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Graduates and current students both tout the Master of Accountancy (M.Acc.) program as a challenging academic regimen that offers preparation for the Certified Public Accountant exam, while at the same time incorporating relevant real-world examples that equip them for the work force. Students praise professors in the department for their approachability. “While they have powerful positions, they remain humble enough to make students a priority,” says Phylicia Coleman, a recent graduate, who works as an auditor in the Nashville office of Deloitte & Touche, LLP. Another recent graduate, Duresha Rice, offers the following about her accounting professors: “They want to see every student succeed and become successful.” After graduating, Rice began her career at Faulkner, Mackie and Cochran, P.C., as an external auditor. “Thanks to the accounting department at MTSU, I have secured a position with the Tennessee Department of Audit,” says former master’s student Adria Bakke., These powerful testimonies from current and former students illustrate how the M.Acc. program prepares students for professional jobs in accounting and other related fields.


What We're Doing

Faculty willing to take time to help

Faculty willing to take time to help

Shane Gibson is in the real-world work place, starting out as an internal auditor for Hospital Corporation of America, then transitioning to Parker, Parker, & Associates. He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) degree, then went on to complete his Master of Accountancy (M.Acc.). He says his time at MTSU was invaluable. “Those years transformed me into the professional I am today. Through on-campus organizations such as Beta Alpha Psi, I was introduced to lifelong friends who continue to shape my life to this day. The accounting program challenged me to exceed the status quo and to discover my true potential. The faculty was tremendously helpful as they were always willing to take time out of their day to help.” Gibson adds that the program prepared him for both the CPA Exam and his career. “The challenging courses in the Accountancy program helped prepare me for the challenges that I face in the work force today.”

Andrea Kelton

Accounting professor’s ‘flipped classroom’ keeps students engaged virtually

Now in her fourth year at MTSU, associate accounting professor Andrea Kelton didn’t have a Staples Easy Button to help her through the unprecedented COVID-19 learning environment. But the “one-button” campus technology she’s had available made for a great additional tool to ease her transition into a new instructional world. Kelton has utilized the Jones College “One-Button Studio” to pre-record all of her lectures, freeing her to spend class time on problem-solving, in the true spirit of the “flipped” classroom concept. She has also taken full advantage of all of the features of D2L, the acronym for the university’s Desire2Learn online learning management system for students and faculty. The platform has allowed her to better track due dates and progress of her students, who have described her approach as “very user-friendly.” “I think some of the stigma surrounding online education has been taken away. … I think it’s given all faculty an opportunity to see what’s possible with online education,” she said. “But I’m ready to get back face-to-face full time. I miss my students.”


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  • MTSU College of Graduate Studies

    MTSU College of Graduate Studies

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    MTSU | The University of Opportunities

 
 
 

Career opportunities for individuals earning a Master of Accountancy degree (M.Acc.) can be found in areas such as

  • Public accounting
  • Industry
  • Auditing
  • Tax preparation
  • Consulting
  • Accounting information systems
  • Education
  • Banking/Investments
  • Entertainment
  • Sports
  • Technology
  • Nonprofit organizations
  • Criminal investigation

Employers of MTSU accounting graduates include

  • Acadia Healthcare
  • AmSurg
  • BKD
  • Carr Riggs & Ingram
  • Comptroller’s Office, State of Tennessee
  • Crosslin & Associates
  • Crowe LLP
  • Defense Contract Audit Agency
  • Deloitte
  • Dempsey Vantrease & Follis
  • Ernst & Young
  • Faulkner Mackie & Cochran
  • HCA Internal Audit
  • Iasis Healthcare
  • Jobe Hastings
  • KPMG
  • Kraft CPAs
  • Lattimore Black Morgan & Cain
  • Maggart & Associates
  • NHC
  • Pricewaterhouse Coopers
  • Puryear Hamilton Hausman & Wood
  • Tennessee Department of Audit
  • Winnett and Associates

The Department of Accounting offers a general Master of Accounting (M.Acc.) degree, which requires thirty credit hours of coursework. Students may elect to complete a tax specialization by taking twelve credit hours of tax coursework as part of their thirty credit hour program. 

Admission Requirements

To be considered for the M.Acc. Program, a student must meet one of the following:

  • Student has an undergraduate Accounting degree from a college or school of business that is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) with an overall GPA of 3.00.
  • Student has an overall composite score of 950 (calculated as the undergraduate GPA x 200 + GMAT), with a minimum GMAT of 400.
  • Student has an upper-division composite score of 1000 (calculated as the upper-division GPA x 200 + GMAT), with a minimum GMAT of 400.
  • Other requirements apply to coursework taken at foreign institutions (see the Graduate Catalog for details). 

Prerequisites

Program prerequisites include Intermediate Accounting I and II (ACTG 3110 and 3120), Cost Accounting (ACTG 3310), Introduction to Federal Income Tax (ACTG 4550), and External Auditing I (ACTG 4620). The business prerequisites for a student seeking the M.Acc. degree are Legal Environment of Business (BLAW 3400), Principles of Economics (ECON 2410 or ECON 2420), Statistical Methods (BIA 2610), Principles of Management Information Systems (INFS 3100), and Business Finance (FIN 3010).  Students can be admitted to the program even if they have not completed all of these prerequisites.  Any missing prerequisites must be completed before taking related graduate coursework.

Certifications

Most students in the M.Acc. program pursue certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), and the program specifically includes a review class that assists students in preparing for the CPA exam.  In addition, the M.Acc. program can help students pursue other professional certifications, such as Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), and Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA).  

For complete curriculum details, click on the REQUIREMENTS button to the right. 

Other degree programs in Accounting

The undergraduate Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) with a major in Accounting is designed to provide the student with a well-rounded education in both business and liberal arts. Undergraduate minors are offered in Accounting and Accounting/Information Systems.

