The Master of Science (M.S.) in Accountancy program at Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, provides you with the skills needed to succeed in today’s accounting profession and prepares you to successfully enter a career in accounting, while satisfying the educational requirements to become a certified public accountant (CPA).
Marshall University’s Master of Science in Accountancy program is fully accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International and is the only accounting master’s degree program offered in the state of West Virginia.
The graduate program in accountancy at Marshall is essential to helping meet the demand for public accountants in West Virginia.
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The master’s degree in accountancy program will prepare you to successfully enter the accounting profession and satisfy the educational requirements to become a CPA. The program features professional accounting research methods using electronic databases as well as computer auditing techniques. Ethics and professional services are stressed throughout the program.
Marshall University is one of only 194 schools worldwide to have achieved accreditation by AACSB International for its undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business and accounting and offers the only Master of Science in Accountancy program in West Virginia.
Our Department of Accounting and Legal Environment has award-winning faculty with diverse backgrounds and teaching interests. Most faculty have worked in the profession and / or currently perform consulting in an array of accounting and legal services. Most are certified public accountants or hold other prestigious certifications. Our faculty is committed to teaching and student learning through a dedicated faculty-student mentoring program.
Graduates from Marshall University’s accredited M.S. in Accountancy program have successfully obtained jobs at public accounting firms, industry and governmental agencies, and have entered teaching-related careers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2024 median salary for accountants and auditors was $81,680. Employment of accountants and auditors is projected to grow 6% through 2033, faster than the average for all occupations
- Median Salary: Approximately $66,137 per year
- Job Growth: Projected to grow 4% from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as average
- Overview: Internal auditors evaluate organizational processes, controls, and compliance, aiming to improve efficiency and mitigate risks.
- Median Salary: Entry-level FBI Special Agents start at GS-10 pay scale, approximately $60,000 to $80,000 annually
- Job Growth: Employment for detectives and criminal investigators is projected to grow 3% from 2022 to 2032
- Overview: FBI agents investigate federal crimes, including white-collar offenses, cybercrime, and terrorism.
- Median Salary: Approximately $79,880 per year
- Job Growth: Projected to grow 4% from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as average
- Overview: Tax accountants prepare and file tax returns, advise on tax planning, and ensure compliance with tax regulations.
- Median Salary: Comparable to general accountants, around $79,880 per year
- Job Growth: Projected to grow 4% from 2022 to 2032
- Overview: These accountants manage financial records for nonprofits, ensuring compliance with donor restrictions and regulatory requirements.
- Median Salary: Approximately $156,100 per year
- Job Growth: Projected to grow 16% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than average
- Overview: Controllers oversee all accounting operations, including budgeting, reporting, and compliance.
- Median Salary: Approximately $85,000 per year
- Job Growth: Employment for financial examiners is projected to grow 21% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than average
- Overview: Bank examiners assess the health of financial institutions, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations.
- Median Salary: Approximately $79,880 per year
- Job Growth: Projected to grow 4% from 2022 to 2032
- Overview: Management accountants analyze financial data to assist in strategic planning and decision-making within organizations.
Admission Requirements
Applicants should follow the admissions process described in the Graduate Catalog, or at the Graduate Admissions website at www.marshall.edu/graduate/admissions/how-to-apply-for-admission.
In addition to the requirements for admission to Marshall University as a graduate student, applicants must either have:
- An undergraduate degree in business from an accepted, accredited institution with an undergraduate Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale for all previously completed coursework;
or - Completed the following or equivalent with a 3.0 GPA or higher:
Course List Code Title Credit Hours ACC 311 Intermediate Accounting I 3 ACC 312 Intermediate Accounting II 3 ACC 318 Cost Accounting I 3 ACC 341 Acc Information Systems 3 ACC 348 Federal Taxation 3 ACC 429 Auditing I 3 Applicants who do not meet either of the above criteria may be granted provisional admission by the Coordinator of the M.S. in Accountancy program (or other person or persons designated by the Chair of the Department) on a case-by-case basis. Applicants seeking provisional admission should supply relevant information in support of admission, such as a resume, letters of recommendation, and any relevant test scores (GMAT, GRE, or professional certification exams for example).
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All students admitted to the program will complete the following undergraduate courses with a C or better. Students who have completed equivalent courses will receive credit for this requirement. Those who have not completed the courses will complete them or their equivalent as a part of the degree requirements.
Course List Code Title Credit Hours ACC 311 Intermediate Accounting I 3 ACC 312 Intermediate Accounting II 3 ACC 318 Cost Accounting I 3 ACC 341 Acc Information Systems 3 ACC 348 Federal Taxation 3 ACC 429 Auditing I 3 - Conditional Admission can be granted for one term if the applicant meets all program requirements for admission except they have not officially graduated with their bachelor’s degree. Once the degree is granted, the applicant would need to resubmit his or her official transcripts for full admission.