Program: Accounting MS - University at Buffalo

Apr 03, 2025

2023-2024 Graduate Catalog

The Master of Science in Accounting degree program is designed for accounting students or professionals who have completed an undergraduate accounting degree from a U.S. college or university, and who seek to enhance their technical and professional skills through completion of an advanced degree in accounting. The one-year, full-time curriculum, together with most undergraduate accounting programs, satisfies the 150-hour educational requirement for certification and licensure as a certified public accountant (CPA) in New York State. Our MS Accounting graduates have consistently had top CPA exam performances amoung the largest accounting programs in New York State and are equipped with the complete package of credentials, experience, and higher-level skils (critical thinking, presentation skills, communications, time management, leadership, and more) to rise to the top in today’s competitive and data-driven workplace.

Required Core - All Tracks (12 credits)

MGA 612LEC - Taxation of Business Entities Credits: 3
MGA 614LEC - Advanced Auditing Credits: 3
MGA 621LEC - Data Analytics for Accountants Credits: 3
MGA 623LEC - Introduction to Professional Tax Research Credits: 1.5
MGA 624LEC - Research in Accounting & Auditing Standards Credits: 1.5

Select a Track

Select 1 of following tracks:

Data Analytics
Financial Accounting and Assurance
Internal Audit and Risk Management
Taxation

then complete the remaining requirements and culminating experience for a total of 30 credit hours.

Data Analytics Track

Data Analytics Core (15 credits)

Complete:

1 MGA Graduate Level Accounting Elective or Internship (Limit 1 Internship, 3 credits)
1 MGA Graduate Level Accounting Elective

Select 3 from:

MGG 633LEC - Model Managerial Process Credits: 3
MGQ 603LEC - Prescriptive Analytics Credits: 3
MGS 613LEC - Database Mgmt Systems Credits: 3
MGS 616LEC - Predictive Analytics Credits: 3

Culminating Experience: Project (3 credits)

Select 1 from:

MGA 617SEM - Advanced Topics in Management Accounting and Control Credits: 3
MGA 618SEM - Current Issues in Financial Reporting Credits: 3

Financial Accounting and Assurance Track

Financial Accounting and Assurance Core (15 credits)

Complete:

1 MGX Graduate Level Business Elective or Internship (Limit 1 Internship, 3 credits)
1 MGX Graduate Level Business Elective

MGA 637LEC - Business Valuation for Accountants Credits: 3
MGA 642LEC - Information Technology Audit Credits: 3
MGA 643LEC - Fraud Examination and Forensic Investigation Credits: 3

Culminating Experience: Project (3 credits)

Select 1 from:

MGA 617SEM - Advanced Topics in Management Accounting and Control Credits: 3
MGA 618SEM - Current Issues in Financial Reporting Credits: 3

Internal Audit and Risk Management Track

Internal Audit and Risk Management Core (15 credits)

Complete:

1 MGX Graduate Level Business Elective or Internship

MGA 640LEC - Principles and Practice of Internal Auditing Credits: 3
MGA 641LEC - Advanced Topics in Internal Audit Credits: 3
MGA 642LEC - Information Technology Audit Credits: 3
MGA 643LEC - Fraud Examination and Forensic Investigation Credits: 3

Culminating Experience: Project (3 credits)

Select 1 from:

MGA 617SEM - Advanced Topics in Management Accounting and Control Credits: 3
MGA 618SEM - Current Issues in Financial Reporting Credits: 3

Taxation Track

Taxation Core (15 credits)

Complete:

1 MGX Graduate Level Business Elective or Internship (Limit 1 Internship, 3 credits)
1 MGX Graduate Level Business Elective

MGA 651LEC - Tax Planning for the Closely-Held Business Credits: 3
MGA 652LEC - Tax Planning for Multijurisdictional Entities Credits: 3
MGA 653LEC - Advanced Topics in Corporate Taxation Credits: 3

Culminating Experience: Project (3 credits)

MGA 654SEM - Advanced Topics in ASC 740 and IRC Subchapter K Credits: 3

Total Credit Hours - All Tracks: 30

3.0 Degree GPA required

Instruction Method

In Person (100 percent of courses offered in person)

Full/Part Time Options

Full Time

Credits Required

30 Hours

Time-To-Degree

1 Year

Application Fee

$100

Program Contact

School of Management
Office of Strategic Marketing and Enrollment Management
150 Jacobs Management Center
Buffalo, NY 14260
Contact Admissions

SED Statement

This program is officially registered with the New York State Education Department (SED).

Online programs/courses may require students to come to campus on occasion. Time-to-degree and number of credit hours may vary based on full/part time status, degree, track and/or certification option chosen. Time-to-degree is based on calendar year(s). Contact the department for details.