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  /Division of Business and Accounting/Graduate Degree Programs/
  Public Accounting
Master's Degree


 
 
  • Program

  • Program Contacts

  • Career Opportunities

  • Curriculum

  • Campuses where program is offered

  • Frequently Asked Questions

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    Program:

    The M.S. in Public Accounting is a value-added program that is a registered 150 Credit Hour Licensure-Qualifying Program. Upon successful completion of the prerequisite and requisite courses, graduates can sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) examination in New York State

    The Master of Science in Public Accounting is designed for individuals like you who possess undergraduate degrees in accounting or business. It is appropriate for those individuals who wish to enter the public accounting profession, and for those professional accountants who wish to meet the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) 150 Credit Hour curriculum criteria. Graduates of the MS in Public Accounting Program who aspire to become CPAs will satisfy the New York State licensure requirement with one year of appropriate professional work experience.

    The M.S. in Public Accounting will prepare you for employment in a dynamic profession. Our program is perfect for you if you wish to enter or advance your career in the profession of public accountancy, industry, government, or not-for-profit organizations.

    "The Mercy College Accounting Program is well known in the accounting profession and to employers who value students with a quality education. I felt well prepared to work in a competitive profession side by side with graduates from other colleges.

    After working for seven years in Public Accounting and earning my CPA license, I decided to return to school because education is fundamental to continued success. It felt very good to come back to Mercy College for the M.S. in Public Accounting Program and I found the faculty to be very friendly, engaging, and professional. The class scheduling makes it possible to work and complete the degree program at the same time. The Mercy College Accounting Program was my choice for both undergraduate and graduate studies and I highly recommend it to anyone who is serious about an accounting career."

    Rodika Vergules, '98
    CPA, Andreas Esberg & Co, LLP

    Download a PDF version of our Program Brochure

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    Program Contacts:

    Lucretia S. Mann, MBA, CPA
    Program Director, Accounting
    accountinginfo@mercy.edu
    Telephone: 914-674-7490

     

    Wayne Cioffari, MBA
    Interim Dean, School of Business
    wcioffari@mercy.edu
    Telephone: 914-674-7481

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    Career Opportunities:

    Representative career opportunities include: Public Accountant, Internal Auditor, Cost Accountant, Tax Accountant, Financial, Budget or Cost Analyst, Investment Accountant or Analyst, Trust Accountant and Credit Analyst.

    "As I approached graduation with a B.S. in Public Accounting, I realized that I faced a tough and very competitive job market. I wondered if my degree would measure up and give me a competitive edge versus other accounting graduates. My Mercy College Accounting degree was well-known and highly regarded among employers and employment agencies. Based on the Accounting Program's reputation and my exceptional undergraduate experience, I chose to start my graduate studies in the M.S. in Public Accounting program at Mercy."

    Eszter Balint, '05
    Junior Accountant, Amscan Inc.

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    Curriculum:

    The Master of Science Program integrates advanced study and research in auditing, taxation, financial and management accounting with graduate business courses which provide depth and breadth to the learning experience. The objective of the program is to prepare you for practice in the profession of Public Accountancy, or to increase your knowledge and give you a competitive edge in any other field of accounting, by enabling you to acquire, develop, and apply the knowledge, skills and competencies required in this field.

    You will be encouraged to integrate and apply knowledge from accounting and business, think independently, engage in research, and maintain high ethical standards. The Accounting Faculty is comprised of dedicated professionals with experience in the real-world of accounting and the knowledge that they have acquired from independent research.

    We pride ourselves on having small class sizes and providing a challenging program with a workload that is manageable for working students with a busy schedule.

    For the complete course curriculum click here.

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    Campuses where program is offered:

    Dobbs Ferry

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    Frequently Asked Questions:

    What are the admission requirements for the M.S. in Public Accounting Program?
    An undergraduate degree in Accounting or its equivalent and a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher is the minimum application requirement for the M.S. in Public Accounting Program.

    What are the prerequisites for the M.S. in Public Accounting Program?
    Applicants with a Bachelor's degree from an accredited accounting program will most likely meet the program prerequisites. Applicants whose undergraduate degree is in a major other than accounting will most probably need to take undergraduate prerequisite accounting and business courses. An evaluation by the Accounting Program Director is required.

    Is the GMAT required for admission?
    A satisfactory GMAT score may be required for applicants with no substantive business experience or minimal GPA. Successful completion of the CPA or CMA examination or equivalent may be considered instead of the GMAT.

    How long does it take to complete the M.S. in Public Accounting degree program?
    The thirty credit M.S. in Public Accounting program can be completed in as little as fourteen consecutive months of study. A new cohort of students start the program each June and finish the following July. Students take two courses each 10 week term in the evening at the Dobbs Ferry campus and can complete the program in five consecutive terms.

    Do most students work while taking the M.S. in Public Accounting Program?
    Yes, most students are actively employed while taking the M.S. in Public Accounting program. They find the workload to be challenging but manageable.

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