COBE Graduate Education Department

Accountancy – MSA

The Master of Science in Accountancy at Boise State University is designed to prepare candidates for a career within the broader framework of business decision making.

The primary role of the program is to prepare students for careers in public accounting as Certified Public Accountants (CPAs). The program focuses on the audit and attest functions of public accounting. The complexity of today’s business environment requires public accountants to have expertise in accounting principles and procedures, and to understand the financial, managerial, legal, and tax ramifications of business transactions.

CPAs must also be able to clearly communicate with clients and affected third parties, and with employees. Because of their financial expertise, CPAs frequently serve as advisors for a broad range of business decisions. Students will develop their technical expertise and business knowledge needed to provide these services. Graduates of the program are expected to become partners and owners of their own public accounting firms.

Students may also pursue more detailed study of taxation through the Master of Science in Accountancy, Taxation emphasis.

MSA Program Overview

The M.S. in Accountancy (MSA) provides graduate education for individuals seeking to enhance their professional competency in accountancy. Students advance their previously acquired knowledge and skills through a focus on providing value-added services to their clients and employers.

Customize your own program to meet your particular objectives:

  • Select a minimum of 7 accountancy courses from over 20 topic areas
  • Non-accountancy electives may be taken from any approved graduate program. Popular electives include finance, operations, management, dispute resolution, instructional and performance technology
  • Coursework requirements may vary depending upon an applicant’s prior academic experience.

Candidate Profile

Boise State University MSA candidates possess a high degree of motivation and an aptitude for graduate study. Our MSA students have a strong background in accountancy.

A typical MSA candidate will:

  • Possess a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
  • Typically, applicants will have completed all accountancy classes required for the undergraduate accountancy degree plus 15 credits of business core
  • Undergraduate GPA of 3.00 or better
  • Hold a current CPA, CIA or CMA license orĀ achieve a minimum score of 500 on the GMAT