Program Overview 

Program Coordinator Aaron Hines, (845)257-2968, hinesa@newpaltz.edu
Program ID 264
Credits 33
Program Length The MS Accounting program may be completed in one year if enrolled full-time; however, the degree must be completed within 7 years.
Modality Online 100%
Full-time/Part-time Full-Time
Transfer Credits 6
Licensure Qualifying CPA-150E

Program Description

The MS in Accounting prepares students for a career in accounting, providing 33 credits of graduate study beyond the completion of the bachelor’s degree in business at New Paltz or its equivalent. It is registered with the New York State Education Department as a 150-credit licensure-qualifying program, which means that students earning this degree will have met the educational requirements needed to sit for the CPA examination in New York (CPA-150 prior to August 1, 2027, or CPA-150E on or after August 1, 2027). Details about the requirements for obtaining a CPA license in New York State can be found at https://www.op.nysed.gov/certified-public-accountants. Students interested in careers in public accounting need to pursue the CPA designation.  

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the MS Accounting program must submit: 

  • One official copy of all undergraduate (four-year degree) and graduate coursework, including a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution. 

  • An undergraduate major in a field of business other than accounting (e.g., management, marketing, finance, business analytics, general business, international business, etc.) with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher (4.0 basis). 

  • Applicants with a GPA below 3.0 may apply for conditional admission but should be prepared to provide GMAT or GRE scores if requested. A satisfactory test score of 450 or better on the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) or 300 or better on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). 

  • Three current letters of recommendation 

  • Statement of objectives 

Admission Deadline 

July 31 Fall Admission

Applications will be accepted until the program is full. However, applications must at least be started by the deadline, or they will not be considered.

FALL (12 Credits)
BUS516Theory of Financial Accounting I3
BUS518Concepts in Federal Income Taxation3
BUS617Accounting Data Analytics3
BUS520Managing Operations and Information Technology 3
SPRING (12 Credits)
BUS522Theory of Financial Accounting II3
BUS581Accounting Information Systems 3
BUS586Advanced Concepts in Federal Income Taxation 3
BUS616Forensic Accounting3
SUMMER (9 Credits)
BUS542Auditing and Assurance3
BUS585Accounting Theory 3
BUS583Advanced Auditing 3
Total Credits33

Graduation Checklist

  • Resolve any pending admission conditions (outlined in your acceptance letter) and/or missing documents if applicable.  

  • Review your progress report via my.newpaltz.edu to ensure that you have completed all program requirements.   

  • Remember that only two grades below a B- may be applied to the plan of study. 

  • Contact your advisor if you need to amend your plan or process transfer credit.  

  • Ensure that you are in good academic standing with a GPA (Grade Point Average) of 3.0 or higher and that you are making satisfactory academic progress towards your degree completion.  

MS Accounting Program Learning Objectives

This program prepares students for careers in, and related to, accounting. 

Upon completion of the MS Accounting, students will be able to: 

  • Apply accountants’ professional and ethical role in ensuring integrity in business organizations and society. 

  • Apply theories and mechanics of financial reporting. 

  • Analyze accounting information for internal controls, auditing, planning, and performance evaluation. 

  • Apply technical accounting knowledge for tax and accounting issues. 

  • Process a financial reporting situation and design a solution/response.