For inquiries about the admissions process or to have information on any of these programs sent to you, please contact the Enrollment Center at (630) 829-6300, submit an information request or visit www.ben.edu/admissions/graduate (will open in a new window).

Master of Science in Accountancy

Introduction
Program Home Page
It is a fact that the average adult changes their career 3 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. This program is structured for individuals who have a business-related undergraduate degree but little previous study or experience in accounting. The M.S. in Accountancy program provides an integrated sequence of courses at the graduate level, which emphasize topics relevant to the work of a professional accountant, including the competence required for successful preparation for the CPA Examination. The M.S. in Accountancy program provides the academic prerequisites for 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.

Overview
The M.S. in Accountancy program focuses on broad-based accounting knowledge. Courses in other business disciplines (economics, leadership) are integrated into the program to complement a professional accounting career. Students are taught by acknowledged experts in the field of accounting. Students will gain an understanding of the major technical, conceptual, and practical issues in accounting while gaining 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.A. program provides students with the professional skills, knowledge, and competencies necessary to be successful, professional accountants in today's complex business environment.

Evening/weekend M.S. in Accountancy Program:
Benedictine University's Traditional M.S.A. Program is designed for working adults who have a business-related undergraduate degree but limited coursework or experience in accounting. Evening and weekend 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 to two courses per quarter. Classes are conducted one evening per week per class on the main campus in Lisle or in a Friday evening/Saturday morning format.

The M.S.A. program may accept up to 16 quarter credit hours in transfer toward the master's degree for 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 can potentially complete your degree in as little as one year.

4+1 M.S.A. Program:
Well-qualified Benedictine University students who complete their undergraduate degree in accounting or business administration are eligible to complete a M.S. in Accountancy degree with one additional year of graduate study. The full-time 4+1 M.S.A. Program is developed specifically for recent college graduates. Admittance to the M.S.A. program is not automatic and an application must be completed during the student's senior year of undergraduate work. M.S.A. classes are conducted in evenings, weekends and on-line to meet the needs of students.

Dual Degree Programs (M.S.A/M.B.A., M.S.A./M.S.M.I.S.)
The Dual Degree Programs combine the comprehensive accounting core of the M.S.A. with the competencies of Business Management or 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.

Curriculum
The M.S. in Accountancy program requires 64 quarter credit hours of graduate course work. The program consists of four major components:

1. Core Accounting Competency: five (5) courses focused on U.S. accounting standards
2. Advanced Accounting Topics: four (4) courses focused on in depth concepts, theories and issues in accounting
3. Managerial Process: four (4) courses focused on management skills & knowledge necessary for those student seeking managerial positions in accounting
4. Electives: students are required to choose three (3) elective courses suited to their personal or professional interests

Core Accounting Competency:
MBA 500 Financial Accounting (4)
MBA 601 Managerial Accounting (4)
MBA 504 Corporate Accounting Theory & Practice I (4)
MBA 513 Auditing Theory & Practice (4)
MBA 515 Advance Accounting (4)

Advanced Accounting Topics:
MBA 506 Corporate Accounting Theory & Practice II (4)
MBA 603 Cost Analysis, Profit Planning & Control (4)
MBA 604 Theory & Practice of Financial Reporting (4)
MBA 605 Tax Influences on Decision Making (4)

Managerial Competency:
MBA 510 Economics (4)
MBA 520 Leadership & Ethics in a Global Environment (4)
MBA 530 Organizational Behavior (4)
MBA 611 Managerial Economics (4)

Twelve quarter-credit hours of electives are required for completion of the degree. Electives may be chosen from the M.B.A., M.S.A., M.S.M.I.S., or M.S.M.O.B. programs based on students needs.

Faculty
Sharon Borowicz, Ph.D., M.B.A., E.A.
Assistant Professor and Chair, MBA and MSA Programs
Benedictine University (2005)
B.S., 1982, Elmhurst College, M.B.A., 1992, Roosevelt University; Ph.D., 2003, Benedictine University

John Kevin Doyle, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, MBA and MSA Programs
Benedictine University (2001)
B.S., 1969, University of Notre Dame; M.A., 1972, M.S., 1976, Ph.D., 1976, Syracuse University

John C. Draut, M.B.A.
Instructor, MBA and MSA Programs
Benedictine University (2008)
B.S. YEAR, University of Illinois, M.B.A., YEAR, DePaul University

Barbara T. Ozog, Ph.D.
Professor and Chair, MIS Program
Benedictine University (1992)
B.S., 1977, Loyola University Chicago; M.S., 1979, Ph.D., 1985, Northwestern University

Thomas Yu, Ph.D.
Instructor, MBA and MSA Programs
Benedictine University (2008)
B.S. YEAR, Montana State University, M.S., YEAR, Arizona State University, Ph.D., YEAR, Texas A&M University

Lu Zhang, Ph.D.
Instructor, MBA and MSA Programs
Benedictine University (2008)
B.E. YEAR, Jiao-Tong University, M.S., YEAR, Iowa State University, Ph.D., YEAR, Iowa State University

James Zoda, Ph.D.
Instructor, MBA and MSA Programs
Benedictine University (2001)
B.S.E., 1965, M.A. 1970, Ph.D., 1979, Northern Illinois University

Starting the Program
The academic calendar is organized around four 10-week academic quarters. The Benedictine M.S.A. program offers a rolling admission so students may be admitted into any of these quarters. It is possible to follow either a part-time or full-time program.

