Master of science in accounting

Why choose accounting at the Ilitch School?

Wayne State University’s Mike Ilitch School of Business offers a master of science in accounting (M.S.A.) degree with three concentrations for ambitious students seeking to become a licensed certified public accountant (CPA). As a highly selective and advanced program for students with an undergraduate degree in business or accounting, the M.S.A. enhances students' understanding of key financial competencies.

We hold on-campus classes at our state-of-the-art facility in the heart of Detroit, with select online courses available to accommodate student schedules and learning preferences. This adaptability ensures that we tailor our students’ educational journey to suit their unique needs.

Students in this program engage with dedicated faculty members who bring a wealth of real-world experience to the classroom. The blend of practical insights and rigorous academic training ensures that our students not only learn accounting theory but also gain the practical skills necessary for a successful career.

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Explore the program

The Ilitch School has designed the M.S.A. program to be holistic, ensuring that you receive a well-rounded accounting education. A combination of foundation, core, elective and capstone courses elevate your accounting knowledge in both corporate and personal accounting, taxation, financial planning, reporting and ethics and help you explore your unique interests.

As a full-time student, you can complete the M.S.A. program in four to five semesters, and as a part-time student, you can finish in six to seven semesters. Whether you are on a full- or part-time schedule, we carefully structure our curriculum to equip you with the skills and experience needed to succeed on the CPA exam and in the ever-evolving realm of accounting.

View M.S.A. program requirements and courses
In the M.S.A. program at the Ilitch School, we recognize that a successful accounting career doesn't have a one-size-fits-all approach. That's why we provide three specialized concentrations tailored to meet the diverse needs and career goals of our students. Each of these concentrations play a crucial role in equipping our graduates for the dynamic world of accounting.

The three concentrations available in the M.S.A. program are:
- Professional accounting: Intended for students who have completed a bachelor's degree in a business discipline other than accounting and need to fulfill Michigan’s educational prerequisites to become CPA-ready.
- Financial reporting and auditing: Designed for accounting bachelor’s degree holders planning to pursue a career in public, corporate or governmental accounting.
- Taxation: Created for students who earned an undergraduate accounting degree and are interested in a taxation career.
With a master’s in accounting, you meet the 150-hour education requirement for licensure as a CPA in the state of Michigan. Furthermore, we thoughtfully develop our program to ensure that it thoroughly prepares you to sit for the CPA exam, a critical milestone in your accounting journey.

Learn more about the CPA exam.

Student services and opportunities

See how the Ilitch School supports you as an accounting major.

Meet the faculty

Our Ilitch School of Business professors are ready to take you to the next level. As accomplished researchers and seasoned business leaders, they know how to enrich your learning and sharpen your skills. See how their expertise can help shape your future.

See all accounting faculty

Deborah Habel

Associate Professor of Teaching, Accounting

Accounting Information Systems
Enterprise Resource Planning Systems
New Technologies and their impact on Financial Business Processes
Project Management
Financial and Managerial Accounting
Business Process Analysis and Improvement
Software Implementation
Non-Profit Accounting
Closely-held Organizations

View Deborah Habel's profile

dlhabel@wayne.edu

Sung Gon Chung

Associate Professor of Accounting

Research interests: capital markets research with concentration on information intermediaries, institutional investors, fair value accounting and options market

Teaching interests: financial accounting, managerial accounting, and financial statement analysis

View Sung Gon Chung's profile

fq8651@wayne.edu

Deborah Jones

Associate Professor of Teaching in Accounting, Accounting Lab Manager

Research

E-Commerce, Sales Tax
Nexus and Internet Taxation
Social Responsibility in Accounting and Reputation

Teaching

Taxation
Financial Accounting
Government and Non-profit Accounting

View Deborah Jones's profile

aa4946@wayne.edu

Heidi Bulich

Associate Professor of Teaching in Accounting

View Heidi Bulich's profile

hbulich@wayne.edu

Careers and outcomes

Employers recognize our graduates for their knowledge and ability to hit the ground running in a variety of accounting careers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects around 126,000 accounting careers to be available each year, with an average annual salary of $78,000.

With a bachelor’s in accounting, potential career titles are:
- Auditor
- Budget Analyst
- CPA
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Agent
- Financial Analyst
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Investigator
- Personal Financial Planning
The BLS reports also indicate that more job opportunities are available for professionals with an accounting master’s degree and CPA certification. Students interested in these advanced roles with higher salaries must complete 150 credits to take the CPA exam. Learn more about Ilitch School’s Master of Science in Accounting (M.S.A.) degree program to earn the required amount of credits and prepare for success during and after the exam.
Access career advising, a professional dress closet for interview preparation, and internship and job opportunities as you prepare for your career.

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Career insights

This tool provides a broad overview of how major selection can lead to careers and is provided without any implied promise of employment. Some careers will require further education, skills, or competencies. Actual salaries may vary significantly between similar employers and could change by graduation, as could employment opportunities and job titles.