School of Business Administration %department:title

Our MSA program opens up an exciting new opportunity in accounting and provides a fast track to prepare for some of the most prestigious credentials in the profession. 

Our Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) program provides students with advanced knowledge and techniques to pursue professional careers in public and private accounting. MSA students develop skills necessary to solve accounting problems that are of contemporary relevance to the fields of accounting, finance and other business areas. 

The program is designed to create additional employment opportunities and promote the career success of our graduates. Career options for graduates will include positions in public accounting, such as external auditors, tax preparers and consultants, as well as in private accounting roles such as internal auditors, controllers, chief financial officers and financial analysts.  Positions in the public sector also contribute to high demand for a graduate degree in accounting, both on the federal and local levels.

Enrolling in the MSA program at AUS will increase significantly the likelihood of passing the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam.  Our program prepares students to meet the current 150-semester-hour education requirement to be licensed as a CPA in all of the US states and territories.  The CPA exam is currently offered in the UAE without having to travel to the USA.  Several of our faculty members are licensed CPAs and are very familiar with both the content of the CPA exam and the procedures to register and qualify as a licensed CPA. Our curriculum is designed to help students to pass the CPA exam and obtain theoretical as well as practical experience in accounting and auditing.

Student Advising 

The Department of Accounting provides continuous guidance and advising to MSA students.

Assistantships

Two types of assistantships are available to help our graduate students. Graduate assistantships provide an opportunity to assist faculty members with course administration, research and other activities. Students may work up to 20 hours per week and are paid on an hourly basis. 

A limited number of graduate research assistantships are also available on a competitive basis. Recipients of these awards receive full or partial tuition payment and a stipend payment in return for assisting a faculty member with a research project in the student's area of interest. 

Job Placement

The outreach efforts of SBA are focused on building networks with companies that support AUS programs and provide job opportunities for our graduates. Requests from employers are passed along to students and graduates with the appropriate qualifications.