Your Guide to the Mason Masters in Accounting

MS Accountingaccounting.gmu.edu

At the intersection of GlobAl And cApitAl

2 GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY | SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

Mason MS Accounting

Welcome to a graduate accounting program that is different on purpose! The George Mason University Master’s in Accounting prepares you to be a professional global accountant by emphasizing innovative and participatory learning.

We put ethics and diversity foremost starting with a cohort-based orientation to welcome students from across the globe and introduce them to the Mason Model of Ethics and Sustainability, which is then instilled throughout the curricula. In an ever-shrinking world, the cohort experience is designed to help you nurture fellowships with your peers that should extend well beyond your brief time at Mason.

Our flexible modular program structure allows for more effective classroom interactions and offers you an option to include a busy-season internship while completing your program in 11 months (full-time) or two years (part-time). The meticulously conceptualized courses by our

distinguished and diverse faculty integrate current themes from the real world and textbook materials to enhance your technical and analytical knowledge. The core professional accounting colloquium is intended to improve professional skills that are critical for the rigors and uncertainty in the work environment.

Our student-focused approach is supported by an adept career services team and dedicated academic advisors, who will work one-on-one with you throughout the program in selecting course electives, planning internships, and preparing for interviews and career placements. You will also frequently engage in networking events with alumni and prospective employers and listen to professional panels and guest lecturers to build your connections and understand varied perspectives. We take pride in our strong collaborative partnerships with the industry and community who provide valuable feedback for continuous improvement of the program.

I invite you to learn more about what the Mason MS in Accounting can do for you and experience the difference!

Message from the Director

ProgrAM At A glAnce

JK AierAcademic director, Ms Accounting

ROI. Affordable tuition rates extend to all in-state and out-of-state students. More than 85% of the class of 2014 were

employed at the time of graduation and 66% received a signing bonus.

Convenience. Choose between a part-time, online program designed for working professionals or a full-time, in-class

program to quickly jumpstart your accounting career.

Accelerated. Complete our full-time Master’s in Accounting progam in just 11 months, or choose the flexible part-time

program that can be completed in two years and apply what you learn in the classroom the very next day on the job.

Global. All Mason MS Accounting students participate in a week-long global study tour to appreciate the myriad

opportunities and nuances of a challenging but rewarding global profession.

Reputation. A top-100 ranked business school (U.S. News & World Report), the Mason Master’s in Accounting gives you access to a network of more than 27,000 business alumni and is deeply integrated in the accounting industry.

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George Mason University school of business..........................................4About Usprestigecontact information

Mason MsA...................................................................................................7curriculumcoursesGlobal residency

career services..........................................................................................10career placement datacareer programs

international students...............................................................................12

finance Your education.............................................................................13

Admisssions................................................................................................14

table of contents


Mason MS Accounting

About Us

Dedicated to excellence in teaching and research, the Mason School of Business educates future business leaders through world-class innovative academic programs and strategic business partnerships.

Ranked among the top 100 undergraduate business school programs, part-time MBA, and online EMBA programs by U.S. News & World Report, the School of Business is accredited in both business and accounting by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International.

George Mason University has received national recognition for the multicultural and international diversity of its student population, with students representing more than 130 countries and all 50 states. This diversity at the university level is clearly reflected in both the School of Business student body and faculty.

The School of Business is fully engaged with the regional business community, graduating highly qualified business students, producing research that informs business policy and operations, and providing venues for the region’s business leaders to work with our students in the classroom and to learn from each other. Business leaders and organizations are actively engaged through executive education programs, speaker engagements, classroom lectures, case competitions, internships, and career placement.

FacultyOur faculty is deeply engaged in the regional, national, and international business communities and their academic expertise combined with real-world experience provides a bridge in the classroom from academic theory to business practice. Faculty members have provided expert testimony before nearly every federal agency and have served as consultants to organizations such as NASDAQ, the FDIC, and the Department of Defense.

Our faculty brings relevant research and new insights into the classroom. Many of our instructors have achieved international renown because of their ground-breaking work in areas such as executive compensation, effects of insider trading on stock and e-commerce, and internal work groups and teams.

