Master of Science in Accounting (MSA)
Overview
Duration
1 to 2 years
Required Credits
30
Location
UNLV campus
Five Reasons to Get a Master's Degree in Accounting at UNLV:
- Jobs: The master’s program has an average placement rate of over 90% prior to graduation with nearly ⅔ of our graduates accepting positions in public accounting. This is linked to our successful internship program and bi-annual employers night events sponsored by our student group, Beta Alpha Psi.
- Networking: Access networking opportunities and hone soft skills necessary for career success by participating in student organizations such as Beta Alpha Psi or the IMA (Institute of Management Accountants) student chapters.
- Accreditation: Lee Business School is one of 5% of business schools with both business and accounting accreditation by AACSB International (The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business).
- Internal Audit Certificate: UNLV’s Department of Accounting is also one of a select group of schools to be endorsed by the Institute of Internal Auditors as an IIA Educational Partnership school. Students can participate in the IIAEP Program as part of their master’s degree program and can earn an Internal Audit Certificate along with their degree.
- CPA Certification: The Department of Accounting has partnered with the AICPA to promote a culture of professional certificate attainment. We have incorporated a CPA review course into our curriculum and have CPA exam pass rates for Graduate Students that exceed the national average. We are also actively involved with the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) and awarding 10 Certified Management Accountant (CMA) scholarships annually.
Compete in the Dynamic Accounting Field
The master’s degree in accounting is a professional degree designed to enhance skills for individuals planning careers in accounting. The demand for accounting graduates is evident – with nationwide job growth for accountants and auditors projected to be 11.2% by 2029, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
This growth necessitates a strong pipeline of accounting graduates. A master’s in accounting provides specialized skills and knowledge needed to thrive in this industry and eventually become a certified public accountant (CPA).
“I enrolled in the accounting program at UNLV to further my accounting knowledge, partake in a prestigious program, and set myself up for success after graduation. The program has allowed me to complete the CPA educational requirements, pass the CPA exams, and make me a highly desirable job candidate. I will receive my CPA license in early 2023.”
Bailey Thomas
MS Accounting degree recipient, Spring ‘22
Admission Process
Our program is open to graduates from all undergraduate disciplines. You must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year a institution in the United States or proof of equivalent training at an international college or university.
Students must apply to the UNLV Graduate College’s Grad Rebel Gateway and submit the required documents. Applicants must also submit a GMAT or GRE score. Students may qualify for a GMAT waiver based on having a 3.25 Accounting GPA from an AACSB accredited school.
Program Structure
The accounting program is designed for individuals interested in pursuing a career within the top levels of the accounting industry, or for those who have no experience with accounting and want to build their knowledge of the profession. The program of study includes training in advanced accounting topics such as auditing, financial accounting, accounting systems, and taxation.
The program is a 30-credit hour program for students who have the equivalent to an undergraduate degree in accounting and the program can be completed in as little as 12-months. Students who do not have a degree in accounting must complete 21 credits of prerequisite accounting courses in addition to the 30-credit hours.
Application Deadlines
Fall Term:
May 1 – International applicants
August 1 – Domestic or permanent residence applicants
Spring Term:
October 1 – International applicants
December 1 – Domestic or permanent resident applicants
Summer Term:
March 1 – International applicants
May 15 – Domestic or permanent resident applicants
Faculty
Our accounting faculty are globally-recognized experts in the accounting field, publish in top-tier internationally recognized academic journals, and are engaged in their respective communities.
Specialized Skills Mean More Career Opportunities
The master’s in accounting program can open doors to well-paying, stable career paths in many areas of business. Students develop strong technical and accounting skills and are exposed to state-of-the-art tools and techniques preparing them for careers involving auditing, financial reporting, taxation, and forensic accounting, among others.
“Pursuing an MSA at UNLV was one of the greatest decisions I could have made. Not only did it prepare me with the necessary skills to succeed, it also exposed me to many professional opportunities that helped me get ahead in my career.”
Ingrid Zarate
MS Accounting degree recipient, Spring ‘21
Currently working as an Assurance Staff at Ernst & Young
Career Options
With your accounting degree, you'll have the knowledge and skills to succeed in a variety of roles, including:
- Corporate Controller
- Senior Accountant
- Accounting Manager
- Senior Financial Analyst
- Public Accountant
- Internal Auditor
- IT Auditor
- Tax Accountant
- IRS Auditor
Program Advisors Contact
Lee Business School
Director of MS in Accounting
Kimberly Charron, Ph.D.
Associate Professor & Nevada Gold Mines Faculty Fellow
Graduate Coordinator
702-895-1389
msa@unlv.edu
Prospective Student Contact
Lee Business School
Graduate Student Services
Lisa Davis, Ph.D.
Executive Director
702-895-3655
lisa.davis@unlv.edu
Catalog Information
Visit our Degrees Directory to view our catalog information.