Master of Science in Accounting
Today’s accounting professionals do more than just prepare financial statements and tax returns.
They develop information systems, help formulate business strategy, calculate the costs and benefits of adopting new technologies, and advise corporate leaders on business issues ranging from operational controls, to international tax minimization strategies, to mergers and acquisitions.
Master of Science in Accounting
The STEM-designated Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) program at Boston College’s Carroll School of Management teaches the technical aspects of accounting, cultivates students’ analytical abilities, and promotes an in-depth understanding of the role of accounting in the world at large.
BC MSA classes are small, fostering a strong sense of community and collegiality, and students have remarkable access to some of the finest teachers and researchers in the world. Our faculty members contribute to leading management journals and publications, and are dedicated to skillfully educating students as well as pursuing their own research initiatives. Additionally, Boston College prepares students for CPA exam success, consistently ranking among top largeprogram institutions for CPA exam pass rates. Whatever the future holds for the field of accounting, a BC MSA provides a strong foundation for a thriving career.
The program’s STEM designation allows international MSA graduates on an F-1 visa to potentially qualify for an additional 24 months of training in their field of study (called Optional Practical Training, or OPT) beyond the standard 12 months.
Master of Science in Accounting
Progra M D ET ail S
The BC MSA is a full-time, STEM-designated program that offers a flexible curriculum tailored to the academic background of each student.
Students begin the program in September and must complete a minimum of 11 courses by May or August, depending upon individual course load. Students who were not undergraduate accounting majors may be required to complete up to 13 courses to meet degree requirements. Individuals who have not completed economics and basic finance or financial management prior to beginning the MSA program will be required to complete these courses prior to graduating.
Required coursework is determined by faculty through the review of a student’s academic transcripts. Once admitted, students receive a personalized course worksheet, which outlines their individual course plan. Additionally, all MSA students are required to complete six STEM-designated courses, which will be noted on individual course worksheets.
* Students will complete Managerial Statistics, which is a selfpaced online asynchronous course, during the summer prior to arriving on campus.
** Students who have taken the above courses as undergraduates may be eligible to replace these courses with graduate electives from the Carroll School of Management.
Pr EPara T ion an D P E rfor M an CE
For many BC MSA students, the most popular professional starting point is in public accounting. One of the key professional hurdles to early success in the field is passing the Uniform Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Examination.
BC BC MSA students perform extremely well on the CPA Exam, with pass rates well above the national average. In addition, since 2012, more than a dozen Boston College students have earned the prestigious Elijah Watt Sells Award for their CPA Exam performance, including one in 2023. This recognition, given to individuals who achieve a cumulative average above 95.5 percent across all CPA Exam sections, was earned by only 40 out of more than 86,000 candidates nationwide in 2023.
BC MSA students gain additional experience outside of the classroom that prepares them for success in their careers. Students fulfill the University’s tradition of service by serving as mentors, role models, or tutors in underserved communities, or
by providing pro bono professional services to local nonprofit organizations. Numerous student clubs, including the Graduate Management Association, provide additional opportunities for students to gain significant leadership experience as well as develop their personal and professional interests.
Yuqiong Allison Zhang, MSA ’20
Senior Associate, PwC
“During my program, I developed a strong relationship with my career advisor. She would consistently reach out to me with internship opportunities, interesting panels, and career-relevant articles and videos. She always encouraged me to be myself, to pick up my confidence, and step out of my comfort zone to do better.”
