Master of Science in Accounting PPA Programm

The PPA program , which began in 1979, allows students to begin work on their M.S. degree during the first semester of their senior year (i.e., on completion of 90 hours of undergraduate course work).

Students who satisfy admission requirements during the second semester of their junior year are allowed to enter the PPA M.S. in Accounting Program. Students may take undergraduate and graduate courses together during their fourth and fifth years. One primary advantage of the PPA program is that students may spread the 32 hours required for the M.S. degree over two years without increasing the time required to complete the degree. The B.S.B.A. degree may be awarded on completion of the undergraduate requirements, and the M.S. degree will be awarded on completion of all required graduate course work.

Concentrations for the PPA Programs

External Reporting Concentration

The external reporting concentration provides additional depth in financial accounting and finance. Students preparing for careers in public accounting, corporate accounting, or corporate finance will find this concentration beneficial.

Tax Concentration

The tax concentration provides the specialized knowledge and skills required to deal with the complexity of the tax law. The tax concentration provides students the foundation needed to respond to the constantly expanding environment in which they will practice tax accounting. This concentration is beneficial to students preparing for a professional career in taxation in public accounting, in industry, and in government.

Internal Reporting Concentration

The internal reporting concentration provides additional depth in auditing, financial analysis and reporting, and information systems. Students preparing for careers in auditing or corporate accounting or finance will find that this concentration provides the knowledge and skills required for successful practice.

The Spears School of Business is composed of six academic departments with more than 100 tenure and tenure-track educational professionals. The student body is made up of more than 3,900 undergraduate students pursuing 15 degrees with approximately 800 students pursuing six master's degrees. The School also offers Ph.D.s in business administration and in economics.

Mission

The mission of the Spears School of Business is to add value to our constituents through high quality educational programs, research and scholarly activities, and outreach.

To achieve this mission, the SSB stresses the following:

• The ethical, entrepreneurial, and international components of the educational program provided to our students.
• Programs which will graduate students who will be successful in both their personal and professional lives and be contributing members of society.
• The development of a culture and community that supports excellence, diversity, respect for individuals, cooperation, and balance.
• The advancement and dissemination of business knowledge.
• Preparation of students for a changing business environment.
• Our land-grant heritage including outreach, service to the business community, and economic development.
• Effective management of resources.
• On-going evaluation of our success in achieving our mission and objectives.

Faculty

The faculty of the Spears School of Business is composed of noted scholars, authors, sought-after consultants and practitioners, and caring teachers. Many of the faculty have received outstanding teaching awards and have been recognized for innovative instruction. The faculty are nationally and internationally recognized for their publications and leadership positions in professional academic associations.

Real-world curriculum

The Spears School of Business actively incorporates technology into the curriculum and seeks input from leaders in business and government to help create industry-driven degrees. Currently, the School is home to a growing number of research centers and institutes.

The faculty, with varied academic, governmental, corporate and consulting backgrounds, bring real-world experience to the classroom. In many courses you will receive the necessary theoretical background, but you will also learn about the latest trends and developments from faculty attuned to what is going on in the real world. Real-world applications may be in the form of a lecture, company-based consulting project, a practicum or other means. The SSB also encourages students to take advantage of the study-abroad opportunities offered by the Office of International Business programs and numerous internship.