Master - Accounting & Management: Accountants as Strategic Managers

Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Program Is It?

The curriculum of Walden University's M.S. in Accounting and Management program with a specialization in Accountants as Strategic Managers focuses on the development of leadership, organizational, and critical thinking skills while providing an education in accounting principles and processes. Courses in the specialization area address management strategies, global management concepts, project management techniques, change management, and problem-solving methods. The program's core courses offer study in accounting communication tools, financial management, inventory management, and current issues in the accounting field.

What are the Prerequisites?

You should have some experience in a corporate finance or accounting department before entering the M.S. in Accounting and Management program with a specialization in Accountants as Strategic Managers. An academic background in finance or accounting is beneficial. Applicants to Walden University's programs should be at least 24 years old and have a high school diploma or GED equivalent; applicants may need to complete additional requirements for some programs.

What are the Course Requirements?

Walden University's M.S. in Accounting and Management program with a specialization in Accountants as Strategic Managers requires the completion of 30 credits. This credit total consists of 15 credits in the core curriculum and 15 credits in specialization courses. Students can typically earn this degree in less than two years, though completion times vary by individual.

Accountants as Strategic Managers Course Requirements

• Effective Communication for the Accountant
• Legal and Ethical Issues in Accounting
• Financial Management Tools for Decision Making
• Managerial Accounting for Organizational Performance
• Current Trends in Accounting Standards
• Critical Thinking for Effective Management
• Leadership in a Global Landscape
• Principles of Project Management
• Creating Sustainable Solutions Through Systems Thinking
• Leading Strategic Initiatives for Growth and New Value

What Could I Do After I Graduate?

Career Opportunities

Upon completion of Walden University's M.S. in Accounting and Management program with a specialization in Accountants as Strategic Managers, you could be prepared to assume greater responsibilities in your current position or seek executive or upper-management jobs in the field. You could be employed by large or small corporations, government offices, nonprofit organizations, or consulting firms. Positions you could pursue include:

• Chief financial officer
• Chief cost accountant
• Managerial accountant
• Cost department supervisor

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Most states require individuals to complete 150 semester hours in certain subject areas in order to be eligible to sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam and/or obtain a CPA license. Walden's B.S. in Accounting can help graduates progress toward meeting those requirements by offering 120 credit hours that include upper level courses in topics such as financial accounting, auditing, taxation, and management accounting.

In each state, there are specific policies that must be followed when an individual is seeking to become a licensed accountant. Some states will not allow individuals who complete the Walden accounting programs to sit for the CPA licensing exams due to state-specific issues such as professional accreditation or face to face instruction. For information on the educational requirements for your state, refer to the state's Board of Accountancy or related agency.

Walden enrollment advisors can provide guidance about accountant licensure, however, it remains the responsibility of the individual enrolling in the program to read, understand, and comply with the licensure requirements in the state they wish to practice. Walden University can make no representation, warranty, guarantee, or commitment that successful completion of a Walden program, or coursework for credit within a program, will make a graduate eligible to sit for a licensure exam or to obtain state licensure.