Accounting (MS)

Program Overview

Our Masters of Science in Accounting program provides a generalist, hands-on approach that emphasizes conceptual understanding, analytical methods and logical reasoning. The program incorporates current accounting principles and applied research techniques with opportunities to apply this knowledge in real-world situations.

The program is designed to help meet the necessary 150 credit hour requirements for CPA certification and licensure. Our program has an increasing focus on new technical skills and proficiencies to help students meet the demands of an accounting industry that is constantly evolving.

A broad range of courses are available in auditing and assessment, as well as financial and managerial accounting. You can also choose to pursue an academic concentration in Taxation. In addition to the required coursework, students may choose electives from the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program to enrich their course of study.

Binghamton University's School of Management holds a separate accounting accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International. Fewer than 25 percent of AACSB-accredited institutions have this distinction.

Degrees Offered

• MS in Accounting

Internships, Research Opportunities and More

As the accounting industry continues to evolve, students will need new technical skills and proficiencies to successfully navigate their career. Utilizing case studies and software such as Visio, SAP, Alteryx, Tableau and Mathematica, our courses integrate best practices from growing areas and give students the opportunity to get hands-on experience with:

• Data analysis and visualization
• Programming (such as Python and R)
• Blockchain
• Cybersecurity
• Decision making using real-world datasets
• Constrained optimization problems

SOM also has its own Career Services office, which provides a wide array of services that include one-on-one career counseling, professional development workshops, career and alumni mentoring events, mock interviews and résumé critiques.

After You Graduate

Over 90% of our recent accounting graduates received full-time job offers within three months of graduation. Binghamton University is a leading source of new hires for the Big Four accounting firms: EY, PwC, Deloitte and KPMG. With the school’s strong national reputation, alumni are also actively sought out by regional firms and government agencies.

Admissions Requirements

To be eligible for graduate study, you must:

• Provide a complete set of your undergraduate (and, if applicable, graduate) transcripts showing one of the following:
  • You have earned a bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) from a nationally or regionally accredited college or university
  • You are within one academic year of earning a bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent) from a nationally or regionally accredited college or university
  • You are eligible to apply as part of a memorandum of understanding between your current institution and Binghamton University
• Have earned, at minimum, one of the following:
  • A 3.0 GPA over your entire undergraduate career
  • A 3.0 GPA during your last 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits of your undergraduate degree, with most courses graded regularly (not as "pass/fail")
  • A 3.0 GPA in a graduate degree, with most courses graded regularly (not as "pass/fail")
  • In consideration of the different grading scales used around the world, each academic department evaluates international transcripts to determine on a case-by-case basis whether they demonstrate one of the above requirements.
    

To apply, you must submit the following materials. For general guidelines for these materials, see the Admission Requirements website.

• Online graduate degree application with graduate degree application fee
• Transcripts from each college or university that you have attended
• Personal statement of no longer than one page describing your reasons for pursuing graduate study, your career aspirations, your special interests within your field, and any unusual features of your background that might need explanation or be of interest to the graduate admissions committee
• Résumé or curriculum vitae
• Two letters of recommendation
• GRE or GMAT scores are accepted, but not required

International students must also submit the following materials. For more information about these materials, see the International Students section of the Admission Requirements website.

• International Student Financial Statement (ISFS) form
• Supporting financial documentation (such as bank statements, scholarship or sponsor letters, etc.)
• Proof of English proficiency (such as official TOEFL/IELTS/PTE Academic/Duolingo* scores)
  • *In response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Graduate School at Binghamton University has temporarily approved the use of the Duolingo English Test as proof of English proficiency through the 2023 application cycle.

This information is subject to change. While we make every effort to update these program pages, we recommend that you contact the department with questions about program-specific requirements.

Deadlines

Accelerated/4+1 Degrees

You may also be interested in our accelerated/4+1 degree programs which allow students to complete their bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in just 5 years!

For more information, visit the Accounting website.