Faculty
Natalie Berfeld
Assistant Professor; Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Mark Bradshaw
Joseph F. Cotter Professor and Chairperson of the Department; CPA; Ph.D., University of Michigan
Mary Ellen Carter
Professor and Joseph L. Sweeney Chair; CPA; Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Ki-Soon Choi
Assistant Professor; Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Jeffrey Cohen Professor; CMA; Ph.D., University of Massachusetts Amherst
Dianne Feldman
Senior Lecturer and Director of the Carroll School Undergraduate Assurance of Learning; CPA; MBA, Bentley University
Amy Hutton
Professor and Ernst & Young Fellow; Ph.D., University of Rochester
Lian Fen Lee
Associate Professor; Ph.D., University of Michigan
Miao Liu
Assistant Professor; Ph.D., University of Chicago
Alvis Lo
Associate Professor; Ph.D., University of British Columbia
Gil Manzon
Associate Professor; DBA, Boston University
Liz Quinn
Senior Lecturer; CPA; MST, Northeastern University
Susan Shu
Professor and Ph.D. Program Director; Ph.D., University of Rochester
Douglas (DJ) Stockbridge Assistant Professor; Ph.D., University of Michigan
Edward Taylor
Senior Lecturer and Assistant Chairperson; CPA; MST, Bentley University
Benjamin Yost
Associate Professor and Clark Family Faculty Fellow; CPA; Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Jenny Penafiel, CPA, MSA ’18
Senior Advisory Consultant, Deloitte
“The BC MSA is designed to prepare students for each of the four parts of the CPA Exam, with each class providing the necessary tools and knowledge to ensure you have a full understanding of accounting topics. Once it came time to study for the exam, I could rely on the many concepts I learned in my classes, in addition to my CPA study materials. The BC MSA gave me the solid foundation I needed for passing each of the four exams on my first try, and I am grateful to have made the right choice.
The program is also home to professors with a wide range of professional experience and connections in the accounting industry. Just as it is throughout BC, professors in the MSA program are great resources for more than just class material. They are there to help you progress in your career. Whether it was for career advice, academic help, or interview tips, I always felt comfortable reaching out to my professors.
My advice to incoming students is to continuously explore the many opportunities available to you at Boston College. Take advantage of the program because it is built to help you succeed in your career. Reach out, ask questions, and be willing to try out new things.”
Careers and the Alumni Network
BC MSA students typically go on to jobs at public accounting firms. BC MSA graduates have accepted positions at all of the Big Four accounting firms— Deloitte, EY, KPMG, and PwC—as well as other prominent firms. The Office of Career Development works closely with BC MSA candidates to craft resumes and cover letters as well as enhance their interviewing skills.
Graduates of the BC MSA program join a loyal and influential alumni network. Today, the Boston College alumni community encompasses more than 209,000 individuals all over the world, including more than 44,000 graduates of the Carroll School.
2023 En TE ring Cla SS Profil E
Co
Alvarez & Marsal
Amy Cai, CPA
Anderson
Baker Newman Noyes
Bosera Asset
CBRE
China National Offshore Oil Corp.
China Unicom
CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen)
CTBC Bank
Deloitte
EY
Foxconn
Grant Thornton
HNA Trust Management
JP Morgan
Katz Nannis + Solomon
KPMG
Marcum LLP
Padilla and Company, LLP
PwC
Robert Half
RSM
SteelWave
* 2021–2023
Jiahao Geng, MSA ’21 Assurance Staff, EY
“My best piece of advice to prospective students is to be proactive. Do not hesitate to network with classmates, alumni, professors, and other members of the BC community. They are happy to help and want you to succeed. Also, take advantage of BC career resources as much as possible. I got my job from an in-person career event where I was able to meet with professionals face to face and advance directly to the interview stage of the hiring process.”
Admission
The BC MSA program seeks students with outstanding potential for leadership and academic excellence. While notable for the diversity of their individual achievements, our students all present a consistent record of taking initiative, leading change, and demonstrating a desire to make an impact in the world.
how T o a PP ly
Each candidate must complete an application for admission, which includes transcripts of all academic work, essays, and a letter of recommendation. Demonstrated leadership experience as well as evidence of management potential are significant criteria in the admissions process.
All applicants are required to take the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Applicants whose native language is not English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the Pearson Test of English (PTE), or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). All candidates must be graduates of accredited colleges or universities.
Boston College Carroll School of Management publications contain current information regarding the University calendar, admissions, degree requirements, fees, regulations, and course offerings. They are not intended to be and should not be relied upon as a statement of the University’s contractual undertakings.
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