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Master of Accounting - Working Professionals (Alternating Weekends and Online)

If you are currently a professional in accounting who wishes to extend your skills or someone anticipating a career in accounting, the Master of Accounting Program can help you achieve your career goals.

You will find our graduates in public, corporate, and institutional accounting. Respected decision-makers in their organizations, Huizenga School graduates are highly sought-after professionals. The program provides students the professional depth required of today's accounting professionals coupled with the managerial perspective essential to success.

Included in our program design are courses designed to help you prepare for the CPA examination. These CPA review courses provide you an important advantage when you sit for this examination. With more than 15 elective courses from which to choose, you can structure your program to meet your professional needs. We encourage you to investigate all of the advantages only the H. Wayne Huizenga School can offer.

Program Features:

You can learn more about this program by consulting the Curriculum Guide.

John Sennetti, Ph.D. - Professor of Accounting, Auditing, and Information Systems; Ph.D., Virginia Tech. Auditing and ethics.

Curriculum Guide  top

Curriculum - Master of Accounting (Working Professionals) Offered on alternating weekends and online.

40 total credits

Prerequisite Courses (not-for-credit)

Online Students Only:

Required of all students without an undergraduate degree in accounting and those who have not completed an accounting course within 5 years (online course):

Disciplinary Courses (Required):

Select one of the following courses (Required):

Elective Courses:

Students must meet prerequisite course requirements prior to enrolling in Master's level study. If you have not completed these courses, they are available online. Contact Us for additional information or proceed to our Application for Admission.

Course Descriptions  top

Master of Accounting

Full-Time professionals are available to discuss course content in greater detail with you. Simply contact your Admissions Manager at 800.672.7223 Ext. 5168 or use the Contact Us link.

ACT 5713     Accounting Theory  (3 cr.)

This course serves as the first graduate course students take in the Master of Accounting program. This course studies the generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) as they affect today's practitioners. The theoretical structures of accounting for assets, income definition, recognition and measurement of income, influence of professional standards, and the future of the profession are examined. Prerequisite: ACT 5741.

ACT 5715     Emerging Auditing Technologies  (3 cr.)

This course focuses on the assurances given to financial statements and other documents by the independent auditor in the context of auditing organizations and their business strategies. It compares the traditional independent auditing procedures to those found in the emerging new audit process and risk models (Bell et al., 1997; AICPA, SAS no. 104-114, 2007). Prerequisite: ACT 5743.

ACT 5717     Forensic Accounting  (3 cr.)

This course studies deceptions in financial and accounting processes. The topics that are part of this course include financial fraud understanding, identification, prevention and auditing, its legal proceedings and its required testimony by an expert witness, and the corresponding professional responsibilities of the CPA. Prerequisite: ACT 5743.

ACT 5721     Accounting Professional Ethics  (3 cr.)

This course reviews the research on moral development and ethical choices, their dilemmas and accepted solutions for accounting professionals. It reviews the psychological, social, and other theories used to predict human choices and applies them to the current practice and environments of public and corporate accounting. Prerequisite: Completion of all program prerequisite courses.

ACT 5725     Financial Statement Analysis  (3 cr.)

A review of financial statements for fairness and completeness in reporting. Focus is on the analysis of financial statements and related footnotes from the standpoint of the different users of financial reports. Prerequisite: ACT 5741.

ACT 5731     Accounting Information and Control Systems  (3 cr.)

Focuses on the design, implementation, and evolution of accounting information systems with emphasis on the internal control implications of EDP systems. Prerequisite: Completion of all program prerequisite courses.

ACT 5733     Advanced Managerial Accounting I  (3 cr.)

An advanced-level discussion of variance analysis, cost allocation, transfer pricing, and the use of modeling to solve business problems. Prerequisite: Completion of all program prerequisite courses.

ACT 5735     Controllership  (3 cr.)

A seminar on the function of financial controllers, including their role in planning, controlling, reporting, and administering today's business environment. Prerequisite: Completion of all program prerequisite courses.

ACT 5736     Internal and Operational Auditing  (3 cr.)

A seminar that investigates the duties and responsibilities of the internal auditor with an emphasis on operational auditing. Prerequisite: ACT 5743.

ACT 5741     Financial Accounting and Reporting Review  (3 cr.)

This course is a comprehensive review of accounting and reporting topics including topics from intermediate, advanced, and cost accounting courses. The course is an intensive review designed to facilitate the successful completion of the FAR section of the CPA exam. Prerequisite: Completion of all program prerequisite courses.

ACT 5742     Business Environment and Concepts Review  (2 cr.)

This course is a comprehensive review of finance, economics, IT, and managerial topics tested on the BEC section of the CPA exam. The course is an intensive review designed to facilitate the successful completion of the BEC section of the CPA exam. Prerequisite: Completion of all program prerequisite courses.

