Master of Science in Accountancy

Philosophical study of the nature, types and criteria of human value with a study of ethical principles and major philosophies in the area. Special emphasis will be paid to the analysis of contemporary ethical problems in the world of work. Discusses the importance of management decisions in a business-centered society, such as the United States; the desire of businessmen to do what is right; the difficulties they sometimes encounter in acting ethically; and the complexity of their ethical dilemmas. Case studies will be extensively used.

Course Offered: Summer Session I

A course dealing primarily with the application of economic concepts and analysis to managerial decision-making. Topics include: demand analysis and forecasting; price determination and marketing policy, production and output decisions; capital investment decisions; profitability and cost analysis. The computer will be employed to illustrate the application of quantitative and economic techniques to real business problems.

Prerequisite: MBA 496, 498.

A study of the financial decision-making process within the business firm. Analyzes the problems, policies and functions involving financial management. Topics include capital market theory, cost of capital and capital budgeting decisions, capital structure and dividend policies and financial planning models.

Course Offered: Spring Session I

This course addresses the significant legal issues relevant to accounting and financial practices. This includes topics such as Sarbanes-Oxley, tax law and valuation practices. Teaching methods include class discussion, cases and examinations.

Prerequisite: Business Law.

This course covers the history and development of auditing theory, practice, and professional standards and provides masters level students with discussions of the philosophical and practical aspects of major auditing topics. Various auditing topics are selected for discussion and for written research reports including: the theory of evidence; collection and analysis of evidence; materiality; internal control; ethics; the role of auditing in society; auditors’ responsibilities; planning and administration of an audit; reporting; use of statistical analysis; audits of EDP systems; the application of auditing standards; and new audit directions and perspectives.

Prerequisite: ACC 406 or its equivalent.

This course studies the controller function within the contemporary organization. The controller is typically the chief accounting officer. The course studies the different functions for which the controller has traditionally been responsible as well as the changing role of the controller in the age of information technology.

Prerequisite: MBA 510 or ACC 311 or its equivalent.

An examination of the federal tax treatment of corporations, partnerships, S corporations, fiduciaries, gifts, estates and trusts, and an introduction to social security taxes and tax research and methodology. Emphasis is placed on the concepts of income, deductions and credits; recognition and non-recognition of gains and losses from dispositions of property; the determination of entity and investor basis; distributions from, and liquidation of, the business entity; administrative provisions of the tax law; and tax planning.

Prerequisite: ACC 405 or its equivalent.

An integrative course which examines the ethical, legal, economic, social and political aspects of the accounting environment. Topics include: ethical dilemmas in accounting; the accounting standards-setting process; the structure of the accounting profession; professional conduct; the legal responsibilities and liabilities of professional accountants; user perceptions of professional accountants; and the impact of changing technologies and social institutions on accounting.

Prerequisite: MBA 534.

This course provides the manager with a conceptual framework for using computer technology to meet strategic business goals. The latest information technology is discussed in the context of how if affects business operations and human resources. Primary focus is on the organizational and managerial aspects of information systems. Information systems development methods are evaluated. Other topics include internal controls, electronic data interchange, ethical issues and global information systems. Student performance is primarily based on case studies; projects and classroom involvements.

Prerequisites: MBA 510 or equivalent, MBA 512;     Core requisite: MBA 500.

This course is designed to systematize the theoretical foundations provided by all previous financial accounting courses. The aim of this course is to provide students with a general survey of financial accounting theory and policy. Students should emerge from this course with (1) increased knowledge about accounting research and the standards-setting process; (2) familiarity with various financial accounting paradigms; and (3) an in-depth understanding of the major problem areas in financial accounting. Topics include: various theories of income; alternative asset valuation bases; experimental applications in published financial statements; new developments in accounting theory; and current issues and problems in accounting.

The internship is a structured work practicum at an accounting firm or performing accounting functions at a for-profit or not-for-profit organization. A weekly journal and deliverable, either a project or paper are also required. The student’s current job is not eligible for internship credit.