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With its emphasis on accounting and responsible leadership, Loyola’s Master of Science in Accountancy program gives you the foundation you need to excel in today’s constantly changing regulatory environment.

Our graduates have high average passing rates on the CPA exam.

Program Highlights

 
  • Location: The world's top accounting firms—plus the hundreds of other companies—are based in Chicago, which means you have access to internships and jobs.
  • CPA preparation: The MSA will help prepare you to pass the CPA exam by building on lower-level accounting knowledge.
  • ACCA partnership: This enables students to earn the internationally recognized ACCA qualification in half the time, starting while you are still in graduate school. Learn more →
  • Networking: Small class size helps create long-lasting student-faculty relationships.
 

What You'll Learn

 
  • Deep and broad understanding of accounting and business
  • Ethics and values in accounting and business
  • Decision-making and problem-solving skills
  • International implications of accounting and business decisions
 

Careers

 

MSA graduates have been hired by top accounting firms, including Deloitte, PwC, RSM, EY, Grant Thornton, Plante Moran, Baker Tilly, and more.

Career options with this degree include:

  • Auditor
  • Information and Technology Accountant
  • Financial Analyst
  • Forensic Accountant
  • Managerial Accountant
  • Corporate Controller
  • Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Because Loyola is a member of the Jesuit network of 27 colleges and universities nationwide, our graduates can receive career services at Quinlan's Business Career Services, as well as at career centers at U.S. Jesuit colleges and universities.

Program Structure

 

Accounting classes are held weekday evenings on Loyola's Water Tower Campus, which is conveniently located off the Red Line in the heart of Chicago, with some offered online. The MSA program is on a 10-week quarter system, and you can begin the program in the fall or spring quarter.

Curriculum

The Master of Science in Accountancy degree is a 12-course evening program taught on a quarter system. A student may enter the program at the start of the fall or spring quarters.

Students who have not completed courses in accounting and business administration may be accepted into the program, but they will have to take additional courses to make up the prerequisite material.

Courses

The Master of Science in Accountancy degree is a 12-course evening program taught on a quarter system. A student may enter the program at the start of the fall or spring quarters.

Students who have not completed courses in accounting and business administration may be accepted into the program, but they will have to take additional courses to make up the prerequisite material.

Courses: 12 required

  • Six accounting courses
  • One course in business ethics
  • Two MBA non-accounting elective courses
  • Three elective courses (MBA or MSA)

To fulfill course requirements, students can choose from graduate accounting courses.

Graduate Accounting Courses

  • ACCT 402: Issues in Financial Reporting
  • ACCT 404: Financial Statement Analysis
  • ACCT 412: Special Topics in Accounting (As Needed)
  • ACCT 424: Managerial Accounting
  • ACCT 425: International Accounting
  • ACCT 431: Tax Research
  • ACCT 432: State, and International Tax
  • ACCT 433: International Tax
  • ACCT 435: Internal Audit
  • ACCT 436: Forensic Accounting
  • ACCT 437: Advanced Forensic Accounting
  • LREB 445: Entrepreneurship Law

See the program's learning goals →

Admission

Successful MSA students come from a variety of backgrounds. Many of our graduate students come from undergraduate programs in accounting and business. Others are working professionals looking to advance their careers or professionals who are considering a career change into accounting.

To be considered for admission to the Quinlan School of Business Master's in Accountancy program, please review the following requirements:

Application Process

All graduate programs in the Quinlan School of Business are on the quarter system. Beginning Fall 2022, students are able to start Quinlan graduate programs in the Spring and Fall Quarters.

QuarterApplication DeadlineQuarter Starts
Fall July 15 Late August
Spring January 15 Late February

Below you will find both required materials and opportunities to strengthen your application when applying to the Quinlan School of Business. Additional information regarding the application process for international students can be found here.

Required

These application materials are mandatory for all applicants

  • Completed Application Form

    Use our free online application system to get started.

    Please note, you will need to complete the “Biographical Information” section of the application first. Once that section is completed, you will be able to choose your program in the “Application Information” section.

  • Official Transcripts

    You must submit official transcripts for all undergraduate and any graduate work completed. Copies of transcripts or transcripts not received in a sealed envelope from the university are considered unofficial. If you attended Loyola University Chicago previously, you do not need to request transcripts. We strongly encourage electronic submission of documents. Your college/university may send electronic transcripts to us at gradapp@luc.edu.

  • Professional Resume

    A professional resume may be uploaded via the online application form or you may email it to us at gradapp@luc.edu.

Optional

For applicants wishing to strengthen their application, consider submitting one or more application materials below.

  • Test Scores (GMAT/GRE)
  • Letter of Recommendation

    Referrals may be academic or professional in nature. No more than one letter should be submitted.

  • Statement of Purpose

    The statement should provide context for area(s) of weakness, accomplishments to date, and how Loyola's Quinlan School of Business graduate degree program will prepare you to achieve your career goals. Limit personal essay to 2-3 pages, double-space.

Non-Degree Seeking Option

The non-degree-seeking option is for students who wish to sample classes before applying to a degree program, transfer credit to another institution, or obtain professional or personal enrichment.

Non-degree-seeking students may apply a maximum of 9 semester hours (3 courses) toward a degree at Quinlan.Admission as a non-degree-seeking student does not guarantee admission to a formal program. Should you decide to pursue a degree program, a new application and all supporting materials are required.

Alumni Story

Allison Huey
BBA ’08, MSA ’09

"The program fit perfectly. I had flexibility in the program I didn’t know was possible."

LEARN MORE
Alumni Story

John Palarz, MSA ’15

"The MSA program stood out because of the wide array of classes in the program."

LEARN MORE

Tuition and Financial Aid

The Quinlan School of Business and Loyola's Financial Aid Office are committed to helping students secure the necessary financial resources to make their graduate business education at Loyola affordable.