AlumniWhen you choose George Mason University, you are not only choosing a top business school, you are choosing the vast opportunities open to Mason graduates through our large (27,000 members and counting) business alumni network. This is a rich source for professional contacts as you progress in your career.

Our national alumni network includes headquarters in Richmond, New York, and San Francisco, and our distinguished alumni span the globe (some of which you may meet on your global residency). They represent a large variety of professional fields including finance, accounting, real estate, national defense, consulting, and technology, to name a few.

The Mason MS in Accounting gives you access to an extensive network of high-level business leaders and policy-makers. This network opens doors with corporate partners who participate in networking events, leadership training, and professional development programs. These partnerships also provide you an opportunity to interact with corporate leaders on key business issues.

As a Mason alumnus, you will graduate with a deep network of professional contacts as well as retain access to our Career Services staff. This is a wealth of career support available to you throughout your career.

“I had numerous faculty members take the time to get to know me and to show me that they were interested in my success.”

Katie Ballew ’12Tax AssociateEY


Prestige

The School of Business at George Mason University is accredited by AACSB International—the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Organized in 1916, AACSB International is the premier accrediting agency for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs in business administration and accounting. The School of Business is one of only 25 percent of business schools worldwide accredited in both business and accounting by the AACSB International. AACSB International accreditation represents the highest standard of achievement for business schools, worldwide. Institutions that earn accreditation confirm their commitment to quality and continuous improvement through a rigorous

and comprehensive peer review. AACSB International accreditation is the hallmark of excellence in management education.

George Mason University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Accreditation is important to higher education institutions because it permits our students to have access to federally-subsidized financial aid, allows our faculty to compete for federal research grants, and ensures that the courses and degrees our students earn will be recognized by other institutions.

U.S. News & World Report•Mason’s MBA program is #68 on the “Best Part-time MBA” list•Mason’s Online EMBA program is #36 on the “Best Online MBA Programs” list•The School of Business is #62 on the list of “Best Undergraduate Business Programs”•George Mason is the nation’s #10 university to watch on the list of “Up-and-Coming Schools”

G.I. Jobs Military Friendly SchoolsGeorge Mason University has consistently been ranked on the G.I. Jobs “Military Friendly Schools List.”

Kiplinger’s Personal Finance MagazineKiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine has listed Mason as one of the “100 Best Values in Public Colleges” for the past eight years.

Princeton ReviewMason was included in The Princeton Review list of “The Best Southeastern Colleges” and ranked 11 for most politically active students.

Academic Ranking of World UniversitiesOf the more than 19,000 universities worldwide, George Mason is ranked in the top 200 in the Academic Rankings of World Universities.


Mason MS Accounting

contact Information

MS Accounting AdmissionsGeorge Mason University (Fairfax campus)Enterprise Hall, Lower Level, Suite 038Mailing Address: 4400 University Drive, MS 5A2Fairfax, VA 22030

Phone: 703-993-2136Email: [email protected]

MS Accounting Program OfficeGeorge Mason University (Fairfax campus)Enterprise Hall, Lower Level, Suite 038Mailing Address:4400 University Drive, MS 5A2Fairfax, VA 22030


Career CenterGeorge Mason University (Fairfax campus)Enterprise Hall, Lower Level, Room 008Mailing Address:4400 University Drive, MS 5A1Fairfax, VA 22030


Student AccountsGeorge Mason University (Fairfax campus)Student Union Building I, Suite 1600Mailing Address:4400 University Drive, MS2E2Fairfax, VA 22030


Financial ServicesGeorge Mason University (Fairfax campus)Student Union Building (SUB) I, First FloorMailing Address:4400 University Drive, MS3B5Fairfax, VA 22030


Health InsuranceGeorge Mason UniversityStudent Health ServicesFairfax campus: SUB 1, Suite 2300Arlington campus: Founders Hall, B102Phone: 703-993-2827 or 703-993-7634Email: [email protected]

