Accounting (M.S.)

The Master of Science in Accounting, offered by the Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics, develops students’ advanced accounting knowledge, strong analytical and communication skills, as well as awareness of ethical issues for careers in public accounting firms, small businesses, non­-profit organizations, and major corporations.

The AACSB-accredited MSA program satisfies the 150-­hour course load required by most U.S. state licensing boards, including the state of New Hampshire.  Students learn additional accounting knowledge in specialized courses that provide strong preparation for the CPA exam process.

Designed for students with undergraduate degrees in accounting, the graduate program can be completed in one year of full-time study or three years of part-time study, with classses offered during the day.

Applicants without an undergraduate degree in accounting or business will be required to complete additional foundation undergraduate courses prior to beginning the graduate program. If an applicant has not completed all of the foundation courses, the admissions committee may offer provisional admission and require that the applicant take certain foundation courses prior to beginning the standard course of study.

Students with Non-Accounting Business Degrees

Foundation courses that must be completed at the undergraduate level are:

Students with Non-Business Degrees

In addition to the accounting foundation courses listed above, students with non-business degrees are typically required to complete these courses at the undergraduate level:

Degree Requirements

Students complete seven required courses and three elective courses.

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Electives are chosen to help develop specialization in a particular area. Please note that elective course offerings are subject to class enrollment and may not be offered each year.

Accelerated Master's Overview

Accelerated Master’s programs offer qualified University of New Hampshire undergraduate students the opportunity to begin graduate coursework in select graduate programs while completing a bachelor’s degree. Accelerated master's programs are designed to provide students with an efficient and cost-effective pathway to earn both a bachelor's and master's degree or graduate certificate, enhancing career opportunities and long-term earning potential. 

Accelerated Master's Highlights

• Begin studying advanced topics while an undergraduate student with the opportunity to complete a master’s degree or graduate certificate early.
• Master’s degree program students: Earn up to 12* graduate (800-level) course credits while completing a bachelor’s degree. This coursework will count as dual-credit toward both the bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
• Graduate certificate program students: Earn up to 8* graduate (800-level) course credits while completing a bachelor’s degree. This coursework will count as dual-credit toward both the bachelor’s degree and the graduate certificate.
• Students complete the bachelor’s degree, and then officially matriculate into the master’s or graduate certificate program to complete the remaining required graduate-level coursework.

*Some exceptions apply. 

Accelerated Master's Admission Requirements

• A minimum 3.2 cumulative GPA is required.*
• A minimum of 90 undergraduate credits must be completed prior to enrolling in graduate (800-level) courses.
• Streamlined Graduate School Application (two letters of recommendation; most standardized tests and application fee are waived).*

*Some exceptions apply.

Accelerated Master's Requirements

• Students must attend a mandatory orientation session.
• Students must submit a special registration form each semester for dual-credit courses and note any DegreeWorks exceptions.
• Students may defer graduate matriculation for up to one year after earning their bachelor’s degree in most programs.
• See the Accelerated Master’s Catalog Policy and Accelerated Master’s Website for additional information and a list of programs. Note that some programs have additional requirements (e.g. higher-grade expectations) compared to the general policy.

Accounting (M.S.) Accelerated Option

This graduate degree program is approved to be taken on an accelerated basis in articulation with the following undergraduate program(s): 

Additional Information

Within the accelerated option, high achieving students also have an opportunity to participate in the MSA Financial Leadership in Accounting pathway. This provides an opportunity to complete an UG accounting degree + winter internship + MSA in 4.5 years. This expands on the benefits of the accelerated MSA option with a "busy season" winter internship and access to unique leadership events. Please seek more details from the MSA Director and/or Accounting Department Chair and apply for Accelerated Master’s admission before completing 90 undergraduate credits. 

Program Learning Outcomes

• Students will demonstrate core accounting knowledge.
• Students will demonstrate the ability to solve complex problems in accounting.
• Students will engage in effective teamwork behaviors.
• Students will communicate effectively in an accounting context.
• Students will demonstrate an understanding of the key differences between US and international accounting standards.
• Students will demonstrate an understanding of the ethical and professional dimensions of accounting practices.