Rutgers graduate students presenting in class.

Curriculum | Master of Accountancy in Professional Accounting

Core Courses (30 Credits)

22:010:577- Accounting for Managers* (3 Credits)

An introduction to financial statement analysis which builds on the fundamentals of accounting, including understanding the accounting equation and its application in building the balance sheet, the income statement, and the statement of cash flows. Basic accounting concepts, accounting principles, and the audit report are presented. Students work in teams to analyze corporate financial statements. The relationship of economic value to accounting measurement is explored together with factors influencing management choices among competing valuation principles. Theory is applied to the valuation of the asset, liability, and owners' equity accounts. Emphasizes the heavy reliance on estimates in constructing financial statements and how management can use such estimates to strategically manage its reporting responsibilities.

22:010:625- Advanced Accounting (2 Credits)

In-depth study of the theoretical and practical problems of accounting for partnerships, business combinations, and nonbusiness organizations, including governmental fiduciaries.

22:835:604- Auditing Concepts (3 Credits)

Examines the principles and components governing management information systems with strong emphasis on the importance of internal control within the system. Illustrates the role of the computer in accounting and general information systems and accounting transactions processing, environment of information systems, designing new system controls, flowcharting, management, designing computer-oriented controls, systems analysis, design, implementation, and follow-up principles of systems design and standards of internal control.

22:835:510- Business Law I (2 Credits)

Introduces the legal system and the way in which the law interacts with the accountant's function. Provides a basic understanding of the principles of law most commonly related to the practice of accountancy. Stimulates an awareness of the law as an expression of basic social, political, and economic forces. Covers the law in relation to contracts, agencies, and sales of goods.

22:835:511- Business Law II (2 Credits)

Completes the academic requirements necessary to sit for the commercial law part of the CPA exam. Covers the law in relation to commercial paper, secured transactions, business organizations, and government regulation.

Prerequisite: Business Law I (22:835:510)

22:835:627- Cost and Managerial Accounting (3 Credits)

Covers the problems of generating and utilizing cost data for the dual purpose of managerial control and product costing. Cost accounting principles and procedures are studied in relation to the accumulation and reporting of material, labor, and variable and fixed overhead costs. Actual, normal, and standard cost systems are examined in both a job order and process manufacturing setting. Cost control, cost planning, and cost analysis as used in assisting the managerial function are studied.

22:010:685 - Cybersecurity Assurance** (3 Credits)

This course seeks to equip students with foundational knowledge and essential skills enabling them not only to understand cybersecurity risks, controls, and governance, but also to provide assurance on cybersecurity. The first half of this course is structured to form an understanding of cybersecurity risks, controls, and governance and also covers cybersecurity frameworks, standards, and best practices. The second half of the course is designed to cover assurance on cybersecurity. In particular, the course introduces the new AICPA’s cybersecurity risk management reporting framework and presents related criteria that are used to perform an attestation engagement and to report the effectiveness of an entity’s cybersecurity risk management program.

22:010:551- Government Accounting and Auditing (3 Credits)

This course examines the basic principles of fund accounting under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). It emphasizes the new government financial reporting model promulgated by GASB No. 34 and modified or clarified by GASB's subsequent pronouncements. The course also provides an introduction to public sector auditing by examining the U.S. General Accounting Office's (GAO's) Government Auditing Standards.

22:010:638- Income Tax Accounting*** (3 Credits)

Enables students to recognize and understand the impact of taxation as a major factor for both individual and business planning. Covers sources of federal tax law, the concept of income realization and recognition, timing of income recognition, timing and possibility of income tax deductions, tax accounting methods, and reporting periods.

22:835:501- Intermediate Accounting I (3 Credits)

Designed for both accounting and finance majors, this course combines a study of the theory, rationale, and objectives of corporate financial reporting with an examination of current reporting principles. The aim is to develop a realistic understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of corporate financial reporting, particularly from the viewpoint of the consumer of such financial information. Emphasis is placed on the analysis and understanding of publicly available financial information, rather than on the mechanics of construction of financial statements. Nevertheless, there is still a great deal of mechanics and problem solving in this course.

22:835:502- Intermediate Accounting II (3 Credits)

Discusses many of the problems in financial accounting theory and practice. Instills an appreciation for the challenges and limitations of accounting. Prepares students for advanced study, professional examinations, and successful pursuit of accounting careers. Covers current and long-term liabilities, stockholders' equity, dilutive securities, investments, accounting for income taxes, pension costs and leases, and accounting changes and error analysis. Refers to pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board and the Financial Accounting Standards Board.

Prerequisite: Intermediate Accounting I (22:835:501)

Notes:

  • * Accounting for Principles and Practice 22:835:651 can be substituted for Accounting for Managers

  • ** Information Risk Management 22:010:627 can be substituted for Cybersecurity Assurance

  • *** Income Taxation 22:010:603 can be substituted for Income Tax Accounting

Course Offerings by Term

May be subject to change

Accounting for Managers (22:010:577)
  • Offered all semesters
Advanced Accounting (22:010:625)
  • Fall: n/a
  • Spring: n/a
  • Summer: Online
Auditing Concepts (22:835:604)
  • Fall: n/a
  • Spring: n/a
  • Summer: Online
Business Law I (22:835:510)
  • Fall: n/a
  • Spring: n/a
  • Summer: Online
Business Law II (22:835:511)
  • Fall: Online
  • Spring: n/a
  • Summer: n/a
Cost and Managerial Accounting (22:835:627)
  • Fall: Online
  • Spring: Online
  • Summer: n/a
Cybersecurity Assurance (22:010:685)
  • Offered all semesters
Government Accounting and Auditing (22:010:551)
  • Fall: n/a
  • Spring: Online
  • Summer: n/a
Income Tax Accounting (22:010:638)
  • Fall: Online
  • Spring: n/a
  • Summer: n/a
Information Risk Management (22:010:627)
  • Offered all semesters
Intermediate Accounting I (22:835:501)
  • Fall: n/a
  • Spring: Online
  • Summer: n/a
Intermediate Accounting II (22:835:502)
  • Fall: n/a
  • Spring: n/a
  • Summer: Online

Advanced Standing & Transfers

Through advanced standing and credit transfer, you have the opportunity to reduce your course load from 30 credits to 24, allowing you to finish your degree more quickly. 

You may receive up to 6 credits for graduate course work under the following conditions:

  • You earned a B or better in a course in business areas of study 
  • Graduate level courses must have been completed at an AACSB-accredited institution
  • Courses must be no more than 8 years old

Additional notes:

  • Students can take day classes with the MBA in Professional Accounting students.
  • Students pursuing a concentration in accounting in the Part-Time MBA program will also be enrolled in these courses.