The Master of Science in Accounting program at LSU (MSA) is a fifth-year professional program, the objective of which is to provide students with a greater understanding of accounting and business than is possible in an undergraduate program. The MSA student will develop superior technical accounting knowledge, strong analytical skills, strong written and oral communication skills, and highly developed interpersonal skills. The program prepares students for careers as professional accountants in public practice, industry, financial institutions, government, and nonprofit organizations.

The MSA requires 31 hours of non-thesis course work. The program is primarily designed for those with undergraduate preparation in accounting; however, exceptional candidates from other disciplines may be considered. Upon completion of the program, you should have completed Louisiana's 150-hour educational requirement for the CPA examination.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Enrollment in the MSA program is competitive, with a faculty review process determining admission. The minimum admission requirements are:

• Admission to the Louisiana State University Graduate School.
• An acceptable score on the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT). The average GMAT score for candidates accepted to LSU's MSA program over the last year is approximately 570.
• An acceptable GPA. The average GPA in accounting for candidates accepted into LSU's MSA program over the last year is approximately 3.4, and the overall GPA average is 3.5.
• The completion of an undergraduate degree in accounting, or the equivalent, at a four-year accredited institution.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Application to the MSA program begins with an application to the LSU Graduate School. You may apply online or contact the LSU Graduate School at 225-578-2311 for more information. The Graduate School will forward your completed application to the Department of Accounting for admission consideration.

APPLICATION DEADLINES

The deadline for submitting an application for consideration into the MSA program is October 15th for Spring entry and March 15th for Summer and Fall entry. The application must be complete, including the GMAT score and all letters of recommendation, to be considered. No applications will be evaluated before these dates.

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

Three letters of recommendation are required from applicants who are not undergraduate accounting majors at LSU. Letters of recommendation do not have to be on any particular form and should be sent to the MSA Program Advisor at the address below.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

Students must take a minimum of 30 hours of graduate courses, including a minimum of 15 hours of accounting courses. Electives must be approved by the advisor of the MSA program. An outline of the course requirements can be found under Curriculum.

SPECIALIZATIONS

Students interested in concentrating their focus in certain specializations can do so. The MSA program offers specializations in Internal Audit, Forensic Accounting, and Financial Reporting and Assurance Services. Please see Curriculum for more information on the specializations.

GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIPS

A limited number of graduate assistantships are available for full-time students, which require 10 hours of work per week. Please contact the MSA Program Advisor for an application if you wish to be considered for an assistantship.

CPA EXAMINATION

For information about the CPA exam, contact the State Board of CPAs of Louisiana.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Please contact the MSA Program Advisor with any questions. Email is preferred.

CONTACT INFORMATION FOR MSA PROGRAM ADVISOR

Dr. Jacquelyn Moffitt, M.S. Program Advisor
E. J. Ourso College of Business
Louisiana State University
3114-B Patrick F. Taylor Hall
Baton Rouge, LA 70803
225-578-6219
jsmoff22@lsu.edu