Master's in Accounting (On-Campus, Evenings)
Master of Science in Accounting
30 Credit Hours | 10 Courses | Evening Classes
The Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) offered at the Meinders School of Business is a highly structured program designed for students who aspire to hold positions in public accounting, corporate accounting, government accounting and similar endeavors. Students receive superior preparation for the CPA examination.
Students obtain an in-depth knowledge of highly technical financial accounting standards, auditing standards, tax statutes and regulations. Faculty provide focused, pragmatic lectures and innovative assignments that maximize learning, while respecting student time.
Successful completion of the Meinders School of Business’ Master of Science in Accounting (M.S.A.) program applies toward the educational requirements to sit for the Uniform CPA Examination to qualify for a CPA certificate and license to practice public accounting in the state of Oklahoma.
Each state is unique in its CPA certification and licensure requirements. For details on requirements in a specific state, please consult the AICPA website.
Program Highlights
- Master’s classes are taught in the evening to accommodate working students.
- Competitive tuition rates and scholarship opportunities.
- Class size is limited to allow professors to focus upon honing communication and critical-thinking skills.
- Up to six hours of academic credit for CPA Exam preparation classes.
- Our technical preparation for the CPA Exam is second to none. CPA Exam Prep classes are offered for academic credit using the Becker CPA Exam Review materials, while faculty instill practical knowledge that can only be learned from those with years of real world experience.
- Graduates have excellent job placement and CPA Exam passage rates.
- Professors bring public, industry, and government experience to the classroom.
- Classes are taught at the Meinders School of Business, located close to downtown OKC, at our state-of-the-art facility with ample parking.
Required Prerequisite Courses
Accounting Prerequisites Required (21 credit hours)
ACCT 2113 | Financial Accounting |
ACCT 2213 | Managerial Accounting |
ACCT 3113 | Intermediate Accounting I** |
ACCT 3123 | Intermediate Accounting II** |
ACCT 3413 | Introduction to Taxation** |
ACCT 4313 | Auditing** |
MGMT 2213 | Business Law* |
* May be waived if MGMT 5703 Legal and Ethical Environment of Business is taken as an MSA elective
** Must be taken at a regionally-accredited U.S. school
All waivers and agreements are subject to compliance with the appropriate OCU bulletin or approval of the Dean.
Accounting Core Courses
Accounting Core Courses
ACCT 5123 | Accounting Theory |
ACCT 5313 | Advanced Auditing Policies & Assurance Services |
ACCT 5413 | Advanced Taxation of Business Entities |
Elective Courses
Accounting Electives (3 or more)
ACCT 5133 | Financial Statement Analysis |
ACCT 5143 | Government and Not-for-Profit Accounting |
ACCT 5163 | Energy Accounting |
ACCT 5223 | Forensic Accounting |
ACCT 5323 | Principles of Fraud Examination |
ACCT 5613 | Accounting Ethics |
ACCT 5913 | Special Topics in Accounting |
ACCT 5453 | Digital Forensics |
Other Electives*
ECON 5253 | Forensic Economics |
FIN 5303 | Financial Strategy & Decision Making |
FIN 5353 | Current Issues in Financial Fraud |
MBA 5123 | Effective Leadership & Communication |
MGMT 5703 | Ethical, Societal, & Legal Environment of Business |
ACCT 5723 | CPA Exam Review Part I - Becker CPA Review |
ACCT 5613 | CPA Exam Review Part II - Becker CPA Review |
* Other non-accounting courses may be approved as electives, subject to the approval of the accounting department chair.
Master Certificate in Financial Fraud and Forensic Accounting
Prospective MSA students are encouraged to learn about the option to earn the Master Certificate in Financial Fraud and Forensic Accounting. This program is the first financial fraud certificate in the region - and only one of a handful throughout the entire U.S. The 15-credit hours earned from the Master Certificate in Financial Fraud and Forensic Accounting can be transferred toward the 30-credit hour MSA degree. Completion of the MSA would require 5 additional courses, consisting of 15 credit hours.
The courses are designed to prepare students for fraud examination (CFE), forensic accounting (CFF), and business valuation (CVA) professional certification. Courses focused on participants’ development of competencies in white-collar crime prevention and detection - including forensic and investigative principles/practices in accounting, economics, finance, and digital devices.
Learn More about the Master Certificate in Financial Fraud and Forensic Accounting program.
Course Descriptions
Accounting Core Courses
5123 Accounting Theory | 3 credit hours
Study and evaluation of alternative theory, practices, and generally accepted accounting principles of fnancial accounting and the bases for conclusions reached by the Financial Accounting Standards Board and other fnancial accounting standard-setting bodies. Prerequisite: ACCT 3123. (Fall)
5313 Auditing Policies, Frameworks, and Practices | 3 credit hours
Application of technical auditing skills and techniques based on mastery and interpretation of AICPA and PCAOB auditing standards and pronouncements as well as contemporary frameworks for enterprise risk management and fraud prevention and detection. Topics include latest methods involved in audit planning, control structure review, procedures selection, procedural execution, and communication of audit fndings and results. Prerequisite: ACCT 4313. (Fall)
5413 Income Taxation of Entities | 3 credit hours
Introduction to income taxation issues unique to C corporations, S corporations, partnerships, and estates/trusts, including preparation of entity returns. Prerequisites: ACCT 3413 and ACCT 4413. (Fall)
Accounting Electives (3 or more)
ACCT 5133 International Accounting | 3 credit hours
Survey of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and other topics related to international accounting.
