Accountancy, M.S.

Accountancy

Master of Science (30 Credit Hours)

The curriculum provides a foundation for acquiring important knowledge and leadership skills required for success in the accountancy profession. You’ll choose one of three tracks – financial/auditing, taxation, and a generalist track – and you’ll learn to evaluate critically, think broadly and make ethical business choices. The summer study abroad program provides a unique international experience.

Upon completion of this program, you will have the educational requirements for licensure as a CPA in most states, and be prepared to work in public accounting firms, private industry, and government agencies. If you have earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting, you can complete the program in ten months and participate in a CPA exam review during the summer following your matriculation.

At this time, the M.S. Accountancy program does not accept part-time or non-degree seeking students.

Program Overview

The Graduate Program offers a Master of Science in Accountancy degree that consists of two main tracks: Financial Reporting/Assurance and Taxation. Beginning in the 2013 academic year, students may elect the International Track, which can be done in conjunction with the Financial Reporting/Assurance Track or the Taxation Track. The curriculum prepares graduates for positions within public accounting, private industry and government. Our program is centered on four critical objectives aimed at ensuring the professional success of our students, including:

• A Broadened Perspective
• Attainment of Specialized Technical Skills and Knowledge
• Professional Development
• Effective Communication

Students completing the Program will meet the education requirements for licensure as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in most states.

The Program consists of thirty semester hours of coursework including two required courses: ACCT 500- Accounting Theory and ACCT 599- Contemporary Accountancy Issues. In addition to the two required courses, each student, in consultation with the Director, will devise a plan of study for completion of their Track bearing to their intended area of practice.

About the College

A superior public university with the personality to spare.

Located in the heart of historic Charleston, South Carolina, the College of Charleston is a nationally recognized public liberal arts and sciences university. Founded in 1770, the College is among the nation’s top universities for quality education, student life, and affordability. Its beautiful and historic campus, combined with contemporary facilities, cutting-edge programs, and accessible faculty attracts students from across the U.S. and around the world.

Over 10,000 undergraduates and approximately 1,000 graduate students at the College enjoy a small-college feel blended with the advantages and diversity of a mid-sized, urban university. They work closely with a committed faculty, made up of more than 500 distinguished teacher-scholars. And the city of Charleston – world-renowned for its history, architecture, culture and coastal environment – serves as a living and learning laboratory for experiences in business, science, technology, teaching, the humanities, languages, and the arts.

Mission, Vision, and Values

Honoring the timeless principles of the liberal arts and sciences.

The College of Charleston is a state-supported comprehensive institution providing a high-quality education in the arts and sciences, education and business. The faculty is an important source of knowledge and expertise for the community, state, and nation.

Consistent with its heritage since its founding in 1770, the College retains a strong liberal arts undergraduate curriculum. Located in the heart of historic Charleston, it strives to meet the growing educational demands primarily of the Lowcountry and the state and, secondarily, of the Southeast. A superior undergraduate program is central to the mission of the College of Charleston. As a prominent component of the state’s higher education system, the College encourages and supports research.

In addition to offering a broad range of baccalaureate degree programs, the College incorporates the University of Charleston, South Carolina (UCSC), established by state statute in 1992, which serves as a research institution where the graduate and research programs associated with the College are housed. UCSC provides master’s degree programs and anticipates offering a limited number of doctoral degrees should location and need a warrant. The College also provides an extensive credit and non-credit continuing education program and cultural activities for residents of the Lowcountry of South Carolina.

The College of Charleston seeks applicants capable of successfully completing degree requirements and pays particular attention to identifying and admitting students who excel academically. The College of Charleston serves a diverse student body from its geographic area and also attracts students from national and international communities. The College provides students a community in which to engage in original inquiry and creative expression in an atmosphere of intellectual freedom. This community, founded on the principles of the liberal arts tradition, provides students the opportunity to realize their intellectual and personal potential and to become responsible, productive members of society.

The Mission Statement (also called the Statement of Purpose) has been approved or revised by the State College Board of Trustees or the College of Charleston Board of Trustees on January 16, 1974; March 12, 1986; January 16, 1991; February 15, 1994; July 13, 2006; July 23, 2014; and August 25, 2014.