Master of Science in Accounting and Finance
Program Coordinator: Sheri Erickson, Ph.D
Center for Business 204B, 218.477.4073
erickson@mnstate.edu
The Master of Science in Accounting and Finance program is designed to provide a unique blend of two disciplines and practice. Students completing the program will be well-prepared to pursue careers in investment management or accounting and to obtain professional designations like Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) or Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
Professional certifications are becoming increasingly important in today’s competitive business environment. This program helps prepare students to obtain one or more of these professional certifications. One goal of the program is to improve the marketability of both accounting and finance graduates.
The School of Business is accredited by AACSB International. Fewer than 5% of the world’s business schools have achieved this distinction, which involves a process of rigorous internal review and evaluation. AACSB accreditation signifies that the School of Business has a high quality teaching environment, a commitment to continuous improvement, and curricula responsive to the needs of business.
Master of Science in Accounting and Finance
Description
Master of Science in Accounting and Finance - 31 credits
Admission Requirements
Information on admission requirements can be found on the Graduate Studies webpage.
Student Learning Outcomes
MSAF Program Learning Goals and Objectives
- Solving financial problems – Graduates will demonstrate the ability to apply financial concepts to solve financial problems.
1.1. Graduates will be able to evaluate alternative financial strategies and select an appropriate course of action.
- Accounting research – Graduates will demonstrate the ability to conduct accounting research effectively.
2.1. Graduates will be able to identify and access relevant rules and standards.
2.2. Graduates will be able to resolve conflict or ambiguity in accounting standards.
2.3. Graduates will be able to extrapolate from available rules and guidance to solve problems not addressed by existing standards or rules.
- Financial statements analysis – Graduates will demonstrate the ability to use financial statement information effectively.
3.1. Graduates will be able to assess quality of reporting by a corporation.
3.2. Graduates will be able to identify and apply necessary adjustments to reported financial information to enhance comparability and financial analysis.
3.3. Graduates will be able integrate financial statements information into financial recommendations.
- Communication – Graduates will demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively.
4.1. Graduates will be able to write effectively in their field.
4.2. Graduates will be able to deliver an effective oral presentation in their field.
Core Requirements
BUS 602 Quantitative Methods (3)
BUS 640 Financial Statement Analysis (3)
BUS 642 Corporate Finance (3)
BUS 644 Advanced Financial Statement Analysis (3)
BUS 648 Investments (3)
BUS 696 Project/Action Research (Plan B) (1)
Program Requirements
31 credits for degree completion; 15 core credits, 15 elective credits, 1 portfolio credit
A student must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the program. If a student’s GPA falls below 3.0 then the student will be placed on probation and allowed to take only 6 credits the following semester. If after taking 6 credits during probation, the student’s GPA is still below 3.0 then the student will be expelled and not allowed to reapply.
Students who wish to transfer credits from other institutions or have taken courses before admission to the graduate program should refer to the “Residence and Transfer of Credit” section in the Graduate Bulletin for further information.
Completion of oral examination which serves as a review of the student’s portfolio.
Restricted Electives
Students select 5 courses from the following list:
ACCT 507 Commercial Transactions, Property, and Special Topics (3)
ACCT 532 Advanced Accounting II (3)
ACCT 541 Tax Accounting I (3)
ACCT 543 Tax Accounting II (3)
ACCT 561 Audit II (3)
FINC 545 International Financial Management (3)
FINC 546 Financial Decision Making (3)
FINC 560 Portfolio Analysis and Management (3)
FINC 563 Futures and Options (3)
Note: Students enrolling in 400 level cross-listed courses to meet undergraduate degree requirements will not be allowed to use them for graduate credit.