Professional Licensure Disclosure

Professional Licensure Disclosure The Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting (B.B.A.) and Master of Accountancy (M.Acc.) in Jones College of Business at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International).  Completion of the 120-semester hour BBA-Accounting qualifies students to sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) examination in Tennessee.  Awarding of a Tennessee CPA license requires 150 semester hours of credit, or 30 credit hours beyond the undergraduate degree.  MTSU’s M.Acc. program fulfills the additional 30 semester hour requirement with courses that support successful completion of the CPA exam and enhances accounting and finance career opportunities. In addition, there are other business degree programs in Jones College of Business that could provide the additional 30 credit hours of business courses beyond the undergraduate BBA-Accounting degree. Among these are: MBA; MS—Finance; MA—Economics; MS—Information Systems; and MS—Management.

Students should be aware that licensure requirements vary from state to state and are subject to change. MTSU has not made a determination whether these programs will meet all of the certification requirements of a US state or territory. Students who plan to practice outside the state of Tennessee should consult the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy listing of state certification requirements at https://nasba.org/stateboards/ and discuss their plans with their advisor.

Accounting, M.Acc.

Audrey Scarlata, Program Director
(615) 898-2625
Audrey.Scarlata@mtsu.edu

The Department of Accounting offers a flexible Master of Accountancy (M.Acc.) degree program that develops students' decision making and communication skills and provides a path to professional accounting certifications.

Please see the undergraduate catalog for undergraduate program information.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to the Master of Accountancy program (see Admission to the College of Graduate Studies), a student must meet ONE of the following:

  1. Student has an undergraduate accounting degree from an Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accredited institution with an overall undergraduate GPA of 3.00.
  2. Student has an overall composite score > 950, calculated as (Cumulative GPA x 200) + GMAT, with a minimum GMAT of 400.
  3. Student has an upper-division composite score > 1,000, calculated as (Upper Division GPA x 200 ) + GMAT, with a minimum GMAT of 400.
  4. International students must comply with the following provision: For undergraduate degrees from foreign institutions where a grade point average cannot be clearly established but where that work is thought to be equivalent to domestic grades of B or higher, admission eligibility may be determined by the GMAT score. A score of at least 450 is required for unconditional admission under such circumstances. Preparatory work taken at institutions with grading systems paralleling those of most U. S. institutions must conform to a B average.
  5. Students without an undergraduate degree in Accounting may apply for admission to the Master of Accountancy program as long as they meet the requirements in (2) or (3) above.

Application Procedures

All application materials are to be submitted to the College of Graduate Studies.

Applications are accepted for students to begin the M.Acc. program during any semester (fall, spring, or summer). June 1 is the deadline for priority admission for the fall semester, and October 1 is the deadline for priority admission for spring. Applications will be accepted after these dates, but admission consideration is not guaranteed. Students are encouraged to apply early to facilitate early registration for classes.

Applicant must

  1. submit an application with the appropriate application fee (online at www.mtsu.edu/graduate/apply.php). Once this initial application has been accepted, the applicant will receive directions on how to enter the graduate portal to be able to submit other materials.
  2. submit official scores on the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) if required;
  3. submit official transcripts of all previous college work.

NOTE: Letters of recommendation are not required unless a student is applying for an assistantship. Students applying for an assistantship must also submit three letters of recommendation from professors or professionals that address the applicant's potential to successfully complete the Master of Accountancy program.

Degree Requirements

The Master of Accountancy requires completion of 30 semester hours.

A capstone course must be passed with a grade of B- or higher with a maximum enrollment of two times. The degree is to be completed within six years from the time of admission to the degree program.

Curriculum: Accounting

The following illustrates the coursework requirements.

Required Core (9 hours)

  • ACTG 6350 - Accounting Analytics

    3credit hours

    Prerequisite: ACTG 4510/ACTG 5510 with a grade of "C" or better and an undergraduate statistics course, BIA 6000, or consent of instructor. Study of the use of accounting analytics to identify, analyze, and solve accounting and business problems and communicate insights to stakeholders. Hands-on experience with analytics tools used by accounting professionals.

  • BLAW 6520 - Current Legal Topics in Corporate Governance, Risk Management and Fraud

    3credit hours

    Prerequisite: Graduate standing. Delves into current legal, ethical and social responsibility issues in corporate governance and fraud. This course will explore fiduciary duties of corporate officers, directors; potential liability of auditors for failure to detect fraud and the need for professional skepticism; new business entity forms to promote social responsibility; agency and worker classification; bankruptcy and fraud; and the future of corporate governance.

 

Capstone Course (taken in the last semester)

  • ACTG 6670 - Advanced Financial Accounting and Reporting Problems

    3credit hours

    Prerequisite: Accounting major or consent of instructor. Application of theoretical concepts and promulgations of authoritative bodies to financial accounting and financial reporting situations encountered in practice.

Electives (21 hours)

Accounting Electives

Students must complete one 6000-level ACTG elective; nine (9) hours can be 5000-level. Students can complete up to 6 hours of 6000-level non-ACTG electives.

Students wishing to specialize in Tax or Assurance should choose 12 hours of their electives from the courses specified below.

  • ACTG 5110 - Advanced Financial Accounting

    3credit hours

    Prerequisite: ACTG 3120 with a minimum grade of C. Extensive coverage of consolidated financial statement preparation. Financial accounting topics including advanced partnerships, interim financial reporting, segment reporting, and foreign currency issues. Readings from professional journals and research related to current accounting issues.

  • ACTG 5310 - Accounting for Decision Making

    3credit hours

    Prerequisites: ACTG 3310 with minimum grade of C; BIA 2610 or MATH 1530. In-depth analysis of costs; quantitative concepts relating to management objectives, control, and planning. Cost analysis and management accounting practices and problems using a variety of problem sets, statistical techniques, case studies, computer applications, and other materials.

  • ACTG 5510 - Accounting Systems

    3credit hours

    Prerequisites: ACTG 2120 or  ACTG 2125 or ACTG 3000 with minimum grade of C; INFS 2200 or CSCI 1150. An introduction to accounting information systems in a variety of technological environments. Emphasis on business process modeling, accounting cycle controls, and database design and implementation.

  • ACTG 5530 - Federal Taxes I  3 credit hours  

    ACTG 5530 - Federal Taxes I

    3credit hours

    Prerequisites: Graduate standing and permission of department chair. Addresses determination of taxable income for individuals; federal income tax returns and research methods.

