Learn. Grow. Lead. The graduate and doctoral programs at Benedictine University.

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Master of Science in Accountancy

Evening M.S. in Accountancy Program

Benedictine University’s evening M.S. in Accountancy program is designed for working adults who have a business-related undergraduate degree but limited coursework or experience in accounting. Evening classes are ideal for those who seek flexibility in their course schedules and plan to register as a part-time student. Students usually complete one or two courses per 10-week quarter. Classes are conducted one evening per week, per class on the main campus in Lisle. The M.S. in Accountancy program may accept graduate coursework completed at another institution. An additional 16 quarter credit hours may be waived for prior undergraduate coursework taken within the last seven years, pending department chair approval.* This means that you may potentially complete your

degree in as little as one year.

4+1 M.S. in Accountancy Program

The 4+1 M.S. in Accountancy program is developed specifically for recent college graduates who have completed their undergraduate degree in accounting or finance. Qualified students may be eligible to complete the M.S. degree in Accountancy with one additional year of graduate study. Classes are conducted in evenings to meet the needs of students. Admittance to the program is not automatic and an application must be completed during the student’s senior year of undergraduate work.

Dual Degree Programs

The Dual Degree Programs combine the comprehensive accounting core of the M.S. in Accountancy program with the competencies of business management (Master of Business Administration) or information systems (Master of Science in Management Information Systems). Students enrolling in the dual degree program can develop powerful credentials and specialized expertise enabling them to successfully meet the challenges of today’s marketplace. The dual degree program can be completed in 36 months or less. Dual degree programs consist of 96 quarter credit hours for completion. Application and admission is required to each graduate program, and students must complete all requirements for the selected dual degree.

* Combination of graduate credit transfer and undergraduate course waiver cannot exceed 32 quarter credit hours.

Note: Students planning to sit for a professional examination are responsible for contacting the specific association administering the exam to determine eligibility and exam requirements.

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Accountancy program focuses on broad-based accounting knowledge. Courses in other business disciplines such as economics and leadership are integrated into the program to complement a professional accounting career. Students are taught by acknowledged experts in the field

and will gain an understanding of the major technical, conceptual and practical issues in accounting. Students will also gain an appreciation for the ethical and legal considerations of the accounting profession and of the professional judgment and independent attitude necessary to deal objectively with these considerations. The M.S. in Accountancy program provides students with the professional skills, knowledge and competencies necessary to be successful, professional accountants in today’s complex business environment. A career as a future accounting professional offers an excellent employment outlook, new challenges attributable to technology and regulatory needs, and requires development of new skill sets and a commitment to lifelong learning.

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The average adult changes careers three times before retirement. Many undergraduate students focus their studies in areas of finance, economics and international business only to find that their career path has led them to a career in accounting. Benedictine University’s Master of Science (M.S.) in Accountancy program is structured for individuals who have a business-related undergraduate degree but little previous study or experience in accounting.

The program provides an integrated sequence of courses at the graduate level which emphasize topics relevant to the work of a professional accountant and the background necessary to prepare candidates who wish to take the United States Uniform Certified Public Accountant (CPA) examination, the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) examination and the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) examination. The M.S. in Accountancy degree is vital in furthering your career in accounting.

The Master of Science in Accountancy program requires 64 quarter credit hours of graduate coursework. The program consists of four major components:

Core Accounting CompetencyFive courses focused on U.S. accounting standards:MSA 500 Financial Accounting (4)MSA 601 Managerial Accounting (4)MSA 504 Corporate Accounting Theory and Practice I (4)MSA 513 Auditing Theory and Practice (4)MSA 515 Advance Accounting (4)

Advanced Accounting TopicsFour courses focused on in-depth concepts, theories and issues in accounting:MSA 506 Corporate Accounting Theory and Practice II (4)MSA 603 Cost Analysis, Profit Planning and Control (4)MSA 604 Theory and Practice of Financial Reporting (4)MSA 605 Tax Influences on Decision Making (4)

Managerial CompetencyFour courses focused on management skills and knowledge necessary for students seeking managerial positions in accounting:MSA 510 Economics (4)MSA 520 Leadership and Business Ethics (4)MSA 530 Organizational Behavior (4)orMBA 633 Legal Issues in the Workplace (4)MSA 611 Managerial Economics (4)

AuditingStudents must complete three of these courses to qualify for a concentration in Auditing:

MSA 614 Auditing and Assurance IMSA 615 Auditing and Assurance II MSA 616 Information System Auditing MSA 617 Internal Auditing

Forensic AccountingStudents must complete three of these courses to qualify for a concentration in Forensic Accounting:

MSA 606 Forensic AccountingMSA 607 Fraud ExaminationMSA 608 Fraud and the Legal Environment MSA 609 Computer Fraud

TaxationStudents must complete the following courses:

MSA 623 Taxation of Corporations and ShareholdersMSA 624 Federal Tax ResearchMSA 625 Federal Taxation of Partnerships

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ElectivesTwelve quarter credit hours of electives are required for completion of the degree.

Electives should be chosen to advance individual professional development and career goals.

Note:Those planning to sit for the CPA examination may need to take additional coursework in business law and accounting research.

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y Sharon Borowicz, Ph.D., EAChair and Associate Professor, Master of Business Administration and Master of Science in Accountancy Programs (2005)

Ron Baiman, Ph.D.Assistant Professor, Economics (2013)

John C. Draut, M.B.A.Program Director and Assistant Professor, Master of Science in Accountancy and Master of Science in Taxation Programs (2008)

Ricky Holman, J.D. Assistant Professor, Master of Business Administration Program (2013)

Barbara T. Ozog, Ph.D.Program Director and Professor,Master of Science in Management Information Systems Program (1992)

Apostolos Xanthopoulos, Ph.D.Assistant Professor, Finance (2013)

Thomas Yu, Ph.D.Assistant Professor, Master of Business Administration and Master of Science in Accountancy Programs (2008)

Date in parenthesis indicates the year person joined Benedictine University faculty.

David Baker, M.B.A., CPA

Cyril V. Crane, M.B.A., CPA

John Frech, M.B.A., CPA

John Ruther, M.B.A., CPA

Martin Terpstra, M.S., CPA

Senior Lecturers

R. David Fulton, M.S., CPA

Kenneth Hansen, J.D., M.S.

Richard Magner, Ph.D.

Emeritus

David Dibblee, M.B.A., CPA

The individuals listed above have been employed on an as-needed basis to teach courses at Benedictine University (within the last several years). Instructors listed may not currently be employed by Benedictine University. The University is fortunate to be able to provide our students with part-time faculty whose experience, credentials and commitment to education add to the high quality of our resident faculty.

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