International ProgramsOffice of International ProgramsStudent Union Building I, Suite 4300 (Fairfax campus)Mailing Address:4400 University Drive, MSN 4C3Fairfax, VA 22030


Military ServicesOffice of Military ServicesJohnson Center, Room 245 (Fairfax campus)Mailing Address:4400 University Drive, MS 3A4Fairfax, VA 22030


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curriculum

The MS in Accounting (MSA) is focused on developing ethical leaders who can overcome challenges and provide solutions. Our masters in accounting courses emphasize the latest trends and issues in accounting, business ethics, and corporate governance and is designed to specifically satisfy the 150-hour educational requirement adopted by a number of states, including Virginia, for certification and licensure as a CPA.

Learning Goalsprofessional skills: Our graduates will demonstrate professional skills necessary for success in the public ac-counting profession.

•teaming & leading: Our graduates will demonstrate the team leadership and interpersonal skills needed to form, lead, and work effectively in diverse organizational teams.

•ethics & professional responsibility: Our graduates will understand the importance of ethical conduct and the regulatory environment of accounting.

•professional communications: Our graduates will communicate effectively to professional audiences in both written and oral forms.

•Analytical decision Making: Our graduates will demonstrate analytical decision-making skills.

•Accounting research: Our graduates will effectively conduct and communicate accounting research.

technical skills & Knowledge: Our graduates will demonstrate and apply technical knowledge of accounting and auditing. Global perspective: Our graduates will demonstrate an understanding of the role of accounting in the global business environment.

Full-time MS in Accounting Students complete the MS Accounting courses on a full-time, day-time schedule. The 10-month program requires enrollment of at least three courses during each 10 week module.

Part-time Online MS in Accounting Courses will be delivered in an asynchronous online format with students enrolling in two courses during each 10 week module. Students can complete the part-time program in as few 18 months.

Accelerated Masters in AccountingThe Accelerated MS in Accounting is designed exclusively for high-performing students currently enrolled in Mason’s BS in Accounting program. Students can earn both a BS and MS Accounting degree, while working towards the 150 credits needed for the CPA requirements and become a more valuable prospect to employers. Students will take two graduate classes that apply to both their undergraduate and MSA degree programs.

Graduate Certificate in Forensic AccountingThe 12-credit Graduate Certificate in Forensic Accounting Program provides an opportunity for students to acquire education in the emerging field of forensic accounting. Students with a bachelor’s degree in accounting can also use the certificate program as a means of obtaining the necessary 150 hours of academic credit to qualify for a CPA license.

“Mason’s MS in Accounting allows students to focus on mastering the subject matter to understand concepts in the work force and the principles needed to pass the CPA exam.”

Fariba Nasary ’09Manager

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Mason MS Accounting

courses

Core CoursesThe MSA program is designed to explore the most challenging issues and opportunities facing accounting and finance professionals, as well as provide new professionals with the leadership skills and global perspective necessary for future success.

Acct 633 identifying & resolving Advanced issues in financial Accounting

Students will gain knowledge and skills used in the interpretation of complex corporate financial accounting issues and in the preparation of complex financial statements. Topics include acquisitions, consolidations, derivatives, segment reporting, partnerships, and SEC reporting. Students also will learn to conduct research using the FASB Accounting Standards Codification to resolve ambiguous reporting issues.

Acct 636 fraud examinationIntroduces strategies and techniques for fraud prevention and detection. Focuses on financial fraud such as bribery, contract rigging and kickbacks, embezzlement, fraudulent financial reporting, payroll fraud, and misappropriation of inventory and other assets. Several real-life cases and examples will be used to illustrate how to detect and prevent fraud.

Acct 651 identifying & resolving Advanced issues in taxationExamines the application of the federal income tax law to C-corporations, S-corporations, and partnerships. Topics will include the formation, operations, and dissolutions of such entities. Students will read and apply primary tax authorities to client fact patterns and engage in significant professional research and writing.

Acct 690 professional Accounting colloquium iThe Professional Accounting Colloquium I is designed, in conjunction with the Professional Accounting Colloquium II (ACCT 691 ), to give graduate accounting students the opportunity to identify, develop, and improve professional skills and attributes critical to success in the accounting profession. Students will gain an understanding of these professional accounting skills and attributes from both a theoretical and applied perspective.

