At some point in life, you begin to wonder, “What’s next?”
Sometimes, it can mean a shift in jobs, and other times it can mean taking on an MSA program.
In this article, we learn about the basis of what is being expected by universities in terms of admittance, financial aid of various sorts, expectations out of courses, graduation rates, and the rate at which you will find employment if you graduate.
The order goes from the highest rated program, down to the next best programs. If you’re thinking about taking on MSA education, this article may help you decide.
1. The University of Pennsylvania
The first on our list is the oldest collegiate business school in the world.
Interestingly enough, 92% of Wharton School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, secure full-time employment within six months of their graduation.
Those who apply must undergo GRE or GMAT testing and submit their scores.
In addition, this 19-unit master’s degree program takes two years to complete. Upon completion, graduates will have the mastered grasp of the certified public accountant (CPA) exam.
This program teaches students topics such as cost management, financial reporting, business analysis, financial disclosure analytics, taxes and business strategy.
Around 53% of the incoming class of 2023 are self-identified students of color (U.S. Citizens/Permanent Residents) and $51, 470 is the average financial aid package for incoming financial aid freshmen who applied for such in 2017. Over 5,676 international students enrolled at all levels within the Fall of 2019.
In conclusion, there’s a 7.7% acceptance rate for undergraduate applicants applying for the Class of 2023.
2. Northwestern University
In Evanston, Illinois, Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management was the first school to establish a one-year MBA program.
This Higher Learning Commission accredited school provides global learning opportunities, including study abroad programs and local experiences with international businesses.
Moreover, within the two-year program, you will engage in nine core courses and four electives within accounting. In other words, the program dives into managerial accounting coursework, financial planning for mergers and acquisitions, and financial reporting and analysis.
A highlight of this program is students receiving course credit for field studies, in which they will externally aid an organization with solving a business problem.
To qualify for this program, applicants must hold an accredited bachelor’s degree, submit an application, hand in essays, provide a resume, and give their GRE or GMAT scores.
The rate of securing job offers within this school within three months of graduation is approximately 98%, and 97% of students continue working six months after graduation (2019).
Annually, 2,000 first-year international students enroll in this university. Similarly, loan-free financial aid packages meet 100% of shown needs.
In conclusion, they deliver scholarships that do not need repayment out to approximately 51 percent of their undergraduates.
3. University of Southern California
USC’s Marshall School of Business is a Western Association of Schools, and Colleges Senior College and University Commission accredited school. They are located in Los Angeles, California.
As a result, USC offers a master of accountancy, which is one of the top-performing programs in America.
It entails courses in professional responsibilities in accounting, advanced enterprise systems and technologies, auditing and assurance services and fair value accounting.
They also give a global learning experience, which even includes students traveling to China. The completion time mirrors their academic background, ranging from 9 to 12 months by taking 30-48 credits.
A 15-credit summer program is implemented for those who have not undergone an undergraduate degree in accounting dives into accounting principles and practice.
To receive acceptance, applicants must submit GRE or GMAT scores, along with a personal statement and their resume. They administer a standardized test waiver to students with a minimum GPA of 3.5 who qualify.
Each year, over 50,000 of the brightest minds from all over the world apply to USC.
In conclusion, 2/3 of the 2018 first-year enrollees received financial help, with approximately 23 percent of that partaking in the USC merit-based scholarship.
4. Washington University in Saint Louis
Saint Louis, Missouri, WUSTL’s Olin School of Business is a Higher Learning Commission accredited foundation.
They offer a timely way to master accounting in only 33-credits, in as little as two semesters: 16.5 credits of core requirements, 9 credits of accounting electives, and 7.5 credits of other electives, to finish this program.
As a result of entry, the student will embark on a comprehensive orientation session. This program’s requirements are business analysis using financial statements, financial accounting, auditing, and accounting policy and research.
Elective options are courses in strategic cost analysis, information technology control and audit, fraud prevention and internal controls, and tax and business strategy are underway.
In addition, to engage in this program, applicants must hold an accredited bachelor’s degree and submit transcripts, their resume, an essay, and their GRE or GMAT scores.
The graduate rate of this school is 95%, and they meet 100 percent of the qualifying financial need for all admitted students.
In conclusion, no-loan packages for families with an annual income of $75,000 or less delivered up to the full cost of attendance. They distribute the Signature Scholar Program application right after submission of the application for admission.
5. Vanderbilt University
In Nashville, Tennessee, Vanderbilt’s Owen Graduate School of Management holds regional accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
As a result, to take part in the program, applicants must submit transcripts, essays, and their resume.
All students must undergo completion of prerequisite course requirements in financial accounting, managerial or cost accounting, microeconomics, and statistics.
Vanderbilt prefers GMAT scores, but applicants may submit their GRE scores. They do require applicants to complete prerequisite courses in an in-person format through an accredited program under the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
Unlike the rest you have read about, Vanderbilt’s master’s degree in accounting program boasts about a 100% post-graduation employment rate. The graduate rate in this foundation is 94%.
As a result, it commits diversity, no matter the cultural, economic, or geographic boundaries, for U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens.
Furthermore, the school will meet 100% of a family’s shown financial need. The financial aid awards they provide do not include loans, which is additional grant help.
In conclusion, they do not relate these awards to income bands or “cut-offs”, for eligibility.