ADMISSION APPLICATION AND PROCEDURES:
An application to the Benedictine M.S. in Accountancy Program requires the following items have been received:
1. A completed application form.
2. A non-refundable application fee.
3. Official transcripts from all previous colleges attended. The student should request that all transcripts, including any from Benedictine University, be mailed directly to the Graduate Admissions Office at Benedictine University.
4. Two letters of reference from persons who know the applicant from a professional or academic perspective.
5. A one-page statement of educational and career goals.
6. Resume which includes chronological work history.
7 Interview with the M.S. in Accountancy Program Director, at the director's discretion.
8. Test scores (i.e., TOEFEL).

Applicants having a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or better may be waived from the GMAT requirement. Applicants wishing to apply for a GMAT waiver, but who do not have a GPA of 3.2 or better, may be considered pending successful completion of a specified quantitative and qualitative course.

Applicants who have not completed college algebra within the past five years may be required to demonstrate math proficiency or participate in a math refresher course MBA 400 College Algebra.

Concentrations
Concentrations of the M.S. in Accountancy Program:

Forensic Accounting:
MBA 606 Forensic Accounting
MBA 607 Fraud Examination
MBA 609Computer Fraud
MBA 608 Fraud and the Legal Environment
(Students must complete 3 courses of those listed above to qualify for a concentration in forensic accounting)

Auditing:
MBA 614 Auditing and Assurance I
MBA 615 Auditing and Assurance II
MBA 616 Information System Auditing
MBA 617 Internal Auditing
(Students must complete 3 courses of those listed above to qualify for a concentration in auditing)

Certificate Programs
Auditing Certificate
(16 credits)

The certificate in auditing is for those students interested in sitting for the CPA exam or CIA exam but who are not interested in participating in a masters-degree program. Four courses are required for completion of the certificate in auditing. The courses students may select from are as follows:

MBA 614 Auditing and Assurance I (4)
MBA 615 Auditing and Assurance II (4)
MBA 616 Information System Auditing (4)
MBA 617 Internal Auditing (4)


Forensic Accounting Certificate
(16 credits)

The certificate in forensic accounting is for those students interested in sitting for the CPA exam or CFE exam but who are not interested in participating in a masters-degree program. Four courses are required for completion of the certificate in forensic accounting. The courses students may select from are as follows:

MBA 606 Forensic Accounting
MBA 607 Fraud Examination
MBA 609 Computer Fraud
MBA 608 Fraud and the Legal Environment

Policies
The M.S. in Accountancy curriculum includes 16 courses, 13 required and three electives, totaling 64 quarter credit hours. Course substitutions and waivers for Foundation level courses may be determined by the M.S.A. Program Director, on a case-by-case basis. Demonstration of a graduate degree, a professional certificate (such as Certified Public Accountant) or extensive undergraduate completion of equivalent coursework at a 3.0 or higher grade point average is required for any M.S.A. substitution or waiver.

Each of the 13 required courses are offered year round. Traditional, evening M.S.A. classes typically meet one evening per week, from 6:30-9:30pm and are scheduled on a quarter systems that lasts 10 weeks. Selected courses are offered on the weekend each quarter for those students whose professional commitments make it difficult to attend weekday courses. M.S.A. courses require individual academic work and team projects.

M.S.A. students are required to successfully complete the 13 required courses plus three elective courses, at a 3.0 or higher cumulative grade point average. Each of the 13 required courses is four credit hours.

Elective courses are offered at least once a year, and advanced academic planning is recommended to incorporate preferred electives.
The M.S.A. Program requires basic skills in computer software programs (such as knowledge of Microsoft Word and PowerPoint) and spreadsheet (Microsoft Excel) development are required. Most classes require significant written and verbal presentations. Completion of case analyses by teams is frequently required, to enhance your skills in team effectiveness and professional presentations. Ability to work collaboratively in teams is required.

The Graduate Course Schedule is posted on the Benedictine University Web Site (www.ben.edu, then go to BenU Live). as well as the MBA website http://www.ben.edu/mbahome/. M.S.A. students wishing to take three or more M.S.A. courses per quarter require approval from the M.S.A. Program Director.

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