ACT 5743     Auditing CPA Review  (3 cr.)

This course is an intensive review of all auditing topics. The course covers topics typically covered in basic and advanced auditing classes. The course is an intensive review designed to facilitate the successful completion of the auditing section on the CPA exam. Prerequisite: Completion of all program prerequisite courses.

ACT 5744     Regulation CPA Review  (2 cr.)

The course covers topics found in business law and taxation courses. The course is an intensive review designed to facilitate the successful completion of the Regulation section of the CPA exam. Prerequisite: Completion of all program prerequisite courses.

ACT 5750     eCommerce Accounting  (3 cr.)

This course is an interdisciplinary course that incorporates concepts from accounting, computer science, management, and business law. The focus is on the accountant's role in electronic commerce including such topics as EDI, security considerations, third party assurance services, and the eCommerce legal environment. Prerequisite: Completion of all program prerequisite courses.

ACT 5753     Fund Accounting  (3 cr.)

An in-depth exposition of the current standards and specialized accounting practices of state and local governments, school systems, colleges, universities, and hospitals. Prerequisite: Completion of all program prerequisite courses.

ACT 5756     International Accounting  (3 cr.)

Focus is on the evolution of the international dimensions of accounting and national differences in accounting thought and practice, problems, and issues. Prerequisite: Completion of all program prerequisite courses.

TXX 5761     Taxation of Individuals  (3 cr.)

An in-depth analysis of the federal income tax structure, use of tax services, and the concept of taxable income for individuals.

TXX 5762     Taxation of Corporations and Partnerships  (3 cr.)

A continuation of the study of the federal income tax structure, use of tax services, and the concept of taxable income as it relates to corporations and partnerships. Prerequisite: TXX 5761.

TXX 5763     Tax of Estates, Trusts & Gifts  (3 cr.)

Advanced study of, and research in, tax law with emphasis on estate, trust, and gift taxes. Prerequisite: TXX 5762.

TXX 5764     Taxation of Pensions and Profit-Sharing Plans  (3 cr.)

The course looks at the federal tax advantages of pensions and profit-sharing plans, with emphasis on ERISA. Prerequisite: TXX 5762.

TXX 5765     Tax Policy  (3 cr.)

A study of tax issues, particularly those pertinent to individual and corporate taxes. This course focuses on the purposes of taxation and development of tax systems. Prerequisite: TXX 5762.

TXX 5766     US Taxation of International Transactions  (3 cr.)

International Taxation: This course surveys the U.S. income tax on foreign-earned income. The taxation methods of other countries are also examined. Prerequisite: TXX 5762.

TXX 5767     IRS Practice and Procedure  (3 cr.)

This course introduces the student to the structure, organization, practices and procedures of the Internal Revenue Service. The course is intended to give students an understanding of the organizational makeup of the Internal Revenue Service and the authority of its various employees. The different approaches to resolving tax controversies will be explored through the study of assigned readings and in-depth class discussions. The course will be conducted in a seminar-like fashion with each student expected to make significant contributions to class discussions. Attentiveness to news items affecting the area of federal tax procedures is expected, as well as conveyance to class of these newsworthy developments. Prerequisite: TXX 5762.

TXX 5768     Real Estate Taxation  (3 cr.)

Examines the tax consequences of owning real estate including the ownership and operation of real property; sales, conversions, foreclosures, leases and abandonments; tax aspects of financing; real estate investment trusts; and real estate holding companies. Prerequisite: TXX 5762.

TXX 5769     Tax Planning & Research  (3 cr.)

This course is an in-depth study of the tax-planning process and research tools that are available to both the professional business manager and tax practitioner. Prerequisite: TXX 5762.

TXX 5770     Taxation of Exempt Organizations  (3 cr.)

Examines and applies section 501c of the Code. Covers tax planning for charitable contributions, trusts, gifts, and bargain sales. Compares taxation of exempt organizations with for-profit entities. Prerequisite: TXX 5762.

TXX 5771     Taxation of Limited Liability Companies and Sub-Chapter S Corporations  (3 cr.)

Examines the use of S Corporations versus other forms of business entities. Issues such as eligibility, election, revocation, and termination are discussed. Prerequisite: TXX 5762.

TXX 5772     Special Topics in Taxation  (3 cr.)

Discussions may include, but not limited to, such topics as: transfer pricing, tax timing, and taxation of independent contractors. Prerequisite: TXX 5762.

TXX 5773     State and Local Taxation  (3 cr.)

This course introduces the student to the fundamentals of state and local taxation. The course is not intended to make the student technically proficient in all areas of state and local taxation, but rather, it surveys the taxes that states generally impose on its citizens, corporations, and other entities. The impact on society of current and proposed state and local taxes will be explored through the study of assigned readings and in-depth class discussions. Prerequisite: TXX 5762.

