Accounting, MS

Overview

The Master of Science (MS) in Accounting graduate program is designed for those qualified individuals who wish to further their academic credentials in the field of accounting. Full-time students may complete the MS program in 10 months (4 quarters - 48 quarter credit hours) depending on course load. Part-time students may enroll in a minimum of one class per quarter and this option extends the completion time as applicable to course load completed.  Admission to this program will occur in each quarter of the year.   

Mission

The mission of the Master of Science in Accounting program is to provide a high-quality graduate, online education for students who desire a professional accounting career.  The program’s curriculum emphasizes development of accounting knowledge and skills in areas such as financial reporting, taxation, business law, auditing, financial statement analysis, accounting information systems, managerial accounting, governmental and nonprofit accounting, and forensic accounting. In addition to building industry knowledge, our coursework seeks to enhance development of critical thinking capabilities, problem and scenario analysis, communication skills, and approaches to compliance with professional responsibility obligations and ethics specific to the field of accounting.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to the Master of Science in Accounting program, the prospective student must meet individually, either in person or via electronic method, with an admissions representative to discuss the program and all requirements. Applicants must provide a completed South College application for admission and application to the program. Those selected for admission will provide the following:

Program Admission Requirements

1. Evidence completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education in business or closely related discipline approved by the faculty.
2. Evidence of a cumulative 3.0 undergraduate grade point average.
3. Evidence of successful completion of the following six accounting courses (3 semester credit hour courses or equivalent) with a grade of B- or better in each course:

• Financial Accounting
• Intermediate Accounting I
• Intermediate Accounting II or Advanced Accounting
• Managerial/Cost Accounting
• Auditing
• Federal Income Tax

All admitted students are required to complete the South College orientation process which includes online modules before beginning classes. The online modules include a video introduction to the program, a review of students’ roles and responsibilities in an online instructional environment, important information about accessing South College email and Student Portal accounts, and a discussion and review of South College learning resources and student services.

Transfer of Credit

No more than three (3) graduate level courses will be accepted for transfer credit towards the Master of Science in Accounting program. In order to be considered for transfer credit, a course syllabus, an unofficial transcript with the course grade, and a written request must be submitted to the Department Chair of the School of Business. Official credit will be awarded for those approved once the official transcript is received by the Registrar’s office.

Program Design

The MS Accounting courses are completed primarily via an asynchronous online format using the learning management system Canvas in order to provide flexibility and to accommodate the schedules of working professionals.  Faculty members with established qualifications will provide instruction for each subject area.  The curriculum is tailored to provide a balance of theoretical, practical, and analytical instruction to prepare students for the unique challenges of accounting in the 21^st century.

An online introduction to the program includes an orientation, a review of students’ roles and responsibilities in an online instructional environment, important information about accessing South College email and Student Portal accounts, and a discussion and review of South College learning resources and student services. Course materials and assignments emphasize collaboration, critical thinking, research, and student accountability.  The program will culminate with a capstone project focused on student’s analysis, critical thinking, and recommendation development that concludes with a written and oral presentation.  

Learning Outcomes

Graduates completing the program will accomplish the following outcomes:

South College - School of Business & Technology
Broad-Based Goals

• Students will acquire the relevant foundational disciplinary knowledge and competencies appropriate to their program of study.
• Students will demonstrate effective business-related professional skills.
• Students will demonstrate knowledge of appropriate decision support tools and apply them to management decision making.
• Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the various environments in which business operates.

Master of Science in Accounting
Intended Student Learning Outcomes

• Students will be able to integrate a high level of practical accounting knowledge to functional areas of business.
• Students will be able to integrate current technology in support of business operations.
• Students will be able to demonstrate highly developed communication skills.
• Students will be able to evaluate financial and accounting objectives that enhance organizational effectiveness and operational performance.
• Students will evaluate complex accounting and financial data and information for decision making.
• Students will be able to demonstrate collaboration for effective leadership and decision making.

Academic Standards, Student Progress, and Grading

Upon entering the MS Accounting program, students are required to confer with the Dean of the School of Business & Technology to map out their course curriculum and requirements for degree completion. Students are also required to meet each quarter with the Graduate Program Coordinator for an academic progress review and registration approval for the next quarter. If a student voluntarily withdraws from the program, a formal application for reentry is required, and program requirements in effect at that time must be met. The student will be required to meet with the Dean of the School of Business & Technology for approval to reenter the program. Students will only be allowed to be readmitted to the program once unless in the case of mitigating circumstances.