  • ACTG 5610 - Financial Reporting for Governmental and Not-for-Profit Entities

    3credit hours

    Prerequisite: ACTG 3110 with a minimum grade of C. Accounting principles for state and local governments and not-for-profit entities; financial statement preparation and analysis for government and not-for-profit entities, including specialized industries such as healthcare, education and utilities; and federal government accounting.

  • ACTG 5640 - Internal Auditing

    3credit hours

    Prerequisites: ACTG 3110 and ACTG 4510 with a minimum grade of C (2.0). Application of internal auditing concepts. Includes gathering and analyzing company data, assessing risk, applying professional and ethical standards, performing statistical sampling, and preparing internal audit reports. (Recommended for CIA exam candidates.)

  • ACTG 5680 - Forensic Accountancy and Fraud Auditing

    3credit hours

    Prerequisite: ACTG 4510 or ACTG 5510 with minimum grade of C (2.0), or approval of department chair. Practice of forensic accounting, i.e., nontraditional investigative aspects of accountancy (e.g., litigation support, business interruptions, etc.); emphasis on fraud prevention and the detection of fraudulent intent to obtain improper individual or group gains.

  • ACTG 5840 - Study Abroad  3 credit hours  

    ACTG 5840 - Study Abroad

    3credit hours

    Prerequisites: Graduate standing and completion of core courses in respective field as determined by graduate business studies. A short-term international business education experience designed to expose the student to the economic, political, cultural, and social environments of a foreign country(ies), with specific emphasis directed toward the international state/status of the subject matter pertinent to the discipline.

  • ACTG 6310 - Advanced Cost Accounting, Budgeting, and Controllership

    3credit hours

    Prerequisite: ACTG 3020 or 3310 or ACTG 6910. Recent conceptual and analytic development in cost accounting, budgeting, and controllership. Includes principles and procedures in preparation of business budgets and methods of accounting for managerial control of cost of production, distribution, and administration through the use of standards.

  • ACTG 6320 - Strategic Cost and Control in Healthcare

    3credit hours

    Prerequisites: Admission to M.Acc. and completion of ACTG 3310 or admission to M.B.A. and completion of MBAA 6815. Introduction to the tools healthcare managers use to plan, control, and evaluate their organization's financial performance. Special emphasis on the strategic thrust control systems and their interaction with the societal problem of increasing healthcare demand and costs.

  • ACTG 6510 - Federal Income Tax Research and Planning

    3credit hours

    Prerequisite: ACTG 4550 or consent of instructor. Skillful application of tax research methodology in the use of primary tax authority, secondary tax reference materials, and research aids. Research through practice in the use of materials available in the tax library.

  • ACTG 6530 - Taxation of Pass-Through Entities

    3credit hours

    Prerequisite: ACTG 4550 with a minimum grade of C or consent of instructor. Principles of partnership and S corporation taxation. Addresses the tax consequences of formation, operations, distributions, and liquidations of partnerships. Also covers tax rules unique to S corporations.

  • ACTG 6540 - Taxation of Business Entities

    3credit hours

    Prerequisite: ACTG 4550 with minimum grade of C or consent of instructor. The federal income taxation of business entities, including C corporations, S corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies, and estates and trusts.

  • ACTG 6550 - U.S. International Taxation

    3credit hours

    Prerequisite: ACTG 4550 with minimum grade of C or consent of instructor. Basic concepts of U.S. taxation of international transactions. Topics include sourcing of income from foreign activities, Subpart F income, selecting the proper vehicle for foreign investments, and computing foreign tax credits.

  • ACTG 6560 - Special Topics in Taxation

    3credit hours

    Prerequisite: ACTG 4550 with a minimum grade of C or consent of instructor. In-depth investigation of selected advanced topics in taxation.

  • ACTG 6570 - International Financial Reporting and Controls

    3credit hours

    Prerequisite: Nine hours of accounting with a C or better. Advanced study of international financial reporting issues, international financial statement analysis, international accounting standards, foreign currency translation, foreign currency transaction reporting, international management accounting issues, and international taxation practices.

  • ACTG 6580 - International Financial Reporting Standards

    3credit hours

    Prerequisite: ACTG 3120 with a C or better. Extensive coverage of the International Accounting Standards Board's International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) with an emphasis on inventories, revalued fixed assets, intangible assets, business combinations, and loans and receivables. Examines international conceptual framework as well as the organizations involved in determining the standards. Importance placed on changing from financial statements prepared under U.S. generally accepted accounting standards to IFRS-based statement.

  • ACTG 6610 - Advanced Governmental and Nonprofit Accounting and Reporting

    3credit hours

    Prerequisites: ACTG 3120 and 4610 (ACTG 5610) with a minimum grade of C. State and local government accounting principles and procedures; accounting and reporting for state and local governments, colleges and universities, hospitals, and nonprofit organizations. Auditing practices for all these organizations.

  • ACTG 6650 - Advanced Accounting Theory

    3credit hours

    Prerequisite: Consent of department chair. History and development of accountancy, tax structures, and industrial development of past, present, and projected societies including relevant research into current controversial issues. Extensive research required.

  • ACTG 6720 - Advanced Auditing and Public Accounting Practices

    3credit hours

    Prerequisite: ACTG 4620 or consent of department chair. The course focuses on technical accounting research methods and application of data analysis tool(s) utilized in current audit practice. Includes technical accounting and data analysis case studies relating to various audit areas.

  • ACTG 6730 - External Auditing II

    3credit hours

    Prerequisite: ACTG 4620 or equivalent with a minimum grade of C (2.0). Additional topics related to the provision of assurance services by external auditors. Topics include audits of internal controls over financial reporting, audit sampling, auditors' ethical responsibilities and legal liability, other assurance services, and other relevant topics.

  • ACTG 6810 - Empirical Methods in Accounting

    3credit hours

    Prerequisites: Foundation requirements and consent of instructor. Independent study and research on topics in or related to accounting under supervision of graduate faculty.

  • ACTG 6820 - CPA Review: Auditing

    1credit hours

    Prerequisites: Admission to M.Acc. program; ACTG 4620 with minimum grade of C; and BIA 2610 with minimum grade of C. Review of the material covered on the Auditing and Attestation section of the CPA exam, including audit and other reports, engagement acceptance, planning and risk assessment, audit evidence, audit sampling and communications, audit documentation, and professional responsibilities.

