Accounting and Financial Analysis, M.S.

OSRHE Program Code: 130
CIP Code: 307104
Major Code: 1300

Purpose

The MAFA program integrates the areas of accounting and finance. The program is rigorous with broad coverage in financial accounting, finance, information technology, management accounting, taxation, international business, and investment analysis. All students should enroll in Accounting and Finance Analysis Seminar I during their first fall semester in the MAFA program. Accounting and Finance Analysis Seminar II should be taken near the end of the program. The MAFA program will be attractive to individuals employed or interested in becoming employed as controllers, financial managers, public accountants, financial analysts, and financial planners. It is expected that applicants will have an undergraduate background in either accounting or finance.

The purpose of the program is to education and train accounting and finance professionals who

• Use an analytical approach in problem solving and decision making.
• Communicate effectively;
• Have current, relevant, integrated knowledge in accounting, finance and business;
• Understand the economic, social, political, legal, and technological environment of business in a global context;
• Are prepared to be dynamic leaders and effective team members;
• Are professional in their attitude and approach to a career; and
• Appreciate the civic, social, and ethical responsibilities of business organizations and business professionals.

Specialty Accreditation

The Master of Science in Accounting and Financial Analysis program offered through the College of Business and Technology is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (11520 West 119th Street, Overland Park, KS 66213, 913-339-9356). http://www.acbsp.org

Credential Requirements

To be professionally credentialed, students must achieve an acceptable score on a professional examination to receive the Certified Public Accountant license, Certified Management Accountant designation, or Chartered Financial Analyst® designation or other equivalent certification or specialist designation.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Apply capital budgeting techniques to make a sound investment decision.
2. Apply the capital structure theories and financial concepts when making financial decisions.
3. Apply financial instruments in investments and hedging.
4. Understand the balance sheet elements.
5. Understand income statement elements.
6. Understand reporting of cash flows.

Admission, Retention, and Graduation

Admission. Admission to the Graduate College does not imply admission to the MAFA program. Beyond the admission requirements for the Graduate College, admission to the Accounting and Financial Analysis, M.S. requires:

1. A sufficient background in business subjects. Students who have completed the undergraduate Business Core at NSU or equivalent courses are considered to have a sufficient background in business.
2. An undergraduate major in either accounting or finance or have completed 15 hours of undergraduate courses in finance including Managerial Finance, Investments, and Securities Markets or fifteen hours in accounting including Intermediate I and II and Auditing or the equivalent with a “C” or better in each course.
3. Students must have a minimum undergraduate grade point average (UGPA) of 3.00 for admission to the program.  Students with less than a 3.00 UGPA may be admitted by submitting a Graduate Management Admission (GMAT) test score of 450 or higher. 
4. A vita detailing the applicant’s educational background, work experience, skills, awards, and achievements. 
5. Two letters of recommendation from individuals who either are or have served in a position of authority over the applicant. Preferably, one letter will be from an employer source and one letter will be from an academic source. 

Since the capacity of the program is limited, a MAFA Admissions Committee consisting of three graduate faculty members, including the MAFA Program Coordinator, reviews each application and associated materials. The purpose of this review is to allocate the program’s capacity to those applicants who are most likely to be successful in the program. An applicant’s previous academic records, professional experience, recommendations, accomplishments and test scores will be assessed during the admission decision process. At the discretion of the MAFA Admissions Committee, an applicant may be requested to respond to clarifying questions by mail, e-mail, telephone, or in-person interview. Applicants who have submitted all required documentation will be notified of the admission decision by mail. The following schedule applies:

Advisement. The Graduate College assigns students an advisor upon admission to graduate studies. Initially, each student will be advised by the departmental coordinator of graduate studies from the student’s emphasis area.  It is the candidate’s responsibility to make an appointment with the advisor prior to enrollment to discuss policies and procedures relevant to the degree program. Conferring with the student, the advisor develops the plan of study, assists in the selection of classes, and counsels the student.

Retention and Graduation. The candidate for the Master of Science in Accounting and Financial Analysis must satisfy the following requirements:

1. Continue to meet the Graduate College’s Retention Standards. See the Academic Information page for more information.
2. Monitor degree progress using the degree audit system in the goNSU portal.
3. Meet Graduate College policies detailed in Academic Information and Master’s Degree Requirements regarding GPA, minimum grades, coursework age, residency and institutional / state regulations governing degree conferral.
4. Satisfactorily complete the capstone experience.