Students should understand the basic framework of accounting, including underlying accounting concepts and constraints, that helps them in preparation of financial records, financial statements, and analysis of the major financial statements.
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M.S. in Accounting | Admissions
Requirements and Eligibility
We seek well-rounded individuals who bring exceptional intellectual capabilities, proven academic preparation, and a passion for their chosen field of study.
We look for evidence of strong academic ability and qualities of character, such as motivation, maturity, tenacity, integrity, ability to work with others, self-reliance, and leadership. We strive to achieve a class environment with a diversity of perspectives and life experiences.
Requirements
Applicants must earn an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited college or university and have a strong record of academic achievement.
Applicants also must demonstrate a strong basic foundation in accounting as indicated by completion of the following prerequisite courses:
Introduction to Financial Accounting
Introduction to Managerial Accounting
Students should understand accounting’s problem-solving contributions to management. Topics include planning, control, performance measurement, cost behavior, ethics, and information for special decisions.
Intermediate Accounting I
Students should understand generally accepted accounting principles for asset valuation, income measurement, and financial statement presentation for business organizations, and how these processes evolve. Focuses on the important areas of financial accounting, including accounting for leases, pensions, and income taxes.
Intermediate Accounting II
Students should understand accounting for the equities of a firm’s investors and creditors, along with a continued focus on financial accounting issues, such as financial instruments, asset impairments, and long-term debt.
Prerequisite coursework must be completed prior to matriculation but is not required at the time of application.
MSA Pathway Program (for Current UVA Students)
Taught by UVA McIntire School of Commerce faculty, the MSA Pathway program is designed for undergrads who have taken introductory Accounting courses (Financial Accounting and Managerial Accounting) and wish to pursue UVA’s M.S. in Accounting, but are not enrolled in the Commerce School.
As a member of the State Authorizations Reciprocity Agreement, the University of Virginia (UVA) is authorized to provide curriculum in a distance learning environment to students located in all states in the United States except for California. (34 CFR 668.43(a)(6)& 34 CFR 668.72(n)). Upon completion of the M.S. in Accounting Program, graduates may be eligible for initial professional licensure in another U.S. state by applying to the licensing board or agency in that state. Please visit the University’s state authorization webpages to make an informed decision regarding which states’ educational requirements for initial licensure are met by this program. (668.43(a)(5) (v)(A) - (C)). Enrolled students who change their current (or mailing) address to a state other than Virginia should update this information immediately in the Student Information System as it may impact their ability to complete internship, practicum, or clinical hours, use Title IV funds, or meet licensure or certification requirements in the new state. (34 CFR 668.402).