TXX 5774     Fiduciary Income Taxation  (3 cr.)

Fiduciary Income Taxation covers the income taxation of trusts, estates, and their beneficiaries; the quasi-conduit approach of Subchapter J; distributable net income and the distribution deduction; in kind distributions; post-mortem planning; funding of marital deduction trusts; basis to beneficiaries; income in respect of a decedent; grantor trusts; trusts for minors; charitable trusts; and the effects of the uniform income and principal act. This is an in-depth treatment of the subject matter introduced in TXX 5762. Prerequisite: TXX 5762 or equivalent.

MGT 5781     Business Law I  (3 cr.)

Introduces and amplifies the major legal requirements that will be encountered by the professional accountant. Topics will include the Uniform Commercial Code, contracts, and the legal liability and responsibilities of agencies and accountants. Prerequisites: completion of all program prerequisites.

MGT 5782     Business Law II  (3 cr.)

A continuation of MGT 5781, this course will advance student's knowledge in the area of business law as it applies to accounting. Prerequisite: MGT 5781.

ACT 5798     Financial Accounting Research  (1 cr.)

This course provides the skills necessary to conduct research to be used in problem solving.

Prerequisite Course Descriptions  top

ACTP 5711     Internet Technology  (0 cr.)

A one-week course in utilizing the Internet for classroom purposes, research, (including the use of the library), and other skills needed to successfully complete the online graduate accounting program. Required for any student taking a course online in the MACC or MTAX programs.

ACTP 5001     Introductory Accounting  (3 cr.)

An accelerated introductory course stressing the essential elements of accounting skills that will be used in the master's degree program. Managerial uses of accounting data and preparation of financial statements will be covered in this course. Course satisfies program prerequisite of financial accounting for master's degree programs.

ACTP 5004     Cost Accounting  (3 cr.)

The role of cost accounting as a tool for managerial decision-making; cost volume-profit analysis, job order costing, and absorption costing. Application of these skills to the overall operation of a business. Prerequisites: ACTP 5001 or equivalent and ACTP 5711.

ACTP 5006     Intermediate Accounting I  (3 cr.)

This course is a continuation and expansion of Introductory Accounting. The concepts underlying financial accounting are examined, including those relevant to standard setting, the basic financial statements, time value of money, and assets. Prerequisites: ACTP 5001 or equivalent and ACTP 5711.

ACTP 5007     Intermediate Accounting II  (3 cr.)

This course is a continuation of ACTP 5006. The concepts and application of underlying financial accounting are examined, including those relevant to: liabilities, intangible assets, equity, and investments.Prerequisite: ACTP 5006 or equivalent and ACTP 5711.

ACTP 5009     Advanced Accounting  (3 cr.)

A continuation and expansion of Intermediate Accounting II. Accounting principles for consolidations and combinations, accounting for branches, accounting for liquidations, accounting for nonprofit organizations, and other selected topics. Prerequisite: ACTP 5007 or equivalent and ACTP 5711.

ACTP 5010     Auditing  (3 cr.)

Examination of financial statements and systems from the viewpoint of an independent auditor. Emphasis is on the methodology and practical applications of auditing techniques and the professional standards that bear on audit performance and reporting. Prerequisite: ACTP 5007 or equivalent and ACTP 5711.

ACTP 5712     Accounting Principles Review  (0 cr.)

This is a non-credit, two week course covering accounting principles required of all students taking the Intermediate I prerequisite course. If the student has taken a principles course within the past five years, he/she may choose to take a competency exam and if passed, will not be required to complete this course.

CPA Educational Requirements (Florida)  top

To qualify as a candidate for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) examination, the following requirements must be fulfilled (as quoted from the State of Florida website):

1. A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, unless one is using the provisions of the foreign rule.

The Board accepts degrees from schools accredited by the following associations : Middle States Association, New England Association, North Central Association, Northwest Association, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Association of Independent Schools and Colleges who have been approved by the Florida State Board of Independent Colleges and Universities, and Canadian Schools who have been approved by their provincial educational bodies.

2. The accounting education program must consist of 36 semester hours of upper division accounting courses including coverage of tax, auditing, financial, and cost accounting. The business education program must consist of 39 semester hours of upper division general business courses with some exceptions. One micro-economics, one macro-economics, one statistics, one business law, and one introduction to computers course may be lower division. As part of the general business hours, applicants are required to have a total of six semester hours of business law courses which must cover contracts, torts, and the Uniform Commercial Code. Excess upper division accounting courses may be used to meet the General Business requirement. Elementary accounting classes are never acceptable for credit. Courses for non-accounting majors and any MBA courses that are equivalent to elementary accounting are not accepted for this requirement.

Examination Dates

April - May

July - August

October - November

January - February