MS in Business: Accounting

Frequently Asked Questions

How is Smith's MS in Business with a focus in Accounting Program different from other accounting programs?

Unlike many typical MS programs, Smith's accounting program produces well-rounded accounting professionals who have highly-developed leadership, teamwork, negotiating, and communications skills. The program also enables students to tackle real-time accounting issues facing companies through Action Learning Projects. Teams of students and faculty work together to identify, analyze and solve current business issues, while organizations receive expert consulting services. The Smith MSB in Accounting program was designed by Smith faculty in consultation with a number of public accounting firms to provide the skills needed by accounting professionals in today's challenging legal and regulatory business environment.

What are the key accounting areas covered in the program?

Smith's curriculum is relevant and practical from day one. The program focuses on such key issues such as internal audit application and practice; current trends in corporate governance; the role of managerial accounting in overall management planning and control structure; fraud prevention, deterrence, detection, and control; and IT security, controls and auditing.

Is this an accredited degree I'll receive?

Yes. The Smith School of Business is accredited by the AACSB (American Association of Collegiate Schools of Business) and your diploma will read Masters of Science in Business and Management.

Are the program professors Smith School faculty?

Yes, the program is taught by many of the same world-class faculty who teach in Smith's top-ranked MBA programs, along with industry practitioners.

What kind of access will I have to professors?

All professors will be available online and through scheduled appointments. You will work in small groups with a Smith faculty member for your Action Learning Project.

How much of the program is done online?

None of the course work is done online. All teaching happens in the classroom. Groups, however, may choose to work virtually between classes. Virtual team interaction and group collaboration are facilitated through an online course management tool.

Are there electives?

Yes, on a limited basis. Depending on which track students choose, Internal Audit or General Accounting. For example, students electing the General Accounting track can replace Internal Audit courses with Master’s electives, pending approval from the academic director.

How can I learn more about the program?

Please fill out the Information Request Form.

When do classes meet?

The program accommodates both full-time students and working professionals, with daytime/evening options (College Park campus), and weekend options (Shady Grove campus). Classes at Shady Grove meet on Saturdays over four 14-week semesters. Completion of the program takes 15 months. A typical Saturday class session begins at 9:00 a.m. and ends at 3:45 p.m.

Where are classes held?

Classes are held at two of our campus locations in Maryland – College Park and Rockville (Shady Grove). The address for the Shady Grove campus is:

9640 Gudelsky Drive
Rockville, Maryland 20850

Learn more about the facilities at the Shady Grove campus.

Do I have to take the GMAT or GRE?

No. Because the school limits the size of each class, applicants are evaluated on an individual and very personal basis. Therefore, a quantitative screening device such as the GMAT or GRE is not required.

What is the deadline for application?

Go to the admissions page for the most up to date information on deadlines.

Who in my company should I talk to about sponsoring me and how do I explain the program benefits to my company?

Seek out support at the highest levels - not just your immediate supervisor - and be ready to point out the extra benefits of the Smith Accounting Program, specifically the Action Learning Project. The Action Learning Project allows participants to tackle real-time accounting and auditing issues facing their companies as part of the coursework. In addition, the communications and management and organization coursework has an immediate impact on participants' business communications and leadership skills.

How much does the program cost?

The tuition is approximately $46,000 for the Shady Grove location. At the College Park location only, your tuition rate is dependent on your residency status in the state of Maryland. If you qualify for in-state tuition rates, your cost will be approximately $46,000. If you qualify for out-of-state tuition rates, your cost will be approximately $54,000 for the College Park location. These amounts do not include books and additional course materials that are required to attend class. These tuition figures are based on fall 2012 costs and will change for the fall 2013 term.

Is financial aid available?

Financial aid assistance is available through the University of Maryland Office of Financial Aid.

Can international students enroll in the MS in Business: Accounting program?

Yes. International students can enroll in the MS in Business: Accounting program. Those requiring student visas must enroll in at least 8 graduate level credits to be considered full-time.

What degree will my diploma list?

Each school calls various degree programs differently, even if they have a commonly used name. At the University of Maryland, graduates of the MSB program will have the degree name Masters of Science in Business and Management listed on their diploma. You may list your specialization (Accounting, Finance, Information Systems, Supply Chain Management, or Marketing Analytics) on your resume.