with professionals at CPA firms, private industry, government agencies or non-profits, students will gain invaluable insights and experience that will accelerate their career growth.
  
  
• Pathway to Employment
  These experiences connect students with industry leaders, building a professional network and career opportunities.
  
  
• CPA Readiness
  With guidance from experienced CPAs and real-world tasks, students will be better prepared to take and pass the CPA exam. The skills developed through a practicum will give them an edge in both exam performance and career advancement.

For those pursuing CPA licensure or advanced roles in accounting, an extended internship is the perfect complement to Stockton University's MSAC program, providing the hands-on training and professional connections needed to thrive in today’s competitive financial landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the program offer CPA exam preparation?

Yes, the curriculum is aligned with the CPA Evolution model to ensure students are well-prepared for the CPA exam. Completion of the program (in addition to an earned Baccalaureate) will satisfy the education requirements for licensure in New Jersey.

What are the program's concentrations?

Students can choose to specialize in Forensic Accounting or Business Analytics to further enhance their expertise in these growing fields. In some circumstances, previously completed graduate business courses may be bundled to satisfy one of the elective concentrations.

Are internships required?

Yes, internships are a key component of the program. Students can earn between 3 to 21 credits through internships, depending on their chosen pathway, all of which count toward the 150-credit education requirement for CPA licensure in NJ.

How long does it take to complete the MSAC program?

The MSAC can be completed in two academic years while attending full-time. Part-time options are available. For students in the BS/MSAC Dual Degree pathway, both degrees can be completed in a total of five years.

Can I become a CPA without an undergraduate degree in accounting?

Yes. Students with an undergraduate degree in business or non-business disciplines are able to pursue a CPA license by fulfilling requirements set forth by the state in which the person seeks licensure. This program is designed to provide a pathway for students who want to earn a Master's degree in Accounting and to become a CPA.