Accounting
Master of Science (M.S.)
Graduate Major
Grand Rapids • Face to face • 33 Credits
Accounting is the systematic process of recording, analyzing, and reporting the financial information of a business or individual. Accountants provide critical insights into financial health and performance and help people make informed financial decisions.
Overview
The Master of Science in Accounting (M.S.A.) at Grand Valley offers an intensive, concentrated learning experience tailored for those pursuing Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification and careers in public, industry, and nonprofit accounting. The program focuses on an in-depth exploration of essential aspects of accounting, providing practical experience within the discipline. Seidman advisors work with students to develop individualized plans of study that align with their specific career goals, offering the flexibility to study part-time or full-time.
The program is available to anyone with a baccalaureate degree, including those with limited accounting experience. Curriculum prerequisites will vary depending on previous business and accounting coursework. Coursework for all M.S.A. students includes theory, ethics, analysis, international accounting, structured analytics, and emerging technologies.
Grand Valley's M.S.A. fosters vibrant, synergistic relationships with area businesses, offering students opportunities for collaboration on career development and community-based projects. Faculty members actively consult with local and national businesses, ensuring a dynamic exchange that keeps students current and connected through a blend of theory and applied practice. The M.S.A. is open to anyone with a baccalaureate degree, including those with limited accounting experience, and is accredited by AACSB International, the premier business school accrediting organization. The Seidman College of Business is recognized as a top business school, with students excelling in local, state, and national educational competitions. Classes are held in the thriving business community of downtown Grand Rapids, MI, in the L. William Seidman Center with online options available for students who reside elsewhere or prefer online learning.
Admission Information
If you have additional questions, please contact our graduate admissions office.
Seidman College of Business
gvsu.edu/seidmangrad
50
Front Avenue SW, SCB 3030
(616) 331-7400
Graduate Admissions and Recruitment Office
Application Deadline
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but the fully completed application must be submitted a minimum of 30 days prior to the intended semester of enrollment. The $30 nonrefundable application fee is waived if the applicant has previously applied to GVSU.
Career Opportunities
Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others. Install or advise on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data.
Top skills- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Judgment and Decision Making
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 48,864.41 | 10% |
| $ 61,208.05 | 25% |
| $ 77,598.98 | 50% |
| $102,762.02 | 75% |
| $137,758.40 | 90% |
Conduct quantitative analyses of information involving investment programs or financial data of public or private institutions, including valuation of businesses.
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 60,538.73 | 10% |
| $ 74,478.18 | 25% |
| $ 90,704.55 | 50% |
| $113,985.14 | 75% |
| $147,199.12 | 90% |
Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports.
Top skills- Critical Thinking
- Mathematics
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Judgment and Decision Making
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 61,027.19 | 10% |
| $ 72,092.79 | 25% |
| $ 91,832.00 | 50% |
| $101,192.00 | 75% |
| $120,660.80 | 90% |
Compute, classify, and record numerical data to keep financial records complete. Perform any combination of routine calculating, posting, and verifying duties to obtain primary financial data for use in maintaining accounting records. May also check the accuracy of figures, calculations, and postings pertaining to business transactions recorded by other workers.
Top skills- Mathematics
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 34,242.69 | 10% |
| $ 39,868.35 | 25% |
| $ 47,412.04 | 50% |
| $ 58,619.96 | 75% |
| $ 71,714.43 | 90% |
Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.
Top skills- Critical Thinking
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Complex Problem Solving
- Reading Comprehension
- Management of Financial Resources
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 78,135.58 | 10% |
| $103,249.39 | 25% |
| $133,776.39 | 50% |
| $174,867.71 | 75% |
| $241,051.49 | 90% |
4,963
Students Participated in Experiential Learning
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Graduate Assistantships
Seidman College offers several assistantships for full-time graduate students (enrolled in at least 9 credit hours/semester) in good academic standing. Full-time graduate assistantships require a 20-hour per week work assignment for 16 weeks per semester. GA's receive tuition credit for up to 9 credits and receive a $4,000 stipend each semester (fall and winter). Graduate assistants work with Seidman College faculty and staff. Qualified candidates are selected on the basis of aptitude, interest, background, and qualifications for the specific GA position responsibilities.
Career Support
The GVSU Career Center provides lifetime support to Seidman alums as they transition throughout their career. Seidman students have access to the support of our faculty, extended alumni network, and strong connections to the West Michigan business community. Our cohorts are filled with working professionals from a variety of industries, creating organic networks of support for our continuing students.
Accreditation
Seidman is accredited by the AACSB International. The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Fewer than 711 institutions around the world have achieved this recognition for assuring quality and continuous improvement in their programs, faculty, and resources. The Seidman College of Business is one of those institutions. Visit their accreditation page for details.
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