The MS in finance from Saint Joseph's University prepares students for success in financial planning, financial analysis and corporate finance.
Professional Accountancy MS
Through Saint Joseph's University's Master of Science in Professional Accountancy program, you'll be exposed to the latest trends and technologies utilized in the accounting industry as well as opportunities to build upon your skillset as an ethics-minded and results-driven professional. Accounting firms today aren't just looking for someone who can crunch numbers; top employers are looking for accountants with technical savvy, critical thinking ability, industry knowledge and interpersonal communication skills.
This program is a blend of core accounting (5 courses) and a distribution among specialty areas needed for a successful career in professional accountancy.
Courses are available in the areas of:
- Tax compliance and planning
- Business reporting and analysis
- Information systems and controls
Saint Joseph’s University has once again been recognized as a leader in graduate business education by U.S. News & World Report. Five of the University’s graduate business programs were awarded top rankings, including our Professional Accountancy MS (ranked no. 21), executive MBA (no. 17), marketing MBA (no. 17), finance MBA (no. 26) and business analytics MBA (no. 30).
What Sets Our Program Apart
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Saint Joseph's University’s Professional Accountancy MS program can be completed fully online, on campus or through a hybrid model. The flexibility is designed to meet the needs of working professionals in the field seeking to advance their careers.
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Accredited by AACSB in business and accounting, the Haub School of Business is in an elite category of the best business schools throughout the world. Our programs consistently rank in the top tier by U.S. News & World Report (ranked no. 21), Princeton Review and other respected ranking organizations.
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Through Saint Joseph's 4+1 program, current undergraduate students can begin earning credits toward a Master of Science in Professional Accountancy during their senior year. This unique option allows you to graduate with two degrees — a bachelor's and master's — in just five years, saving you time and money. Students from all majors are welcome to apply, but students majoring in areas outside of computer science may be required to complete prerequisite coursework. Students interested in this program should apply to the graduate program in their junior year and be conditionally accepted before they complete their bachelor's degree.
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Saint Joseph's accounting faculty are experts in their fields, bringing theory, practice and relevance to the classroom. Our small, dynamic classes allow for discussion, reflection and collaboration.
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Saint Joseph’s Career Center offers a host of resources including resume review, interview prep, on-campus career fairs and interviews, workshops and networking events.
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Through Saint Joseph's 4+1 program, current undergraduate students can start earning credits toward a Professional Accountancy MS degree during their senior year.
This unique option allows you to graduate with two degrees — a bachelor's and master's — in just five years, saving you time and money. Students interested in this program should apply to the graduate program in their junior year and be conditionally accepted before they complete their bachelor's degree.
What Can You Do With a Master of Science in Professional Accountancy?
A Professional Accountancy MS will help build your management and leadership abilities, prepare you to sit for the CPA exam and advance your career as an accounting leader. Saint Joseph's accounting graduates are regularly hired by the leading local accounting firms.
Positions that often require or prefer a Professional Accountancy MS include:
- Auditor
- Administrative Services Leader
- Economist
- Executive
- Analyst
- Tax accountant
Program Detail
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View required courses for this program in the academic catalog. Please contact us if you have any questions about the program curriculum.
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Affordable tuition options start at $1,216 per credit.*
*Pricing does not include room and board, health insurance or any professional, clinical or transportation fees. Visit our tuition & fees page or contact us for more information.
Financial aid may be available to you to help offset the cost of your degree. Explore your options on our financial aid page.
Discount Eligibility
Alumni of Saint Joseph's are eligible to receive 10% off the cost of this program through our alumni discount.
Have you completed a year or more of service with a recognized service organization? You may be eligible for our mission discount.
Check with your employer to see if they are an Edcor or a Bright Horizons EdAssist member, which may entitle you to a discount on graduate programs.
Note: discounts cannot be combined.
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Graduate assistantships are offered on a limited basis and offer tuition remission and stipend. Please contact the program director for availability.
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SJU is a Yellow Ribbon School that accepts GI education benefits. Our Office of Veterans’ Services can help you access and understand your benefits.
Why Study Accounting in Philadelphia?
Accredited by the AACSB for accounting, Saint Joseph's University has been part of the industry network in Philadelphia for decades. Home to several Fortune 500 companies in need of accountants, Philadelphia houses four of the largest accounting firms: Deloitte, PwC, Ernst & Young and KPMG (often referred to as the “Big 4”).
Admission Information
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To be considered for admission you must have a bachelor's degree in accounting from a regionally accredited institution and have earned an undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
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- Apply online.
- Submit official college transcripts from all colleges attended.
- Submit a personal statement.
- Submit resume.
- Submit two letters of recommendation.
Visit our graduate admission information page to learn more about admission requirements, key deadlines, additional requirements for international students and how to submit your application.
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Graduate applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. New students may enroll in courses during the fall, spring or summer semesters.
Start Terms:
- Fall: August
- Spring: January
- Summer: May
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If you’re applying as an international student, you must provide proof of English Language Proficiency and Certification of Finances along with your application. Check the graduate admission page for additional requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary of an accountant and auditor is $77,250 per year.
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In addition to a student support coordinator, we have a variety of tools and resources that make it easy for you to get technical assistance, chart your course and focus your career search. Check out our online learning resources.
Explore Other Degree Programs
Saint Joseph’s University’s accounting major is one of only three AACSB-accredited programs in Pennsylvania. The accounting major will prepare you for a successful career in accounting as an ethical leader in business, government or the not-for-profit sector.
The flexibility of Saint Joseph’s University's top-ranking MBA program allows you to take classes at your own pace — on campus in Philadelphia, online or both.