  • ACTG 6830 - CPA Review: Financial

    1credit hours

    Prerequisites: Admission to M.Acc. program and ACTG 3120 with minimum grade of C. Review of the material covered on the Financial Accounting and Reporting section of the CPA exam, including information related to the conceptual framework, standards, and presentation of financial statements; recognition, measurement, valuation, and presentation of specific types of transactions and financial statement accounts; governmental accounting and reporting; and not-for-profit accounting and reporting.

  • ACTG 6840 - CPA Review: Regulation

    1credit hours

    Prerequisites: Admission to the M.Acc. program, ACTG 4550 with minimum grade of C, and BLAW 3400. Review of the material covered on the Regulation section of the CPA exam, including information related to ethics, the professional and legal responsibilities of CPAs, business law, federal tax processes, taxation of property transactions, and the taxation of individuals and business entities.

  • ACTG 6850 - CPA Review: Business Environment

    1credit hours

    Prerequisites: Admission to the M.Acc. program, ACTG 3310, ECON 2410 or ECON 2420, FIN 3010, and INFS 3100 with minimum grade of C. Review of the material covered on the Business Environment and Concepts section of the CPA Exam, including information related to corporate governance, economic concepts and analysis, financial management, information systems and communications, strategic planning, and operations management.

6000-Level Non-Accounting Electives

  • BIA 6905 - Applied Business Analytics

    3credit hours

    (Same as MBAI 6905.) An applied approach to the understanding, development, and application of prescriptive and data analytic tools to model and analyze business data. A hands-on focus utilized with both commonly-used spreadsheet software and specialized business intelligence software for the student to develop skills for self-service business analytics.

  • BLAW 6500 - Legal Aspects of Healthcare

    3credit hours

    The U.S. health care system; its major stakeholders; and the laws and regulations that apply to health care institutions, professionals, and suppliers including Medicare, electronic health records, health care fraud and abuse, compliance planning, certificates of need, health care business associations, federal tax exemption, liability and licensing issues, and ethics in decision making.

  • FIN 6560 - Mergers and Acquisitions

    3credit hours

    (Same as ECON 6560.) Prerequisites: FIN 6010 and FIN 6110. Issues covered include the reasons firms merge, buyer and seller motivations, the assessment of merger prospect value, merger waves and their consequences, the concentration of economic power resulting from mergers, policies toward mergers, the effects of takeover defenses, and the effects of mergers on the economy.

  • FIN 6860 - International Financial Management

    3credit hours

    Prerequisites: FIN 6010 and FIN 6110. International capital markets, exchange rate exposure, risk management, and other multinational finance issues. Essential not only for United States exporters, but also for those facing competition from abroad.

  • INFS 6300 - Management of Security Operations

    3credit hours

    Management of the information systems security function which includes understanding policy, governance, risk, and the application of appropriate solutions required to protect and enhance an organization's security posture. Topics include threats to security, risk assessment, application and data hardening, network security, fundamentals of encryption and authentication systems, and the application of appropriate response and recovery techniques necessary for business continuity.

  • INFS 6835 - IT Applications for Decision Making

    2credit hours

    (Same as MBAI 6835.) Focuses on application development using electronic spreadsheets to improve decision making efficiency and effectiveness. Uses a hands-on approach to develop skills in electronic spreadsheets and modeling applied to a variety of business situations. Not acceptable for credit toward the degree requirements for the M.S. in Information Systems but may be required as a prerequisite at the discretion of the program coordinator.

  • MBAA 6885 - Decision Making in Accounting and Finance

    3credit hours

    (Same as MBAF 6885.) Prerequisites: MBAA 6815, MBAF 6845, and MBAI 6905. Make real-world decisions using financial modeling created from primary and secondary sources and tools. Sources include databases, case studies, accounting information, and executive feedback. Tools include financial statement analysis and risk analysis. Recommendations presented in a way that is credible to executive decision makers.

  • MBAF 6845 - Managerial Finance

    2credit hours

    Prerequisites: ACTG 3000 or equivalent, FIN 3010 or FIN 3000 or equivalent, and BIA 6000 or equivalent. Topics include evaluating capital investment proposals, measuring  managerial performance, performing cash flow analysis, interpreting and evaluating financial information, and applying the capital asset pricing modeling (CAPM). Not open to students enrolled in the M.S. in Finance program.

  • MBAI 6835 - IT Applications for Decision Making

    2credit hours

    (Same as INFS 6835.) Prerequisite: BIA 6000 or BIA 2610 and 3620. Focuses on application development using electronic spreadsheets to improve decision making efficiency and effectiveness. Uses a hands-on approach to develop skills in electronic spreadsheets and modeling applied to a variety of business situations. Not acceptable for credit toward the degree requirements for the M.S. in Information Systems but may be required as a prerequisite at the discretion of the program coordinator.

  • MBAI 6905 - Applied Business Analytics

    3credit hours

    (Same as BIA 6905.) Prerequisites: BIA 6000 and MBAI 6835 or BIA 2610 and BIA 3620; permission of department. An applied approach to the understanding, development, and application of prescriptive and data analytic tools to model and analyze business data. A hands-on focus utilized with both commonly-used spreadsheet software and specialized business intelligence software for the student to develop skills for self-service business analytics.

  • MBAM 6825 - Leading Organizations

    2credit hours

    Explores current management thought and experience on how to effectively lead/manage the people within an organization in a changing world. Emphasis on self-assessment, skill improvement, and problem solving of the current challenges organizations face.

  • MGMT 6740 - Leadership and Motivation

    3credit hours

    Issues in leadership and motivation in business organizations. An examination of the theoretical framework for leadership and motivation processes serves as foundation. Emphasis on practical issues and applications of leadership development and motivation.

  • MGMT 6750 - Business Ethics  3 credit hours  

    MGMT 6750 - Business Ethics

    3credit hours

    Impact of individual values and ethics on the management of organizations. Topics include legal and ethical aspects of dealing with organization stakeholders: stockholders, consumers, employees, and the general community. Emphasis on using ethical theory to make good business decisions.

