M.S. in Accounting
South Orange, USA
MSc
DURATION
5 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Jan 2026
TUITION FEES
USD 1,520 / per credit
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
Accounting professionals have a vast number of career paths and industries to choose from, which means our graduates enjoy high employment rates and job security.
Geared toward graduates who don't have a bachelor's degree in accounting, Seton Hall's Masters in Accounting (M.S.A.C.) program prepares you for a successful career and satisfies the educational credits required to sit for the CPA exam in New Jersey, New York, and most other states.
Many of the biggest firms and best-known agencies, including Big 4 Accounting firms among others, such as EY, Johnson Lambert, PwC, RSM, Withum, CohnReznick, and Deloitte turn to our program for recruiting at on-campus events, including our annual "Meet the Firms Night."
Full-time students can complete their coursework, on campus or online, in just 12 months; part-time students typically finish our program in two years.
Is a Master's in Accounting Right for You?
Deciding if a Master's in Accounting is right for you, especially if you don't have a bachelor's degree in accounting, requires careful consideration. If you have a genuine interest in financial systems, auditing, or tax regulations, this program can offer specialized knowledge that can be the gateway to a rewarding career in accounting or finance. The best master's in accounting programs are designed to provide students with the foundational accounting principles, ensuring a smooth transition for even students pursuing a new career. This pathway not only helps diversify your skill set but can also make you more marketable, as you'll bring a unique blend of your undergraduate education and advanced accounting skills to potential employers.
How Will the M.S. in Accounting Prepare You for the CPA Exam?
If you're aiming for certifications like the CPA, an M.S. in Accounting can provide the necessary educational credits and deep dive into subjects essential for the exam. It's crucial to be prepared for the rigorous coursework and to have an aptitude for numbers and analytical thinking. If you're looking to transition into a field with strong job prospects and have an inclination for financial analysis and detail-oriented tasks, then a Master's in Accounting might be a fitting choice, regardless of your undergraduate background.
Our program is of particular interest to those with liberal arts, social science, education, nursing or engineering degrees. Students can earn this academic credential in accounting while gaining eligibility for CPA, CMA, or CIA certifications.
Led by our dedicated, experienced faculty, you'll study financial accounting, auditing, taxation, and management accounting, thus satisfying the state's curriculum requirement.
You'll take accounting or taxation electives, choosing from specialized courses such as:
- Forensic Accounting
- Governmental and Not-for-Profit Accounting
- Tax Problems of Partners and Partnerships
You'll also find an emphasis on values; at Stillman, our mission is to enrich each student's life through an ethics-centered curriculum.
Prequalification Sequence
Students without a business background may be required to complete a sequence of online prequalification courses that do not bear credit. Accepted students can be waived from these courses based on prior coursework if conditions are met. Challenge exams are also available.
The requirement to complete pre-qualification courses bears no impact on admission to the program. The pre-qualification courses include:
BMBA 8008 Accounting Pre-Qualifier
The course provides the foundation for understanding how accounting information serves decision-makers in the global business world. The course focuses on the basics of accounting and reporting, outlining the composition and interrelationship of the primary financial statements and the principles that underlie their preparation. This course satisfies both the financial and managerial accounting prerequisites and must be taken before BACC7100.
BMBA 8009 Legal Studies Pre-Qualifier
The course provides an overview of the American legal process; and an introduction to the relationship between law and business with special emphasis on the law of contracts. Satisfies One course in Legal Studies, Business Law, and Legal Environment of Business and must be taken before BLAW7314.
Our program is of particular interest to those with liberal arts, social science, education, nursing or engineering degrees. Students can earn this academic credential in accounting while gaining eligibility for CPA, CMA or CIA certifications.
Led by our dedicated, experienced faculty, you'll study financial accounting, auditing, taxation, and management accounting, thus satisfying the state's curriculum requirement.
You'll take accounting or taxation electives, choosing from specialized courses such as:
- Forensic Accounting
- Governmental and Not-for-Profit Accounting
- Tax Problems of Partners and Partnerships
You'll also find an emphasis on values; at Stillman, our mission is to enrich each student's life through an ethics-centered curriculum.
Prequalification Sequence
Students without a business background may be required to complete a sequence of online prequalification courses that do not bear credit. Accepted students can be waived from these courses based on prior coursework if conditions are met. Challenge exams are also available.
The requirement to complete pre-qualification courses bears no impact on admission to the program. The pre-qualification courses include:
BMBA 8008 Accounting Pre-Qualifier
The course provides the foundation for understanding how accounting information serves decision-makers in the global business world. The course focuses on the basics of accounting and reporting, outlining the composition and interrelationship of the primary financial statements and the principles that underlie their preparation. This course satisfies both the financial and managerial accounting prerequisites and must be taken before BACC7100.
BMBA 8009 Legal Studies Pre-Qualifier
The course provides an overview of the American legal process; and an introduction to the relationship between law and business with special emphasis on the law of contracts. Satisfies One course in Legal Studies, Business Law, and Legal Environment of Business and must be taken before BLAW7314.
Required Courses
- Financial Reporting
- Cost Accounting
- Auditing Standards and Problems
- Essentials of Federal Taxation
- Financial Accounting Seminar
- Tax Research
- Commercial Law
Elective Courses
- Accounting or Taxation electives
Goals
To provide technical knowledge regarding financial statement presentation and proper recognition of its elements within the framework of generally accepted accounting principles.
To provide an understanding of the internal reporting responsibilities of a manager including capital budgeting, cost systems, performance evaluation, and profitability analysis.
To provide a solid foundation in the auditing profession, the audit process (including application to business cycles) and other assurance services.
- To provide exposure to basic areas of taxation for individuals
- To provide a foundation in the regulatory and legal environment surrounding business practices
- To provide strong research skills in financial accounting
- To provide a foundation in the uniform commercial code
- To provide exposure to basic areas of taxation for business entities
- To provide exposure to an array of advanced accounting topics, including but not limited to international accounting accounting information systems, and financial statement analysis
- To provide written communication, presentation, technology, and analytical / problem-solving skills necessary to begin an accounting career
- To help students recognize and respond to ethical issues that they might confront.
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