SIUE MSA Pathways
A Smarter, More Efficient Path to Your MSA Degree
To better support students from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, the Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA) program now offers a module-based prerequisite pathway as an alternative to traditional coursework for applicants who do not hold a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy (BSA). This pathway provides flexible, efficient, cost-effective preparation while maintaining academic quality and ensuring students have the foundational knowledge necessary for success in graduate-level accounting courses.
Available August 2026.
*Note: International students are not eligible for the online MSA Pathways
What the Modules Cover
Students without a bachelor's degree in accounting may complete four prerequisite courses through self-paced modules:
- ACCT 301 – Intermediate Accounting I
- ACCT 302 – Intermediate Accounting II
- ACCT 303 – Intermediate Accounting III
- ACCT 315 – Accounting Information Systems
Each course is broken into chapter-based modules you complete on your own schedule.
What the Modules Do Not Cover
- ACCT 321 (Taxation) must be completed separately as a traditional course, with a grade of B or above. You can take it at the same time as the modules.
- ACCT 312 (Cost/Managerial Accounting) is not part of the modules. It may be waived for qualified applicants — ask the Program Director whether your background qualifies.
How It Works
- Delivered through McGraw-Hill Connect, facilitated by SIUE Accounting faculty
- Self-paced — work through the chapters on your own schedule
- Each chapter includes interactive SmartBook readings, assignments, and a quiz
- Mastery-based: you need 80% to pass each chapter
- If you don't reach 80%, you'll repeat that chapter — and you can keep moving forward to the next chapter while you do
- Assessments are proctored using a lockdown browser
- 360 days of access from enrollment
Who Is This Pathway For?
This option is ideal for applicants who have:
- A business-related academic background, and/or
- Work experience in accounting, finance, or a related field
- Prior exposure to financial and managerial accounting
Alternative Starting Points
- Applicants with a business background but no accounting coursework may need to complete ACCT 524 (Accounting for MBAs), or ACCT 200 (Intro to Financial Accounting) and ACCT 210 (Intro to Managerial Accounting), before starting the modules.
- Applicants with little or no business background may be advised to complete traditional prerequisite courses instead.
Individualized Advising
Placement into the module pathway is not automatic. Decisions are made case-by-case based on your background. Our goal is to make sure you are well prepared to succeed in the MSA program.
Why Choose the Module Pathway?
- Flexible and self-paced
- A faster route into graduate coursework
- A cost-effective alternative to multiple traditional prerequisite courses
- Focused coverage of intermediate accounting and accounting information systems
- Supports preparation for CPA and advanced accounting study
Cost/Registration
$2,000 total per student, covering all four prerequisite courses.
Once you are verified as eligible for the MSA Pathways program, you may register online by first making payment of $1,750 to SIUE here. Once payment is received, you will be contacted with instructions on how to complete the additional $250 payment to McGraw Hill Connect and access the online material.
Questions?
We're here to help you choose the best path. Contact the MSA Program Director at 618-650-2692 for personalized guidance.
