Outcomes & Assessments

The MSAT program prepares students for advanced positions in the accounting field with a curriculum of 30 credits – in both fundamental and specialized topics. It is in conformity with the licensing requirements for state CPA examinations. The program combines theory with accounting practice to familiarize students with a wide range of current accounting issues and with the analytical approach necessary to make accountants effective as key business partners to senior management. Graduates pursue a career in professional accounting in an accounting firm, or as individual practitioners, or as part of a corporate accounting staff.

Learning Objectives of the MSAT:

1. Impart technical skills in all of the major areas of accounting, including auditing, financial reporting, taxation, and control systems.

2. Become knowledgeable about important rulings and accounting standards and how they affect business decision making:

• Generally Accepted Accounting Standards (GAAP)
• International Accounting Standards (ISA)
• Financial Accounting Standards (FASB)
• Law and practice of taxation and tax planning
• Sarbanes-Oxley

3. Understand the legal and ethical environment as it applies to the work of professional accountants.

4. Be familiar with the major sources of information on auditing, accounting, and taxation.

5. Demonstrate business communication, motivation, and influencing skills at the level of a professional manager and support these with effective verbal and written presentations.

Outcomes Assessment Measures

1. Performance on the CPA exam

2. Capstone course - Seminar in Contemporary Accounting Issues - GAT890

• Research and application of FASB rulings
• Presentation on the impact of a FASB on the financial decision making process of a firm
• Analysis of landmark tax cases and their impact on managerial tax planning

3. Controllership and Financial Planning - GAT875

• Comprehensive review of control systems via case analysis
• Integration of control systems with strategic objectives

4. Advanced Auditing and Fraud Examination

• Control systems and investigative techniques to deter fraud and detect its occurrence.
• Comprehensive case analysis of financial statement fraud.

Specialized skill sets developed via elective courses

• Business Valuation
• Fraud Examination and Financial Statement Fraud
• Business Law
• Business Ethics
• Managerial Tax Planning
• International Accounting
• FASB Decisions and Rulings
• Accounting for Non-Profits and Government Agencies (national, state and local)