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M.S. in Accounting Pathway Program

The M.S. in Accounting (MSA) Pathway Program at the McIntire School of Commerce is designed for UVA undergraduates who are not enrolled in the McIntire School and who wish to pursue an M.S. in Accounting.

The M.S. in Accounting Program's innovative curriculum examines current and emerging technologies and their role in accountancy and beyond. While you pursue one of two specialty tracks—Financial Reporting & Assurance or Tax Consulting—you will learn how to leverage analytics and data to tackle multifaceted business scenarios in an ever-evolving digital world.

Eligibility

UVA students can qualify for McIntire's M.S. in Accounting through the MSA Pathway Program by completing the following required Accounting courses*:

CGBM 2110: Accounting for Business (1.5 credits, offered fall and spring)

This course focuses on the basics of financial reporting, to include key vocabulary and concepts and emphasis on understanding the direct impact of recording transactions on financial statements. Students will gain an understanding of how to read, interpret, and analyze the balance sheet, income statement, and statement of cash flows. Students will also be introduced to managerial decision-making (fixed vs. variable costs).

COMM 3559: Financial Accounting Pathway (3 credits, offered fall only)

This course prepares students for upper-level Accounting courses by deepening their understanding of financial accounting, including how to read, interpret, and analyze the balance sheet, income statement, and statement of cash flows, as well as key managerial accounting topics.

Financial Accounting and Reporting I (3 credits, offered spring and fall, beginning spring 2027)

This course deepens understanding of how financial statements are constructed, interpreted, and applied in practice. Building on prior accounting study, it emphasizes judgments, estimates, disclosures, and financial reporting under U.S. GAAP. Students gain tools to evaluate financial statements and use accounting information in decision-making across accounting, finance, consulting, investing, and leadership roles.

COMM 3120: Intermediate Accounting II (3 credits, spring only, last offering spring 2027) or Financial Accounting and Reporting II (3 credits, fall only, offered beginning fall 2027)

This course deepens understanding of generally accepted accounting principles, with a focus on the debt and equity portions of the balance sheet. Topics include long-term debt, equity transactions, and stock-based compensation.

*The information contained on this website is for informational purposes only. The Undergraduate Record and Graduate Record represents the official repository for academic program requirements.

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Program Highlights

The skills you gain through MSA Pathway Program courses will provide value now and well into the future, regardless of your career path. During the program, you will:

  • Enhance your problem-solving abilities
  • Gain valuable accounting and analytics skills
  • Learn how to effectively present financial information

Career Outcomes

98%
with offers by graduation (100% response rate), Class of 2023
$73,510
average annual base salary, Class of 2023
85%
signed with a Big Four firm, Class of 2023

Student and Alumni Success Stories

Connect With Us

We look forward to connecting with you about your interest in the MSA Pathway Program and encourage you to contact us early to discuss your interest and candidacy.

Contact Information