The objective of the M.A.S. program is to provide its graduates with the professional skills, knowledge, and competencies necessary to be successful, professional accountants in today’s complex business environment.
The program focuses on broad-based accounting knowledge; knowledge in other business disciplines that complements a professional accounting career; the ability to integrate this knowledge to make business decisions; the development of research, communication, technology and team-building skills; and an understanding of ethical issues and expectations for professional conduct.
Admission to the Master of Accounting Science program is competitive. Candidates may be asked by the department graduate adviser to complete an interview either in person or by phone.
The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) has approved NIU as a participant in IIA’s Endorsed Internal Auditing Program. To receive a IIA certificate of completion, a student must have either a B.S. in accountancy from NIU or an M.A.S. degree from NIU. As part of the certificate requirements students must complete ACCY 562, an approved business elective, and an academic internship (ACCY 473 or ACCY 673) in an internal audit position. A student completing the internal audit course work will have “Completion of internal audit course work as endorsed by the Institute of Internal Auditors” on the official NIU transcript.
Check departmental information for any additional requirements.
Master of Accounting Science Learning Goals and Objectives
Graduates from the NIU Department of Accountancy Master of Accounting Science (Leadership) will fulfill the following learning goals and objectives.
Learning Goal 1: Apply accounting concepts and technology to solve problems.
Learning Objective 1: Demonstrate appropriate knowledge of technical accounting concepts.
Learning Objective 2: Develop critical thinking skills necessary to solve problems.
Learning Objective 3: Support conclusions using appropriate research and authoritative pronouncements.
Learning Objective 4: Analyze problems with appropriate technology.
Learning Goal 2: Demonstrate leadership and professional skills.
Learning Objective 5: Communicate accounting and business information clearly and persuasively.
Learning Objective 6: Develop skills to receive and provide feedback.
Learning Goal 3: Assess decision alternatives of ethical choices.
Learning Objective 7: Evaluate the ethical implications of increasingly complex and uncertain problems.
Phase One
See Phase One Requirements listed under “Graduate Study in Business.”
ACCY 310, or its equivalent, will be accepted as meeting the Phase One requirement of OMIS 507 for entering M.A.S. students.
And
The Phase One foundation courses will be included in a student’s program of study unless she or he has earned a C or better in corresponding undergraduate courses or a B or better in equivalent graduate courses elsewhere, or has passed the first and only attempt of the Phase One exemption examination. The M.A.S. program director will determine which Phase One graduate courses will be included in each student’s program of courses. Phase One courses must be completed before enrolling in Phase Two M.A.S. requirements. Phase One courses may not be used as Phase Two electives or requirements.
Required Accountancy Courses
The graduate Phase One requirements must be included in the student’s program unless a grade of C or better has been earned in corresponding undergraduate courses, or the student has passed the first and only attempt of the Phase One exemption examination. A student with a baccalaureate degree in accountancy and acceptable undergraduate grades may have already satisfied Phase One requirements. Courses completed for the Foundation of Accountancy certificate meet most of the Phase One accountancy requirements. Earning a Foundation of Accountancy certificate does not waive the admission criteria.
A student must have a C or better in each Phase One accountancy course. A student enrolled in Phase One courses may take Phase Two courses at the discretion of the graduate adviser provided the student has successfully completed all prerequisites for the Phase Two courses and has maintained a 3.00 GPA in Phase One courses. However, any student who has not completed all Phase One courses must maintain a 3.00 GPA or above in all Phase One accountancy courses in order to register for any Phase Two course.
None of the required Phase One accountancy courses may be counted as accountancy electives in Phase Two.
The writing of a thesis is optional. It is recommended that calculus be taken in addition to finite math (equivalent to MATH 210).
Students are required to complete a minimum of 30 semester hours of course work beyond Phase One and the baccalaureate degree. The total Phase Two credits accepted in transfer from other institutions may not exceed 9 semester hours. Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.00 in all graduate course work completed in Phase Two.
Leadership Area of Study
Students pursuing the Leadership area of study must complete a minimum of 30 semester hours of course work and all required activities related to professional development. Students may focus their program of study with an emphasis towards financial reporting and assurance, managerial accounting systems, or taxation, or may work with an adviser to tailor a program of study of the student’s specific academic and career goals.
At least 18 semester hours in accounting courses including:
Nine semester hours of elective course work approved by the department (9)
Complete required professional development activities.
Professional Area of Study
The Professional area of study is designed for working professionals who desire to earn the degree in an evening format while continuing to work full time in an organization. Students pursuing the Professional area of study must complete a minimum of 30 semester hours of course work.
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