UMUC

Graduate School of Management & Technology - Programs

Master of Science in Accounting and Information Technology

Program Objectives

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  • Successfully apply accounting and information technology concepts, principles, and techniques in the analysis and resolution of accounting systems problems and opportunities within their organizations
  • Effectively communicate accounting and information technology ideas, concepts and solutions
  • Evaluate the effects of technology on an organization’s accounting system
  • Evaluate issues and innovations in accounting and in information technology, and their effects on managerial decision-making
  • Evaluate and design accounting and information systems to meet organizational goals
  • Develop and evaluate alternative solutions to organizational problems

Partnerships

Articulation Agreement with UMUC’s School of Undergraduate Studies (SUS)

Students who completed their undergraduate degree at UMUC with a major in Accounting may be able to reduce their total coursework by 6 credits (2 courses) under this Articulation Agreement with the School of Undergraduate Studies (SUS).

The UMUC BS in Accounting and the MS in Accounting and Information Technology will “share” 6 credits of coursework and have selected certain courses that each program will accept from the other's curriculum. UMUC undergraduates and alumni are eligible to complete both degrees for a total of 150 credits.

The shared credits are restricted to the following substitutions:

  • GSMT will accept either SUS ACCT 426 Advanced Cost Accounting in lieu of GSMT ACCT 611 Management Accounting or SUS ACCT 427 Advanced Auditing Theory and Practice in lieu of GSMT ACCT 612 Auditing Process.
  • SUS will accept either GSMT ACCT 612 Auditing Process in lieu of SUS ACCT 427 Advanced Auditing Theory and Practice or GSMT ACCT 614 Accounting Information Systems in lieu of SUS ACCT 326 Accounting Information Systems.

The total number of credits shared between the two programs cannot exceed 6 credits. Credits for sharing must have been completed no earlier than 5 years prior to the beginning of graduate studies and no later than 1 year after the beginning of graduate studies. A minimum grade of B must be earned in the undergraduate class for the credits to be accepted at the graduate level.

Career Path

The MSAT program prepares graduates for a number of entry-, mid-, and high-level positions, as determined by a student’s work experience. Depending on a student’s background and an employer’s criteria, graduates of the MSAT program may qualify for positions such as:

  • CIO Liaison with the CFO Office
  • CFO Liaison with the CIO Office
  • Public Accountant or Auditor
  • Government Accountant or Auditor
  • Management or Systems Analyst
  • Fraud Examiner or Internal Auditor

Student Profile

The program will assist students who are:

  • Currently in an accounting or information technology position and want to raise their knowledge base to move into a position focused on Accounting Information Systems or Accounting Information Technology or serve as liaison between the information technology department and organization executives
  • Currently in an accounting or information technology position and want to raise their knowledge base to move into a position either in the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) or the Chief Information Officer (CIO) career path
  • Currently not in an accounting or information technology position and want to increase their knowledge base to enable a move into one or the other without becoming so specialized that they lose flexibility

Dual Degree

Enhance your credentials! Graduates of the MSAT can elect to pursue a dual degree in the following area:

MS in Accounting and Information Technology/MS in Accounting and Financial Management

Today, understanding the impact of financial analyses in decision making and performance management is critically important. By taking just a few additional classes, you can assume greater responsibilities within any organization with this powerful educational combination.

Required Courses

Students must complete all requirements for the first degree before beginning the second degree. All courses except FIN 645 must be completed before enrolling in MSAF 670. Degree is available both ways.

UCSP 611 Introduction to Graduate Library Research Skills (0), to be taken within the first 6 credits of study

  • MGMT 640 Financial Decision Making for Managers (3)
  • FIN 610 Financial Management in Organizations (3)
  • FIN 620 Capital Markets, Institutions, and Long-Term Financing (3)
  • FIN 630 Investment Valuation (3)
  • FIN 645 Behavioral Finance (3)

Capstone Course: MSAF 670 Accounting and Financial Management Capstone (3)

Note: If you began a dual degree program prior to fall 2007, some of your course names and numbers may have been updated. Please review the Dual Degree Study Plans for more information.