Assurance Specialization

Students electing to specialize in assurance must complete four of the following among their electives:

  • ACTG 5640 - Internal Auditing

    3credit hours

    Prerequisites: ACTG 3110 and ACTG 4510 with a minimum grade of C (2.0). Application of internal auditing concepts. Includes gathering and analyzing company data, assessing risk, applying professional and ethical standards, performing statistical sampling, and preparing internal audit reports. (Recommended for CIA exam candidates.)

  • ACTG 5680 - Forensic Accountancy and Fraud Auditing

    3credit hours

    Prerequisite: ACTG 4510 or ACTG 5510 with minimum grade of C (2.0), or approval of department chair. Practice of forensic accounting, i.e., nontraditional investigative aspects of accountancy (e.g., litigation support, business interruptions, etc.); emphasis on fraud prevention and the detection of fraudulent intent to obtain improper individual or group gains.

  • ACTG 6610 - Advanced Governmental and Nonprofit Accounting and Reporting

    3credit hours

    Prerequisites: ACTG 3120 and 4610 (ACTG 5610) with a minimum grade of C. State and local government accounting principles and procedures; accounting and reporting for state and local governments, colleges and universities, hospitals, and nonprofit organizations. Auditing practices for all these organizations.

  • ACTG 6720 - Advanced Auditing and Public Accounting Practices

    3credit hours

    Prerequisite: ACTG 4620 or consent of department chair. The course focuses on technical accounting research methods and application of data analysis tool(s) utilized in current audit practice. Includes technical accounting and data analysis case studies relating to various audit areas.

  • ACTG 6730 - External Auditing II

    3credit hours

    Prerequisite: ACTG 4620 or equivalent with a minimum grade of C (2.0). Additional topics related to the provision of assurance services by external auditors. Topics include audits of internal controls over financial reporting, audit sampling, auditors' ethical responsibilities and legal liability, other assurance services, and other relevant topics.

  • INFS 6300 - Management of Security Operations

    3credit hours

    Management of the information systems security function which includes understanding policy, governance, risk, and the application of appropriate solutions required to protect and enhance an organization's security posture. Topics include threats to security, risk assessment, application and data hardening, network security, fundamentals of encryption and authentication systems, and the application of appropriate response and recovery techniques necessary for business continuity.

Tax Accounting Specialization

Students electing to specialize in tax accounting must complete four of the following among their electives:

  • ACTG 6510 - Federal Income Tax Research and Planning

    3credit hours

    Prerequisite: ACTG 4550 or consent of instructor. Skillful application of tax research methodology in the use of primary tax authority, secondary tax reference materials, and research aids. Research through practice in the use of materials available in the tax library.

  • ACTG 6530 - Taxation of Pass-Through Entities

    3credit hours

    Prerequisite: ACTG 4550 with a minimum grade of C or consent of instructor. Principles of partnership and S corporation taxation. Addresses the tax consequences of formation, operations, distributions, and liquidations of partnerships. Also covers tax rules unique to S corporations.

  • ACTG 6540 - Taxation of Business Entities

    3credit hours

    Prerequisite: ACTG 4550 with minimum grade of C or consent of instructor. The federal income taxation of business entities, including C corporations, S corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies, and estates and trusts.

  • ACTG 6550 - U.S. International Taxation

    3credit hours

    Prerequisite: ACTG 4550 with minimum grade of C or consent of instructor. Basic concepts of U.S. taxation of international transactions. Topics include sourcing of income from foreign activities, Subpart F income, selecting the proper vehicle for foreign investments, and computing foreign tax credits.

  • ACTG 6560 - Special Topics in Taxation

    3credit hours

    Prerequisite: ACTG 4550 with a minimum grade of C or consent of instructor. In-depth investigation of selected advanced topics in taxation.

Program Notes

With proper planning the Master of Accountancy will fulfill the educational requirements to sit for the CPA exam in Tennessee.

No foreign language or thesis is required in the program.

Students who have credit for the undergraduate equivalent of a 5000-level course are not permitted to enroll in the 5000-level course for credit.

Students applying for the Tax Certificate or the Assurance Certificate must apply through a separate process. Admission closed.

Our adjunct faculty bring outstanding professional experience to our programs. Many are industry leaders with decorated careers and honors. Importantly, they are innovative educators who offer hands-on learning to our students to prepare them to enter and thrive in a dynamic, and oftentimes emerging, industry and professional world. They inspire, instruct, and challenge our students toward academic and professional success.

The MTSU Career Center hosts several job fairs throughout the year, which assist in providing opportunities for internships and employment. In the field of Accounting, students are able to interact with one another and potential employers. The “Document Drop” service is for students who wish to leave a cover letter or resume with the Career Center and receive a written critique. The Career Center also provides walk-in counseling, career-cluster or virtual counseling, and workshops. 

Students may join as affiliate members of the American Institute of CPAs. The AICPA provides an array of benefits, including industry updates, scholarships, conference discounts and an AICPA Competency Assessment Tool

Beta Alpha Psi, referred to by several current and former students above, is an honor organization for financial-information students and professionals. BAP encourages and recognizes scholastic and professional excellence in the business-information field. The organization provides opportunities for self-development, service, and association among members and professionals working in the field. 

In addition to BAP, MTSU has student chapters of the Institute of Management Accountants, the Institute of Internal Auditors, and the National Association of Black Accountants.  More information about these organizations is available on the Accounting Department website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Reputation of the MTSU MAcc program


Is the MTSU MAcc program well regarded by the business community?

Yes, the MTSU MAcc program enjoys an excellent reputation in the business community, and MTSU MAcc students are heavily recruited.  Our Meet the Firms recruiting event is among the largest, if not the largest, hosted by accounting programs in Tennessee. 

Who recruits MTSU MAcc students on campus?

