Accounting and Information Technology (M.S.)
M.S. Accounting and Information Technology
Program Overview
The master of science in accounting and information technology (MSAIT) program offers full-time students the ability to graduate in two years and working professionals the flexibility to enroll part-time. Evening classes are offered face-to-face and via technology-enhanced delivery format at both the San Marcos and Round Rock campuses.
Students integrate knowledge and skills gained from engaged faculty to solve today’s challenges for accounting information systems through digital organization and security.
All McCoy College degree programs are accredited by AACSB International – The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. The accounting degree programs also hold separate accreditation by AACSB.
Course Work
The MSAIT program consists of 30 semester credit hours. Required coursework covers the core areas of accounting data analytics, business entity taxation, database management systems, information security, accounting research, and corporate governance and ethics. Electives may be chosen from a prescribed set of information systems and analytics courses and advanced accounting courses, such as data warehousing, enterprise resource planning and business intelligence, data analytics, advanced audit, advanced tax courses, and fraud detection. Students may also elect to utilize an internship as an elective.
| Degree | Hours | Thesis Option | Minor Option | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Degree M.S. | Hours 30 | Thesis Option Non-Thesis | Minor Option No minor | Location San Marcos |
Program Details
Graduates are hired in public accounting firms as consultants and by major companies throughout the region.
Program Mission
The MSAIT program is designed to integrate technological skills and tools with organization information analysis, control, and continuity. As today’s companies accumulate stores of data, they are increasingly looking for people with the ability to secure, analyze, and utilize data in ways never before possible. The MSAIT program provides the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to work with advanced information technology. Topics of study include fraud detection, regulatory reporting, information security, business intelligence, and enterprise systems.
Career Options
The MSAIT degree provides conceptual knowledge and hands-on experience to meet the need for trained accounting professionals who are comfortable with advanced information technology. Students entering the program will develop an understanding of information security, audit controls, and reporting related to the accounting function. Students preparing to become auditors, IT auditors, business intelligence analysts, information security specialists, and information systems consultants will also benefit from this degree.
Program Faculty
The computer information systems and quantitative methods faculty is a dedicated group of educators who strive to provide the best academic environment for students. Their collective goal is to provide superior education and student support leading to successful and fulfilling careers. Through the use of hands-on projects, student interaction, and targeted lectures, faculty provide the students with the preferred knowledge and skillsets of today’s employers. In addition, faculty regularly publish articles in peer-reviewed journals and present research at numerous national and international conferences.
Contact us for general questions about your application, funding opportunities, and more. If you have specific questions after reviewing the program details, contact the program's graduate advisor.
Graduate Advisor
Dr. Kasey Martin
businessgraduate@txstate.edu
512.245.2566
McCoy Hall (MCOY), Room 431
Advisor Support
Ana Hernandez
businessgraduate@txstate.edu
512.245.3591
McCoy Hall (MCOY), Room 530
Graduate Advisor
Dr. Peiqin Zhang
pzhang@txstate.edu
512.245.3688
McCoy Hall (MCOY), Room 443
Apply Now Already know that Texas State is right for you?
Application Deadlines
| Deadlines | U.S. Citizen | International |
|---|---|---|
Deadlines Fall - Priority | U.S. Citizen January 15 | International January 15 |
Deadlines Fall - Standard | U.S. Citizen June 1 | International June 1 |
Deadlines Spring | U.S. Citizen October 1 | International October 1 |
Deadlines Summer I | U.S. Citizen April 15 | International No Admission |
This program's deadline is firm. This type of deadline means the application and other application requirements must be submitted by the program's specified deadline day. View the department's website for supporting document deadlines.
|
|
Funding Information Applications must be complete by the priority deadline to be considered for certain types of funding. |
|
|
Decision Timeline This program reviews applications on a rolling basis. |
Admission Requirements
The items required for admission consideration are listed below. Additional information for applicants with international credentials can be found on our international web pages.
-
Application
- Completed online application
Review important information about the online application.
-
Application Fee
- $55 Nonrefundable application fee, OR
- $90 Nonrefundable application fee for applications with international credentials
Review important information about application fees.
-
Transcripts & GPA
- baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university. (Non-U.S. degrees must be equivalent to a four-year U.S. Bachelor’s degree. In most cases, three-year degrees are not considered. Visit our International FAQs for more information.)
- a copy of an official transcript from each institution where course credit was granted
- a competitive overall GPA or a competitive GPA in your last 60 hours of undergraduate course work, plus any completed graduate courses
- a minimum of ACC 3305 and ACC 3313 with a grade of "B" or better and at least 6 additional hours of upper level accounting courses from the following for a total of 12 upper level accounting hours: ACC 3314, ACC 3323, ACC 3365, ACC 3385, ACC 4313, ACC 3308 OR, a minimum of ACC 3313 and ACC 3314 with a grade of "B" or better and at least 6 additional hours of upper level accounting courses from the following for a total of 12 upper level accounting hours: ACC 3323, ACC 3365, ACC 3385, ACC 4313, ACC 3308
- Texas State undergraduate accounting majors with at least an overall 3.2 GPA and a 3.4 GPA in upper-level accounting courses who earn an “A” the first time taking ACC 3313 and a “B” or better in one additional upper level accounting course may apply to the graduate program before completing additional upper level accounting courses
Review important information about transcripts.
-
Test Scores
GRE
- GRE not required
Approved English Proficiency Exam Scores
Applicants are required to submit an approved English proficiency exam score that meets the minimum program requirements below unless they have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or the equivalent from a country on our exempt countries list.
- official TOEFL iBT scores required with a 78 overall and minimum individual module scores of
- 19 listening
- 19 reading
- 19 speaking
- 18 writing
- official PTE scores required with a 52 overall
- official IELTS (academic) scores required with a 6.5 overall and
- minimum individual module scores of 6.0
- official Duolingo scores required with a 110 overall
- official TOEFL Essentials scores required with an 8.5 overall
This program does not offer admission if the scores above are not met.
Review important information about official test scores. -
Documents
- responses to specific essay questions (two essays are required):
- Why have you chosen to pursue a graduate business degree at Texas State University? What do you hope to accomplish during your time in the program?
- Tell us about your three most significant accomplishments. Why do you view them as such? What lessons did you learn from them?
- optional personal statement: in cover-letter format, you may address the admissions committee about anything related to your background, application, and/or desire to attend graduate school at Texas State University
- resume/CV detailing your work experience, extracurricular and community activities, and honors and achievements
- two letters of recommendation from persons best able to assess your ability to succeed in graduate school
Review important information about documents.
- responses to specific essay questions (two essays are required):
-
Admissions Review Process
Admission to all graduate business degree programs is competitive and designed to identify those who have the ability, interest, and maturity to manage the rigors of the programs as well as potential for future professional growth; therefore, the admissions committee will carefully consider all aspects of your professional and academic background. The admissions committee will also closely review the qualitative elements of your application, such as letters of recommendation, quality of written essays, relevant work experience, extracurricular and community activities, honors and achievements, and other personal characteristics that will enhance diversity in academic programs.