Graduation Requirements
To graduate with an MSA, students must complete all program requirements and have a 3.0 GPA in all courses taken in the MSA program (excluding prerequisite courses) and in all program courses and approved elective courses. Only program and elective courses taken within a six-year period preceding the completion of all requirements for the MSA will count toward the degree. Foundation courses taken to provide the common body of knowledge in business must be taken within an eight-year period preceding the completion of all requirements for the degree.
A significant research project resulting in a written report and a final examination based on the approved program of study are required of each student to be awarded the MSA. Both requirements will be completed as part of the requirements for ACCT 580. A satisfactory grade must be received on both the research report and final examination for completion of the degree requirements. The entire program is designed to place emphasis on critical thinking, research, and problem-solving. In ACCT 580 the student demonstrates their ability to research an issue independently, think critically and educate other professionals about an issue, its implementation and implications.
Ordinarily, the final examination will be administered as part of ACCT 580. The examination will include questions related to the students' program of study, their work in ACCT 580, and their research projects. Some parts of the final examination may be common to all students, while other parts will relate to the individual programs of study of the specific student. Examination committees will consist of the instructor of ACCT 580 and at least one other member of the Graduate Faculty of the School of Business appointed by the program director. For a student to pass the final examination, the majority of members of the examination committee must concur that the student should receive a passing grade.
Students who do not pass the MSA final examination on the first attempt will have one additional opportunity to complete the final examination. A student who fails the final examination on the second attempt will be required to complete additional coursework specified by the program director before attempting the final examination a third time. Students who do not pass the final examination after three attempts will be terminated from the program.
Review the graduation policy for more information.