5143 Government and Not-for Proft Accounting | 3 credit hours
Course develops students’ understanding of the governmental, not-for-proft, and partnership accounting concepts. Coverage includes accounting transactions for the listed entities and basic financial statement preparation and information provided therein. Prerequisite: ACCT 3123
ACCT 5163 Energy Accounting | 3 credit hours
Acquaints students with accounting in the Energy industry, including acquisition, production/depletion and retirement of oil and gas properties. Topics include differences between full cost and successful efforts accounting methods; accounting for joint ventures; and analysis of financial statements and disclosures issued by oil and natural gas firms. Introduction to related tax issues.
ACCT 5223 Forensic Accounting | 3 credit hours
Overview of the methodology of fraud examination including prevention, detection, and investigation concerning occupational fraud, financial reporting fraud, and asset misappropriation.
ACCT 5323 Principles of Fraud Examination | 3 credit hours
Develops the main topics in fraud examination, including: the nature and motivations for fraud; fraud prevention, detection, and investigation; various types of fraud; and, some of the more infamous fraud cases. Utilizes an open-ended, seminar format in which students actively participate in gathering materials and discussion.
ACCT 5613 Accounting Ethics | 3 credit hours
Survey of professional ethics standards and personal ethics as applied to the practice of accounting.
ACCT 5911-3 Special Topics in Accounting | 1-3 credit hours
A variable-credit course designed to meet the needs of students with specific interest in specialized accounting topic.
ACCT 5453 Digital Forensics | 3 credit hours
Digital forensics is a branch of forensic science offering professionals a systematic approach to the recovery and investigation of material found in digital devices, often aimed at solving computer crimes or other crimes utilizing digital devices. The needs for digital forensic experts are growing in corporations, accounting and law firms, insurance companies and law enforcement. Digital forensics investigations have a variety of applications - most commonly to provide supportive or refuting evidence before criminal or civil courts (as part of the discovery process). This work would include retrieval procedures that follow proper investigative procedures. Forensics may also provide support for internal corporate investigations or intrusion investigations (i.e., a specialist probe into the nature and extent of an unauthorized network intrusion). This course will cover both the principals and practice of digital forensics.
Other Electives
MGMT 5703 – Ethical, Societal, and Legal Environment of Business | 3 credit hours
This course examines areas of law and ethics that relate to the contemporary business environment. Areas of study include contracts, torts, white collar crime, product liability, anti-competitive practices, consumer protection, employment practices, business organizations, and the legal and ethical responsibilities.
ECON 5253 Forensic Economics | 3 credit hours
Introduces students to methods of policy analysis most common to litigated situations. This course introduces models of personal damage estimation including harm to individuals and property. The course also surveys developing topics in the field of forensic economics relevant to aspiring practitioners. 3 credit hours.
FIN 5353 Fraud and Financial Markets | 3 credit hours
This course discusses some of the most common forms of fraudulent practices in the finance world of investments, real estate, banking and insurance. The course will raise awareness of such harmful behavior and equip students with the knowledge and skills to detect and prevent them from occurring.
FIN 5303 Financial Strategy & Decision Making | 3 credit hours
Fundamental concepts such as time value of money and risk-return relationships in finance are presented in detail. Financial decisions faced by modern business enterprises are analyzed in the framework of financial theories. These decisions include capital budgeting, long-term financing, dividend policy, short-term financial management, and performance evaluations. Prerequisites: FIN 5023 or FIN 3023 and ACCT 5403.
MBA 5123 – Effective Leadership & Communication | 3 credit hours
Facilitates the development of interpersonal and team skills leaders need to function effectively. Focuses on integrated behavioral competencies demanded in organizations today: self-awareness, communication, negotiation, collaboration, and relationship building. Students work through individual leadership profile assessments, evaluate effective leadership behaviors, and explore techniques and processes to communicate and negotiate effectively.
ACCT 5223 Forensic Accounting | 3 credit hours
Overview of the methodology of fraud examination including prevention, detection, and investigation concerning occupational fraud, financial reporting fraud, and asset misappropriation.
5713 CPA Exam Review I & 5723 CPA Exam Review II | 3 credit hours each; 6 total
Prepares the student to sit for the CPA Exam by systematically reviewing topics covered on the exam. The primary goal of the courses is to take the rules and concepts studied in the Accounting curriculum and incorporate them into a comprehensive understanding of the accounting framework. Becker CPA Review materials are used in both courses. MGMT 5703 – Ethical, Societal, and Legal Environment of Business 3 credit hours This course examines areas of law and ethics that relate to the contemporary business environment. Areas of study include contracts, torts, white-collar crime, product liability, anti-competitive practices, consumer protection, employment practices, business organizations, and the legal and ethical responsibilities of business.
Admission Requirements
Applications are evaluated on an individual basis and consider the following factors:
1. Academic Background (Transcript)
2. Professional Experience (Resume)
3. Personal Statement (Minimum 500 words, no maximum)
4. Recommendations (At least two; via online form)
For questions about the application process:
Cindy Treadway
Meinders Graduate Advisor
ctreadway@okcu.edu
(405) 208-5154
Tuition & Fees
Tuition & Fees 2020-2021 | Per 3-Credit Course | To Earn 30 Credits (10 courses) |
---|---|---|
Tuition $590/credit | $1,770 | $17,700 |
General Fees $155/credit* | $465 | $4,650 |
One-time Records Fee | $250 | |
$2,235 | $22,600 |
*General Fees Waived for students employed by Meinders Corporate Partners that provide tuition assistance to their employees.
Download Program One Sheet
Program Contact
For specific program questions, please contact:
Randy Murray
Clinical Professor of Accounting
jrmurray@okcu.edu
405-208-5158