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MS in Accounting

The Master of Science (MS) in Accounting program is designed ONLY for accounting students and 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.  International students are not eligible for this program unless they have completed an undergraduate accounting program at a U.S. institution.

The one-year full-time curriculum, together with most undergraduate accounting programs, should satisfy the 150-hour educational requirement for certification and licensure as a certified public accountant (CPA). This is the educational standard advocated by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) that is required in most states. 

Created in response to demand by public accounting firms, the UB Master of Science in Accounting program enhances students’ technical training and critical thinking skills while building expertise in a particular area of practice. The program produces graduates who are able to make immediate contributions to their organizations, strengthening students’ professional marketability. Graduates of the program will enjoy a broad array of employment options.
(Left: 2012 MS Accounting grads Ellen Janicki, Amanda Fox, Daniel Debalski and Katie Saffire.)

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150 Hours: Ahead of the Curve

Most states require students to possess 150 hours of accounting education for certification and licensure as a CPA. The University at Buffalo Master of Science in Accounting program offers accounting students the opportunity to satisfy this requirement as they gain experience in issues of importance to the accounting profession. The advanced graduate accounting courses required for the MS provide cutting-edge training in financial accounting, managerial accounting, tax, auditing and financial analysis.

Program Advantages

• Completion of the degree demonstrates to employers a higher level of professional understanding
• The program provides experience and expertise within a specific practice area
• The degree will provide greater employment mobility and options
• The program satisfies the 150-hour CPA requirement within New York State and beyond

Faculty

The faculty who teach in the Master of Science in Accounting program are both scholars and teachers. They have earned a distinguished reputation in their fields and among their colleagues. That commitment to scholarship means that in class you’ll be hearing about the latest research and how it is applicable to current practice. Our faculty members are also dedicated to providing exceptional teaching, using the latest technology.

Department of Accounting and Law Faculty

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Connected with the Profession

The faculty, staff and students remain current with changes in this dynamic field through constant contact with accounting professionals and an established network of successful alumni. Some of these connections are achieved through the Accounting Advisory Council which is composed of leaders from the across the accounting industry who are employed at companies such as:

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Career Opportunities

Students who pursue the Master of Science in Accounting will find a breadth of opportunities in public accounting, financial management, consulting and corporate accounting. University at Buffalo accounting graduates may be found at companies such as:

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