Master of Science in Accountancy

Ready to make a difference? Elevate your accounting career with accountancy. Join us and embark on a transformative journey filled with endless possibilities.

The Master of Science in Accountancy prepares you for a successful career in corporate accounting or consulting. You’ll develop skills to succeed as a certified public accountant. An M.S. in Accountancy provides you with the fundamentals of accounting, analytical and critical thinking skills, professional ethics and specialized technical skills and knowledge.

  • Full-time or part-time evening enrollment
  • Year-round admissions

Earn a comprehensive education that goes beyond textbooks and exams. Our program is designed to set you on the path to success.

Why get your m.s. in accountancy at the college of charleston?

Invest in yourself. This quality program will help you succeed. Our graduates pass the Certified Professional Accountants exam at a higher rate than the national average. In addition, this program gives you flexibility to go beyond accounting and eventually become a CFO, President or other high-earning executive. 

  • 69% CPA exam pass rate (14% higher than the national average) 
  • Average graduate starting salary range of $55,000 to $65,000 (varies by region and employer) 
  • Gain 30 credit hours towards licensure (counts for the 150-credit hour CPA licensure requirement) 

View Curriculum: Accountancy, M.S.

Graduate Level Tracks

Choose between two tracks with different focus areas: financial reporting and assurance or taxation. An additional international track can be applied to either of the focus areas.
  • Financial Reporting and Assurance

    The financial reporting and assurance track prepares graduates for careers in public accounting and private industry. While the majority of the graduates from this track enter the public accounting profession, those wishing to pursue careers in finance, banking and internal audit will benefit.

  • Taxation

    The taxation track allows students to study tax planning and strategy. You'll also study compliance and tax law. You'll develop research skills. Our students are consistently challenged to present their solutions to tax issues during in-class presentations.

    Supplement your study of the tax code as it pertains to individuals, corporations, partnerships and other pass-through entities by examining the ethical responsibilities of tax professionals. This track allows students to develop the critical skills required for careers in public accounting, consulting and corporate finance.

  • International

    The international track can be combined with either the financial reporting and assurance or taxation tracks. It provides a global perspective and appropriate experience for those wishing to pursue career opportunities with multinational firms.

    The curriculum is aimed at instilling an appreciation and understanding of the global parameters within which accounting and commerce operate. 

    Your coursework can include European Origins of Modern Accountancy, European Financial Markets, International Accounting or International Business Law. Additionally, students in the international track will address critical global dimensions in their graduate theses.

Careers & Outcomes

Join our program and you'll have the opportunity to work with top-notch firms and organizations.

Graduates have been placed in leading companies such as:

  • PwC.
  • KPMG.
  • Ernst & Young.
  • Deloitte.

Local employers are taking notice of the M.S. in Accountancy program. Hear from Bobby R. Creech, Jr., CPA, past chairman of the S.C. Board of Accountancy and member of the School of Business Accountancy Advisory Board: 

I believe that the program serves a vital role in supplying qualified accounting professionals to South Carolina and these graduates contribute to our economic growth. 

How to Apply

The entire application process is online. The documents outlined below are required components of the application. A file is not complete until all documents have been submitted and processed, so read carefully and prepare your application materials in advance of applying.
  • Dates & Deadlines

    Fall Application Deadline: February 1

    Spring Application Deadline: October 1 

    Summer Application Deadline: February 1

    Apply Now
  • Application Process

    1. Visit our application portal. 
    2. Complete the online application. 
    3. Submit application materials.
      1. Transcripts
      2. Optional GMAT scores
      3. A list of three references
      4. A cover letter/statement of goals
      5. A professional resume
    4. Conduct an interview with the program director (if required). 
    5. International students: Submit an English Proficiency Exam. 

  • Admission Criteria

    We accept candidates with diverse undergraduate degrees, including business, humanities, social sciences, the arts and engineering. The program looks for talented, motivated individuals who will succeed academically.

    • Hold a bachelor's degree
    • Meet GPA requirements 
    • Fulfill any additional program-specific prerequisites