Acct 691 professional Accounting colloquium iiThe Professional Accounting Colloquium II is designed, in conjunction with the Professional Accounting Colloquium I (ACCT 690), to give graduate accounting students the opportunity to identify, develop, and improve professional skills and attributes critical to success in the accounting profession. Students will gain an understanding of these professional accounting skills and attributes from both a theoretical and applied perspective.

Acct 795 Global Accounting environmentExamines the activities of accounting firms competing in the global business environment. Students will observe these activities in residency and study the decision-making processes of international accounting firms to develop an understanding of the regulatory environment of global accounting.

electives MSA students complete 15 credit hours of electives from their area of interest. Below is a sampling of course topics.

•ACCT 611 Advanced Managerial Accounting•ACCT 630 Advanced Financial Accounting•ACCT 672 Governmental and Nonprofit Accounting•ACCT 692 Seminar in Accounting•ACCT 701 Business Valuation•ACCT 708 Taxes and Business Strategy•ACCT 737 Fraud and the Law•ACCT 738 Advanced Topics in Fraud•ACCT 742 Corporate Governance and EthicsG

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global residency

An integral part of the Mason MS in Accounting is our required Global Residency Program. Designed to assist you in leading organizations in the competitive global arena, each component of the program explores the role of accounting in the complex global economy and examines the risks and opportunities inherent in global commerce.

This is underscored by the global residency (ACCT 795 Global Accounting Environment), a required three-credit course that includes a weeklong international study tour. Students meet with accounting professionals, regulators, business and government leaders, academic faculty and students and visit local and multinational companies.

Sample List of Locations•Argentina•Belgium•Brazil•Chile•China•Czech Republic•France•Germany•Ireland•Poland•South Africa•United Kingdom

“It was one of the most impactful experiences of the program. The trip offered the unique ability to utilize traditional academics within an applied service-based framework. We were able to combine elements of our professional experiences with the curriculum.”

Joe Buchy ’14Program ManagerAMEC Environment & Infrastructure Inc.

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Mason MS Accounting

career Placement

Andersen tax

Argy, Wiltse, & Robinson

Aronson, LLC

baker tilly

bdO USA, LLP

bond beebe, CPA

Calibre CPA Group

CohnReznick

Cotton & Company

dixon Hughes Goodman

deloitte

ey

Frank & Company, PC

Grant thornton, LLP

Halt, buzas & Powell, Ltd.

Johnson Lambert LLP

KPMG

PwC

McGladrey

PwC

Raffa, PC

Rubino & Company

RyanSharkey

Wendroff & Associates

Recent Hiring Organizations

class of 2014 Mason MsA career data

$10,738 higher average starting salary earned by George Mason Ms in Accounting graduates versus those with only a bachelor’s degree

top employers• deloitte• eY• Grant thornton• KpMG

employed at graduation

86%

The data presented represents the professional plans of 2014 George Mason University MSA graduates.

66% of Mason Ms in Accounting graduates received a signing bonus


career Placement career Programs & Services

Those who earn a graduate degree in accounting and pass the CPA exam have greater accounting career opportunities and earning potential. In addition to the opportunities that exist within accounting firms, CPAs can advance to positions including, but not limited to chief financial officer, controller, and chief operating officer.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that U.S. jobs for accountants and auditors will grow by 16% from 2010-2020, adding about 190,700 new accounting jobs. For accountants working as tax examiners and revenue agents the job growth is expected to be at 7% from 2010-2020 or about 5,500 new jobs.

Located in Fairfax and Arlington, Career Services are available to all students and alumni from all of our graduate programs.

Individual Services•Career Action Planning•Résumé / Cover Letter Critiques•Finding a Job / Internship•Mock Interviewing •Salary Negotiation•Networking Strategies•Marketing Your Graduate Degree•Leveraging Social Media•KSA Preparation

Additional Resources•HireMason (Jobs, internships, contacts)•Vault Career Insider (Online career research)•CareerShift (Integrated online career management)•InterviewStream (Practice interviewing)•Passport Career (International job hunting resource)•On-Campus Interviewing (Registration required)•Cooperative Education (Career appointment required)

“If it was not for the opportunities that George Mason provides its students, I would not have the job of my choice today.”

