• Why Strayer
  • Affordability
  • Convenience
  • Quality
  • Support
• Academic Programs
  • Course Catalog
  • Suggest A Program
  • Degree Guide
  • Academic Calendar
• Campus Locations
• Online Learning
  • Benefits
  • Programs
  • Online Demo
• Admissions
  • Getting Credit
  • Requirements
  • International
• Financial Support
  • Financial Assistance
  • Military Benefits
  • Tuition and Fees
• Military Students
  • Transfer Credit
  • Military Scholarships
• Articulation Agreements

• Request Information
• Contact Us
• Apply Online

Academic Programs

Back to Newport News Campus

Newport News Campus

Master of Science in Accounting - Concentration in Public Accounting

The primary objective of the Master of Science in Accounting (MSAC) is to provide specialized, graduate level education to persons seeking positions as professional accountants in industry, government, and nonprofit organizations. In addition, the MSAC program offers graduates much of the academic background necessary to pursue certification in public accounting (CPA) and management accounting (CMA).

Students who have not earned degrees from appropriate fields of study may be required to take additional coursework as a prerequisite for completing the program.

The program provides a well-balanced integration of theoretical accounting concepts and modern quantitative methods in decision-making.

This program offers specializations that allow students to tailor their degrees to fit their careers and learning goals. It is an exciting educational option for students looking to increase their understanding, advance their careers, and expand their opportunities in the following areas:

• Accounting Information Systems
• Controllership
• Public Accounting*
• Taxation

Credits, degrees, certificates and diplomas earned from Strayer University do not automatically qualify the holder to participate in professional certification examinations to practice accounting professions in a particular state. Persons interested in practicing a regulated profession such as the Certified Public Accountant should contact the appropriate state regulatory agency in the state where you hope to work. Please click here to learn more about professional licensure.

Notice to CPA Exam Candidates:
Completion of a Strayer University program, to include the concentration in Public Accounting in the Master of Science in Accounting degree, does not guarantee a student will pass the CPA Examination.

In order to apply for licensure as a CPA in any U.S. jurisdiction (the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam and the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands), a candidate must pass the Uniform CPA Examination. However, passing the exam alone is not enough to obtain CPA licensure in most states. Requirements vary by state and can be difficult to understand. For further information about the CPA Examination or how to apply to take the CPA Examination, please call 1-800-CPA-Exam (1-800-272-3926) toll free. For additional information on CPA licensure, go to http://www.nasbatools.com and click the "Tools for Licensure" tab at the top.

* Students in NC must have completed a bachelor's degree in accounting in order to be admitted into this concentration.