Each fall MTSU hosts a Meet the Firms event, and many firms, businesses, and governmental entities come to recruit our students.  Over the past two years, the following entities participated in the Meet the Firms event sponsored by the local chapter of Beta Alpha Psi:

  • Deloitte
  • Ernst & Young
  • AllianceBernstein
  • Amsurg
  • Aramark
  • BKD
  • Blankenship CPA Group
  • Carr Riggs & Ingram
  • Cherry Bekaert
  • Cigna
  • Correct Care Solutions
  • Crisler CPA PLLC
  • Crosslin
  • Crowe Horwath
  • Dempsey Vantrease & Follis
  • Elliott Davis
  • Faulkner Mackie & Cochran
  • FBI
  • FedEx
  • Grannis & Associates
  • HA Beasley & Company PLLC
  • Hall Albright Garrison & Barnes
  • HCA Internal Audit
  • HCA Physician Services Group
  • HCA Tax Department
  • Kraft CPAs
  • Kroger
  • LBMC
  • LKQ Corporation
  • Maggart & Associates
  • Marcum
  • Miller CPA, PLLC
  • National Healthcare Corporation
  • Patterson, Hardee & Ballentine, CPAs
  • Parallon Business Solutions
  • Puryear, Hamilton, Hausman & Woods PLC
  • PYA
  • RSM US LLP
  • Rubin Brown LLP
  • Ryan, LLC
  • Smith Marion & Company
  • Stone Rudolph & Henry, PLC
  • Surgery Partners
  • Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance
  • Tennessee Department of Treasury, Division of Investigations
  • Tennessee Comptroller of the Currency
  • Tennessee Department of Revenue
  • Tennessee Department of Treasury
  • Totherow Haile & Welch
  • Tractor Supply Co.
  • TVA
  • Warner Music Group
  •  Winnett Associates, PLLC 

Please keep in mind that this is a list of employers that attended Meet the Firms.  Our graduates are also employed by many other firms that are not included in this list.

How does the MTSU MAcc program compare to other programs?

In a ranking of the 2017-18 Best Master of Accounting Programs, the MTSU MAcc program was rated 39th in the country.  These rankings were determined using a four-factor method that included (1) CPA Exam Average Score, (2) CPA Exam Overall Pass Rate, (3) Relative Popularity for Business Students, and (4) Average Tuition.  Only one other MAcc program in Tennessee was included in the Top 50.

Are the Jones College of Business and the MTSU Accounting program accredited?

The Jones College of Business, and the Department of Accounting, are accredited by AACSB International, the premier accrediting body for Colleges of Business.   AACSB accreditation is the ‘gold standard’ of accreditation for Colleges of Business.

Admission to the MAcc program


Do I need to complete my undergraduate degree before applying for the MAcc program?

No, you can apply while you are completing your undergraduate degree, and we encourage you to do so.  We suggest applying approximately six to eight months before you intend to begin classes.  For example, students who plan to begin classes in August are encouraged to apply in January or February.

Do I need to complete the pre-reqs before applying for the MAcc program?

No.  You can apply even though you have not completed the pre-reqs.  However, you will be required to take the pre-reqs early in your MAcc program.  Also, keep in mind, that once you are admitted to the MAcc program, you will be charged graduate tuition rates for all classes, including any pre-req classes.

Do I need an undergraduate degree in accounting to enter the MAcc program?

No.  An undergraduate accounting degree is not required.  However, there are a number of pre-requisite classes required for the program.  If you don't have an undergraduate accounting degree, you will be required to take more pre-req classes. 

In which semesters can I begin the MAcc program?

You can begin the MAcc program during any semester (fall, spring or summer). 

What are the minimum requirements to be considered for admission?

 Generally, to be considered for admission, the applicant must meet one of the requirements below:

  • Student has an undergraduate accounting degree from an Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accredited institution with an overall undergraduate GPA of 3.00. (If you meet this requirement, you are not required to take the GMAT exam.)
  • Student has a composite score of at least 950, calculated as (Cumulative GPA x 200) + GMAT. A minimum GMAT of 400 is required.
  • Student has a composite score using their upper division GPA of at least 1,000, calculated as (Upper division GPA x 200) + GMAT. A minimum GMAT of 400 is required. 

International students must meet certain English proficiency requirements.  Other rules can also apply to international admissions.

Admitted students typically have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75.

For full details, please click the Requirements tab above.

Is the GMAT exam required for admission?

Sometimes.  The GMAT requirement is waived if the applicant has an accounting degree from an AACSB-accredited college, and their cumulative GPA was at least 3.0.  The GMAT is also waived for students who are working on their accounting degree at an AACSB college if it is clear that they will have at least a 3.0 GPA when they graduate. (Feel free to contact Dr. Scarlata to determine if this applies to you.)   If a student does not meet these requirements for GMAT waiver, the applicant must submit GMAT scores. 

The GMAT requirement may be waived if an applicant has an accounting degree from an AACSB-accredited school, and their cumulative GPA was at least 3.0. How do I know if my school is AACSB-accredited?  

MTSU is accredited by the AACSB.  For other schools, you can check the AACSB website, which allows you to search by country. To check for other schools, please visit the AACSB website and filter by 'Business' option.

Is it possible to substitute the GRE for the GMAT?

While we prefer that students take the GMAT exam, it may be possible to substitute GRE scores in some circumstances.  If you have not yet taken an exam, you should take the GMAT exam.  If you have already taken the GRE, it may be possible to use your GRE scores for admission purposes.  Please contact Dr. Scarlata if this applies to you.

When should I apply to the MAcc program?

We recommend applying 6-8 months before your intended start date.  Applications are typically accepted as long as openings are still available.  However, by applying early you can be certain to secure yourself a place in the program, and you are able to register for classes in a timely manner.

How do I apply to the MAcc program, and what other information is required when applying for admission?

Information about the graduate admissions process can be found at Graduate Admissions.

Special rules apply to International Admissions.  International students can find information at International Admissions.

Do you offer conditional admission?

No.  You must meet the program requirements at the time of admission to be admitted. 

When are admissions decisions made?

Once all of the required application materials (e.g. application, transcripts, and GMAT scores, if required) are received by the Graduate College, the application is forwarded to the Director of the MAcc program to make an admissions decision.  Typically, decisions are made quickly once the applications are received by the Director (e.g. a week or two).

Will I be classified as an in-state or out-of-state resident?

The Director of the MAcc program is not involved in this process.  Furthermore, we have been notified that the regulations regarding this issue are rather complex.  Out-of-state students should contact the College of Graduate Studies about this issue at 615-898-2840 PRIOR to first enrollment to discuss options.

What is the Regional Scholars Program?