Eileen Owen ’12Senior Audit ConsultantKPMG


Mason MS Accounting

International Students

“A university of tremendous promise with an internationally diverse population that is a real strength.”

Martin Dunphy ’92Founder and CEOMarlin Financial Group

The Office of International Programs and Services educates, celebrates and serves the Mason community, including international and domestic students, faculty, and exchange visitors, by helping them reach their highest academic and personal goals.

The Office of International Programs and Services (OIPS) have created “iCenter@Mason” for newly admitted international students. It is an online guide where you can find information about I-20/DS-2019, visa, and travel to the US, check-in and orientation. Visit oips.gmu.edu/new-students/ for more information.

OIPS processes document requests in the order they are received. Depending on the time of year and the number of requests, processing time varies, usually 5-10 business days, from the time we receive your request. Simple document requests (travel endorsements, invitation letters) can also be processed when you meet with an advisor during walk-in hours.

Types of documents processed by OIPS:•New and reissued I-20s and DS-2019s•Invitation letters•Travel signatures•Employment paperwork•Program extension letters•Reduced course load


International Students Finance Your education

The Mason MSA offers highly competitve tuition rates for both Virginia and out-of-state residents. This creates a high value degree that enables you to maximize your return on investment. Because that is what an MS in Accounting is, an investment in yourself.

Tuition and fees can be viewed by visiting business.gmu.edu/masters-in-accounting/costs/

ScholarshipsFor tips and resources on applying for additional scholarships, visit financialaid.gmu.edu/scholarships.

LoansMason’s Office of Financial Aid provides information about the types of loans available to help finance your education. financialaid.gmu.edu/loans

Application for Virginia In-State Rates ProcessApplication and process information can be viewed by visiting admissions.gmu.edu/domicile. The Application for Virginia In-State Tuition Rates, commonly referred to as the domicile application is initially reviewed by the MSA Admissions Team and should be submitted with your admission application. Based upon the information provided by the applicant and parents (if required), the MSA Admissions Team will render one of three decisions:

•The applicant will be classified as in-state for tuition purposes

•The applicant will be required to provide additional documentation

•The applicant will be classified as out-of-state for tuition purposes

Graduate Research and teaching AssistantshipsEach year the School of Business seeks currently enrolled George Mason University graduate students for graduate research/teaching assistantships in the areas of accounting, finance, information systems and operations management, management, and marketing.

George Mason University Graduate Research and Teaching Assistants must be:

•Admitted to graduate study at Mason. Once admitted, remain in good academic standing with at least a 3.0 grade point average (GPA) and no recent unsatisfactory grades;

•Enrolled in at least six hours for a full-time assistantship or three hours for a part-time assistantship (exceptions may be considered for students who need fewer than six hours to complete degree and graduate);

•Achieved a score of at least 100 on the Internet-based TOEFL exam, if native language is not English (copy of test results required if hired).

“Other programs were overpriced for what they were offering. I looked at the curriculum at Mason and saw classes that would be interesting and necessary for my growth as a young accounting professional.”

Ryan Roe ’10Advisory ManagerKPMG


Mason MS Accounting

Admissions

Explore the challenges and opportunities that Mason’s Masters in Accounting program has to offer. Our masters in accounting degree is designed for individuals seeking to advance their career potential and also meet the credit requirements necessary to take the Virginia CPA examination.

eligibility RequirementsBachelor’s degree in accounting or business is required. Applicants who do not have an accounting degree but have a business degree will be provisionally admitted until they have completed the following accounting courses or equivalents with a grade of a B- or better: ACCT 531, ACCT 532, ACCT 551, and ACCT 561.

Applicants without a business background are urged to contact the MSA graduate office for more information about how to prepare for admission to the program.