The Dean of the School of Business & Technology will review each student’s scholastic achievement record at the end of each quarter. The academic standards that must be met by each student are outlined in the Academic Participation section. If a student fails to meet academic standards, the Dean will meet with the student in question.  Depending on the nature of the academic deficiency, the Dean will determine the status of the student’s academic standing, which may include probation or dismissal from the program. The Categories of Academic Standing are:

Good Standing: Status of a student who has met course requirements in a satisfactory manner and has demonstrated good professional behavior.

Probation: Status of a student whose performance in the program has fallen below the minimum stated standards, or who has exhibited unacceptable professional behavior.

Dismissal: Action whereby a student will be dismissed from the Master of Science in Accounting program due to failure to adhere to academic standards. Dismissal will occur after review of the student’s academic or professional deficiency by the Dean of the School of Business & Technology.

Professional Behavior: For the purposes of this policy, unacceptable professional behavior shall be defined as inappropriate interpersonal communications (either written or verbal) directed towards South College faculty, staff, or fellow students, or actions and demeanor deemed inappropriate by the Dean of the School of Business & Technology.

The causes of and consequences for receiving a Warning or Dismissal are:

Probation

A student will be placed on probation if his/her cumulative GPA falls below a 3.00 on a 4.00 scale.

Students with a cumulative GPA below 3.00.
A student with a cumulative GPA below 3.00 at the end of any quarter will receive notification from the Dean of the School of Business & Technology that he/she is on Probation. If the student fails to raise his/her cumulative GPA to a 3.00 at the end of the next quarter, he/she will be dismissed from the program. If the student raises his/her cumulative GPA to a 3.00 or higher at the end of the next quarter, he/she will be removed from Probation. If a student’s cumulative GPA falls below a 3.00 a second time, he/she will be dismissed from the program.

Dismissal

Action whereby a student will be dismissed from the MS Accounting program due to failure to adhere to academic and program requirements.

1. A student has a cumulative GPA of less than 3.00 at the end of any quarter and then fails to raise his/her cumulative GPA to a 3.00 or higher at the end of the next quarter;
2. A student’s cumulative GPA falls below 3.00 for a second time;
3. A student’s professional conduct violates the performance standards set forth in the South College Academic Honor Code, the South College Standards of Student Conduct, or for unprofessional behavior or criminal activity;

South College reserves the right to dismiss at any time a student who, in its judgment, is undesirable and whose continued enrollment is detrimental to him/herself or his/her fellow students or whose presence is disruptive to the learning environment, or the orderly operation of the College.

Following dismissal, a student may appeal the dismissal by providing the Dean of the School of Business & Technology a written letter of appeal.  The appeal will be considered by the associated School of Business Technology and the Dean.  If the appeal is approved, the student will be allowed to return to the program for the designed period in a probationary status.  All stipulations of the approved appeal must be met in order for the student to be returned to Good Standing.  Failure to meet appeal stipulations will result in program dismissal. 

Graduation Requirements

In order for a student to graduate from the MS Accounting program, the student must be in a good academic and professional standing, have had satisfactory progress in all quarters of the academic program, and satisfactorily complete the following:

1. Successfully complete the required 48 quarter credit hours of academic course work.
2. Evidence a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.00 or above for the required coursework.
3. Achieve a letter grade of “C” or better in all academic courses.
4. Complete all required South College and Program documents in preparation for graduation.
5. Honor all professional and financial obligations to South College.

South College reserves the right, and the student, by the act of matriculation, concedes to give South College the right to require withdrawal at any time the college deems it necessary to safeguard the standards of scholarship, conduct, and compliance with regulations, or for such other reasons deemed appropriate by South College as set forth in the South College Student Handbook and/or the South College Catalog.

Additional Requirements

South College provides computer and Internet access to staff, faculty, and students while on-campus. Online students are required to secure their own access in their personal environments.  Developing computer skills is critical to the success of students in the program and in practice. Though not a requirement for admission, students are expected to possess computer skills prior to matriculation.  Please see the South College website for information regarding minimum computer requirements. 

 

The Master of Science in Accounting program is offered Online and at the Knoxville Campus.