The Regional Scholars Program allows out-of-state students who live within 250 miles to attend at a reduced rate equal to approximately 48% off the standard out-of-state rate. For more information please see Regional Scholars Program.

Are letters of recommendation required for admission into the MAcc program?

No letters of recommendation are required, unless you are applying for an assistantship.  If you apply for an assistantship, three letters of recommendation are required. 

How much does it cost to apply to the MAcc program?

For 2018-19, the application fee is $35.  This is a one-time fee, and there should be no additional fee if you are re-enrolling.

Pre-requisite and Degree Requirements

 

Does an undergraduate degree in accounting from MTSU satisfy all pre-req requirements?

Yes, if you took ACTG 4620 (External Auditing) as part of your undergraduate program.  If you did not take ACTG 4620, you would be required to take it as a prereq to the MAcc program. 

What are the specific courses that are pre-reqs for the MAcc program?

There are 36 credit hours of pre-reqs. Students with an undergraduate degree in accounting from a regionally accredited college usually have taken most, if not all, of the pre-reqs.  Students admitted to the MTSU MAcc program receive a welcome letter that identifies any pre-req deficiencies.

What are the MAcc Degree requirements?

Assuming all pre-reqs have been met, students must complete 30 credit hours to complete the MAcc program.  Thirteen credit hours of these classes are required and the other 17 credits are various types of electives.  The MAcc program is very flexible and can be tailored to your career interests.  A general summary of the current degree requirements can be found in the Requirements section.

Can I get transfer credit?

In some circumstances, students who have previous graduate credit from an AACSB-accredited college may be able to apply up to six credit hours of such work toward MAcc program requirements.  Permission is required from the MAcc program director and the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies to use transfer credit.  Generally, transfer credit is not awarded if the coursework was used to meet degree requirements for another degree.  Please contact the MAcc program director if you have transfer credit questions. 

How long does it take to complete the MAcc program?

Students must complete 30 credit hours to complete the MAcc program.  With proper planning, students can complete the program in one year if they attend full-time (assuming all pre-reqs were satisfied when starting the program).  Some students attend part-time, taking one or two classes per semester.  Part-time students often take 2-3 years to complete the program.

Graduate Assistantship (GA) positions


Are Graduate Assistantship (GA) positions available?

Assistantship positions are often available, however, the number may vary from semester to semester. 

What are the benefits of a Graduate Assistantship?

Graduate Assistantships provide a monthly stipend (currently about $400/month) and a waiver for tuition and most fees. Out-of-state residents also receive a waiver for out-of-state fees.  

How do I apply for an assistantship?

To apply for an assistantship position, please complete the application that is included on the College of Graduate Studies' website.

The assistantship application is submitted on-line.  You should arrange to have three letters of recommendation sent to the Department of Accounting.  The letters are typically from former professors or employers (accounting professors preferred).   Please have them sent to the attention of Ms. Violet Rigsby, Department of Accounting, MTSU Box 50, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN 37132.   The recommendation letters can also be mailed to Ms. Rigsby at Violet.Rigsby@mtsu.edu.  Students who do not receive an assistantship in their first semester may reapply in subsequent semesters.

What duties must a Graduate Assistant (GA) perform?

GAs usually work 15 hours per week.  Duties may include tutoring students in the accounting lab, proctoring exams, grading homework, assisting professors with teaching or research, as well as other various duties.

Registration for Classes


How do I register for classes?

To register for classes, please contact your advisor.  Your advisor must approve any classes you plan to take.  In addition, all accounting classes have holds placed on them.  Your advisor must have the holds removed before you can register.  Any holds on non-accounting classes must be removed by the departments offering the classes.

Which classes satisfy the Global requirement?

MAcc students must take one Global class.  Students can pick from:

  • ACTG 5840 (Study Abroad)
  • ACTG 6550 (US International Taxation)
  • ACTG 6570 (International Financial Reporting and Controls)
  • FIN 6860 (International Financial Management)

Who do I call to get registration holds released?

For accounting classes, please contact your advisor.

Holds on non-accounting classes must be released by the department where the class is offered.  Listed below are the departments and phone numbers to contact for non-accounting classes:

  • Economics:  615-898-2520
  • Finance:  615-898-5749
  • Information Systems:  615-898-2362
  • Management:  615-898-2736
  • Marketing:  615-898-2736 

Who should I contact if I am getting error messages when trying to register for classes in Pipeline?

Please see the Department of Accounting Administrative Assistants.  You can stop by the Department of Accounting in BAS N425 for personal assistance or you can call them at 615-898-5306 or 615-898-2558.

CPA Exam


Does the MAcc program include a CPA Review program?

Yes.   The program includes a series of four classes (one for each part of the exam; one credit hour each) to prepare students for the CPA exam.  The program uses Becker CPA Review as the provider for the content of this program.

Is there an additional cost for the CPA Review program?

Yes. Becker can often direct-bill companies if a student has accepted a job offer from a CPA firm or company that pays for their CPA review class.  Please talk to your future employer about this possibility.  In addition, Becker will allow students to finance the cost of their program over 18 months, if necessary.  Finally, you should be aware that there are fees that must be paid to take the exam.  These fees are also the responsibility of the student.

Will I be qualified to sit for the CPA exam after getting the MAcc degree?

Requirements to sit for the CPA exam can vary slightly by state.  If you have an undergraduate degree in any field of business, you will meet the educational requirements to sit for the CPA exam in Tennessee by completing the MAcc program.  If your undergraduate degree was not in a business discipline (e.g. psychology), you can meet the educational requirements to sit for the CPA exam by completing the MAcc program with proper planning.  If you plan to sit for the CPA exam in a different state, you should check with the applicable State Board of Accountancy to determine the requirements of that state. 

Where can I get more information about sitting for the CPA exam?

More information about the CPA exam can be found on the NASBA websitePlease see their ‘Candidate Bulletin’ for more information.  It is very detailed and has answers to most questions about the CPA exam.

If I have questions about whether I will meet the requirements to sit for the CPA Exam in Tennessee, who can I call?

You should call the Tennessee State Board of Accountancy at 888-453-6150. 

What is the pass rate for MTSU MAcc students on the CPA exam?

