Accounting serves as the primary means by which a company or organization communicates its financial information, often referred to as the "language of business." Individuals who are proficient in this language are vital contributors to the business world, making accounting one of the most sought-after majors among college students. An accounting major who earns a bachelor’s or graduate degree can explore a variety of career paths after graduation, including roles such as public accountant, corporate accountant, auditor, fraud examiner, or financial analyst.

Students in an accounting program will explore key areas such as financial accounting—reporting an organization’s financial position—and managerial accounting, which uses this data to assess performance and guide future business decisions. Additionally, students will gain expertise in taxation, auditing, financial reporting, and more.

As businesses continue to expand globally, the need for accountants to navigate increasingly complex tax and regulatory environments is growing. Equally important is the role technology plays in modern accounting. Information technology has revolutionized the way accountants manage and evaluate financial data. Today’s accountants must be adept at using advanced software tools for financial analysis, tax preparation, and auditing. Automation and AI technologies also reduce manual tasks, allowing accountants to focus more on strategic decision-making and risk assessment. Understanding these technological advancements not only increases efficiency but also enables accountants to provide real-time financial insights to businesses.

In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a steady demand for accountants, driven by the increased complexity of financial regulations and the reliance on technology for data analysis and compliance. Employment of accountants and auditors is projected to grow 6 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. Accountants who are equipped with both traditional accounting knowledge and technological skills will be highly competitive in the job market.

The master’s degree in accounting offered at NJCU strengthens this dual foundation by teaching principles of accounting while integrating modern technologies that are critical in today's financial environments. Graduates will be prepared not only to meet the demands of today’s accounting profession but also to excel in technology-driven roles within organizations.

Career Pathways and Certifications

Graduates may pursue certifications like Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), or Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), all of which require rigorous knowledge in both accounting principles and technological proficiency. The NJCU master’s degree provides the necessary coursework to help students prepare for these certifications, giving them a competitive edge in a technology-focused accounting landscape.

The NJCU master's degree in accounting and analytics includes a combination of core courses and electives for a total of 30 credit hours. Students without an undergraduate degree in accounting or business may be accepted into the program but may be required to take additional foundational accounting courses. Applicants with an undergraduate accounting degree can anticipate earning a master's in one year or less, assuming full-time attendance.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

• The completion of a Bachelor's degree. (NOTE: The Master of Science in Accounting program requires students to have successfully completed undergraduate courses in Financial Accounting (ACCT 251), Managerial Accounting (ACCT 252), Intermediate Accounting I (ACCT 351), Intermediate Accounting II (ACCT 352), Problems in Taxation (ACCT 453) and Advanced Accounting (ACCT 454) or the equivalent from an accredited school with a grade of C or better. )
• A cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0
• Students whose undergraduate GPA is below 3.0 may be considered for admission and matriculation with the following conditions:
  • Business undergraduate majors with a GPA below 3.0 must take BUSI 599 in the first semester and attain a grade of B or better to continue in the MBA or MS program
  • Non-business majors must take BUSI 599 in the first semester and attain a grade of B or better to continue in the MS or MBA program 
• Meet all minimum requirements of the Graduate Studies Office including: completed application; transcripts; recommendation letters; essay; resume. 
• Additional requirements for international students include: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) test results, and Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE), or World Education Services (WES) evaluation of international transcripts.
• Up to nine graduate course credits in applicable content from other institutions may be accepted with the approval of the School of Business.

• To apply for graduate study go to the Graduate Application web page. 
  For more information about the TOEFL exam go to TOEFL. 

  Prerequisite Requirements:
  The 30-credit course of study assumes an undergraduate degree in Business. A student that does not meet minimum requirements may be required to take foundational accounting courses.

Total Credit Hours: 30

SEE NOTES BELOW

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NOTE 3:  Students with an undergraduate degree from the U.S. who have achieved a B or better in a comparable undergraduate course or equivalent, may not be required to take ACCT 551, ACCT 552, and ACCT 553. If a course is waived, students must take an additional elective for each waived course instead.

Note: Students without an undergraduate accounting degree may be required to take foundational accounting courses.

This plan is based on seven-week terms (rather than 16-week semesters) that are expected to be implemented for all graduate courses at the NJCU School of Business, effective Fall 2021. One academic year consists of six terms of seven weeks each: Fall I, Fall II, Spring I, Spring II, Summer I, and Summer II. A full-time student is expected to take six credit hours per term.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Master of Science in Accounting, students will be able to:

1. Apply appropriate qualitative and quantitative techniques to translate accounting information and analyze complex accounting-related issues for business decision making.

2. Integrate analytical decision-making frameworks and common software applications to solve accounting problems.

3. Assess business decisions by employing ethical principles, social responsibility concepts, and professional accounting standards.

4. Produce clearly written, concise business analyses, and deliver clear, well-organized, persuasive oral presentations.

5. Collaborate effectively with others as part of a team.

6. Demonstrate team leadership through active group participation.

7. Critique the effect of global and cultural issues on a firm and its constituents.