“Mason’s ties with the local business and government community bring unique and practical experiences to the students, providing a greater launch pad and boost into post college careers.”

Kellie Goldstein ’97Chief Financial Officer

Travel Channel

Application Requirements•Online application and application fee•A current résumé•Official copies of transcripts from all colleges or universities attended (mailed or sent electronically)

•Official electronic transcripts can be sent to [email protected]

•Official transcripts can be mailed to:

George Mason UniversityMSA Admissions4400 University Drive, MS 5A2Fairfax, VA 22030

•Official GMAT score OR GRE score (GMAT or GRE waivers are considered on a case-by-case basis based on undergraduate institution and overall undergraduate GPA. Please call an admissions adviser for more information at 703-993-2136)

•Two letters of recommendation (professional or academic)

•Two essays (questions listed below)•In no more than 750 words, tell us why you believe the Mason School of Business program you are applying to is the best fit for you? Include information about your personal qualities, academic background, professional experience, and career goals.

•If you could tell us about yourself in 25 words or less, what would you say?

•Additional requirements for international students and applicants who hold undergraduate degrees from outside the United States

We request that you do not submit any documents to the program prior to submitting the online application. Your résumé, recommendations, and two writing samples must be uploaded and submitted with the online application.

No portion of the portfolio is weighted more than another; the admissions committee considers the entire application to ensure that they have a complete profile of a candidate’s professional and academic qualifications. Early application is advised since enrollment is limited.

Admissions


Admissions Admissions

Additional Requirements for International ApplicantsIn addition to our standard MSA program application requirements, students who hold undergraduate degrees from outside the United States must submit the following:

•English Proficiency Score (minimum scores: TOEFL = 88, IELTS = 6.5, or Pearson = 59 overall score). We look for these scores to be competitive for admissions. TOEFL=93 and IELTS= 7.0.

•Official transcript evaluation: All transcripts from colleges or universities outside the United States must be translated into English, by an organization certified by www.atanet.org and submitted for evaluation to the graduate school to which the applicant is applying. Once translated, Mason will provide evaluation service free of charge for all international transcripts. Because of volume, more time may be needed to process applications requiring a Mason evaluation of up to an additional 6-8 weeks. For expedited service, students can submit their documents to a recognized U.S. evaluation service at their own expense. A list of recognized evaluation services is available in Mason’s Admissions Office or at www.naces.org.

•Official transcripts and proof of degree conferral

Please do not submit materials prior to submitting an application so your application materials can easily be matched with your application.

Critical Information for International ApplicantsImmigration & Naturalization (INS) rules have been tightened in regard to the use of a student’s name and birth date. Please note the following regarding use of name on documents:

•The first name, middle name (if any), and last name (surname) must match the name that appears on the student’s passport and I-20 document.

•Educational documents submitted for an admission decision must also bear the same name as it appears on the application and passport.

•The INS will not honor student visa (F-1 or J-1) requests when the student’s name and/or birthday vary from what appears on the I-20.

Stay connected with the george maSon univerSity School of BuSineSS

call: 703-993-2136 email: [email protected]

www.facebook.com/georgemasonBusiness www.twitter.com/georgemasonBiz www.youtube.com/masonSom

The Virginia Board of Accountancy encourages students preparing to become licensed CPAs to seriously consider incorporating at least some graduate level study of accounting into their educational plans. The Board believes that the increased rigor and the strategic focus of graduate level courses can be valuable in preparing future accounting professionals to meet the increasing demands of the marketplace and to excel in the practice of public accounting.

Choosing the right Master’s in Accounting program will be a critical factor in your long-term career success. The right MSA program will transform you into a strategic leader, capable of overcoming challenges and providing solutions.

We invite you to learn more at one of our Graduate Program Preview Nights.

Please visit business.gmu.edu/eventcalendar to view our calendar and register for our next event. Our program staff is happy to speak with you and answer any questions you may have. Connect with an admissions counselor and request to visit a class.

Call Us: 703-993-2136

email Us: [email protected]

Your Guide to the Mason Masters in Accounting

Documents

Transcript of Your Guide to the Mason Masters in Accounting