Unique

Fontbonne University designed the Master of Science in Accounting graduate degree to meet specific needs of adults interested in entering the growing job market of accounting, especially public accounting. Most universities offer two types of master degrees in accounting - one geared toward undergraduate accounting majors and the other imbeded within a five year accounting program. These masters are well suited for those who know they are seeking a career in accounting early in their education.

However, Fontbonne recognizes that on the average, a person makes more than five career changes over their lifetime. The master of science in accounting (MSA) is ideal for those with a non-accounting business degree who are now interested in becoming a private accountant or a certified public accountant. An undergraduate business degree combined with the MSA accounting courses will likely fulfill the newer 150 credit-hour rule for the CPA exam. This includes 60 hours of business-related courses, 36 hours of which must be accounting or related and at least three hours in auditing.

Practical

Whether you work long hours through the week, travel on weekdays, or live outside of the metropolitan area, the MSA program can fit your busy schedule. And help keep your weeknights free for family, personal activities, and other commitments. Courses are offered on the Clayton campus in an eight-week format and classes meet on Saturday for 4.5 hours. With five terms per year in January, March, June, August, and October, you'll appreciate quality instruction in an accelerated mode. It's possible for qualified candidates to complete the MSA degree in less than 2.5 years taking just one course at a time. However, it may be possible to finish sooner when a second track of Saturday courses begins.

Timely

The U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics sites favorable job opportunities in the accounting field through 2012. Growth will come from several sources including changing financial regulations, new businesses arising from economic growth, and greater scrutiny of company finances due to recent corporate accounting scandals. The 2004-05 Occupational Outlook Handbook reports that those who earn a master's degree in accounting will have an advantage in the job market and those who obtain professional reccognition such as CPA certification should have excellent job prospects.

For more information on the Master of Science in Accounting Program at Fontbonne contact (314) 863-2220 or options@fontbonne.edu