 MTSU students have performed quite well on the CPA exam.  Typically, the first time pass rate for MTSU MAcc students are among the highest for universities in the Middle Tennessee area.   Over the period 2012-15, the first-time pass rate was 61.3% for MAcc students (i.e. students passed 61.3% of the parts they attempted).

Other Frequently Asked Questions


Should I get an MBA or MAcc degree?

While both degrees can be very good degrees to obtain, we recommend a MAcc degree if you are planning a professional accounting career.  When employers are seeking to fill accounting positions, they will be much more likely to choose someone with an accounting background (i.e. MAcc degree).  Furthermore, a MAcc degree will do a better job of preparing you for the CPA Exam.

How much does the MAcc program cost?

MTSU's MAcc is one of the most affordable Master of Accountancy programs, if not the most affordable, in the state of Tennessee.  If you compare the cost of MTSU to other schools, I believe you will discover that MTSU's program is a tremendous value.   A chart showing the cost of tuition and fees can be found at:  http://www.mtsu.edu/tuition/   For rates that apply to the MAcc program, please select the “Graduate Fee Chart.”

Is the program full- or part-time?

Students can attend either full- or part-time.  Students who attend full-time can typically complete the program in one year.  Some working adults choose to only take one or two classes per semester.  In such circumstances it will take 2-3 years to complete the program.

Can I complete the MTSU MAcc program on-line?

No, the MAcc program is a campus-based program.

When do MAcc classes usually meet?

Both day and evening classes are offered.  Non-traditional students who need to take classes in the evening can complete the MTSU MAcc program entirely as an evening program.   In addition, the Department of Accounting offers some classes during the day, if there is sufficient demand.  This allows traditional students to take some, but not necessarily all, of their classes during the day.   Day classes may meet twice per week for one hour and 25 minutes per day, or they may meet for a three-hour block on one day.  Evening classes usually meet from 6-9pm, one night per week.  

Are internships available, and are they required?

MAcc students are not required to complete an internship, however, they are strongly encouraged to do so.  Many CPA firms recruit almost exclusively through the internship process (i.e. they hire interns and subsequently hire their full-time employees from their pool of interns).  Many employers come to 'Meet the Firms' in September to recruit interns.

Can I get financial aid for the MAcc program?

Many students in the MAcc program receive financial aid.  However, the Director of the Program is not involved in the financial aid process.  For more information about financial aid, please see the MTSU Financial Aid Office at:   MTSU Financial Aid

Are there scholarships available for MAcc students?

The Department of Accounting does offer some scholarships to MAcc students.  These are typically awarded early in the spring semester each year.  Please see the Department of Accounting website for more information.  In addition, students are encouraged to apply for scholarships awarded by the Tennessee Society of CPAs (TSCPA).  MTSU students have been very successful in obtaining these scholarships.  The deadline for the scholarships is usually in May or June, although students should see the TSCPA website for more information.

What accounting student groups are available at MTSU?

The Department of Accounting sponsors several groups for accounting students.  These groups, along with the faculty advisor, are listed below.  Please contact the faculty advisor for information on how to join the organization.

  • Accounting Connections  (Advisor:  Professor Elizabeth Abernathy – Elizabeth.Abernathy@mtsu.edu).
  • Audit and Managerial Accounting Club (Advisors:  Dr. Audrey Scarlata – Audrey.Scarlata@mtsu.edu   and Dr. Sarah Garven – Sarah.Garven@mtsu.edu).
  • Beta Alpha Psi (Advisor: Dr. Kim Honaker – Kim.Honaker@mtsu.edu)
  • National Association of Black Accountants (Advisor:  Dr. Jeannie Harrington – Jeannie.Harrington@mtsu.edu).

More information about these groups is available at:  Accounting Student Groups

Where can I get more information about taking the GMAT exam?

For more information, please see the website of the Graduate Management Admission Council at:  http://www.mba.com/us

Will I have a faculty member as an advisor?  How do I determine who my advisor is?

Your advisor will be a faculty members who teaches in the MAcc program.  We try to match students with faculty members based upon the student’s area of interest.   For examples, someone completing the tax specialization should have a tax professor as their advisor.    Once you are admitted, you can determine who your advisor is by checking your Pipeline account or by contacting Dr. Scarlata.

What is an Advising Form and when must it be completed?

Each MAcc student must complete an Advising Form during their first semester that shows the courses they intend to take to complete their MAcc degree.  The Advising Form is completed on-line.  Please see the “Forms for Current Graduate Students”. The Advising Form must be approved by the student’s advisor and the Director of the MAcc program. Your advisor will be happy to assist you in completing your Advising Form.

How do I file my “Intent to Graduate” form?

Your Intent to Graduate Form is completed and filed on-line. You can access the link at Intent to Graduate Form for Master Candidates. (Just select “Forms for Current Graduate Students” and scroll down until you see “Intent to Graduate.”) 

When do I need to file my Intent to Graduate Form?

Intent to Graduate forms must be filed no later than the second week of the semester in which you plan to graduate.

If I have additional questions about the MAcc program who should I contact?

 Please contact the MAcc program director, Dr. Audrey Scarlata.  You can send questions to her via e-mail at Audrey.Scarlata@mtsu.edu. You can also call her at 615-898-2625.

Online or Hybrid Programs at a Glance

This program is available hybrid.


For More Information or Explore Your Options​

Contact your department / program coordinator or advisor for more details about the program OR work one-on-one with your advisor to explore your options.


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The Online Advantage​

With over 25 years of experience in online teaching and learning, MTSU Online offers students access to innovative, high-quality programs. Designed with students in mind, our courses allow maximum flexibility for those unable to participate in person. ​

Resources and services for online students are available from MTSU Online or contact us at distance@mtsu.edu.

Contact Information

Audrey Scarlata
Audrey.Scarlata@mtsu.edu
615-898-2625

Who is My Advisor?

Audrey Scarlata
Audrey.Scarlata@mtsu.edu
615-898-2625

Mailing Address

Department of Accounting
Middle Tennessee State University
Box 50
1301 East Main Street
Murfreesboro, TN 37132 

College of Graduate Studies
Middle Tennessee State University
MTSU Box 42
1301 East Main Street
Murfreesboro, TN 37132

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