The Master of Accountancy Program at Davenport University is designed for the self-directed, career-minded student to “Get where the world is going” in his/her desired area of concentration in Accounting. Students may customize their curriculum according to their desired outcomes. The Master of Accountancy program offers multiple tracks that either culminate in taking CPA, CMA, CIA or CFE preparation courses, or focuses more broadly on general accountancy or a finance emphasis. The Master of Accountancy is one of only a handful of programs across the country that offers graduate-level concentrations in fraud investigation, managerial accounting and internal auditing. Within and across these tracks, the core learning prepares students to ethically address current accounting-related issues through data analytics and research, mastery of accounting processes and through integrating what they have learned through experiential learning and field practice.
A hallmark of the DU Master of Accountancy program is learning through practice whether it be through case studies, field projects, internships, presentations or simulations. Students will have many opportunities to exercise critical thinking skills while applying their accounting knowledge to correctly identify and understand real-world challenges. Students will develop their leadership ability as they work with others to develop ethical, effective business solutions.
ACCT515 Advanced Accounting Topics (3cr), the program prerequisite, offers preparation to strengthen analytical and interpretive skills in accounting for business mergers and acquisitions, partnerships and global accounting prior to entering the Master of Accountancy (MAcc).
Students who currently have the CFE, CIA, CMA, or the CPA may be able to apply that credit to that specific Specialty.
*ACCT640 Managerial Accounting may not be used as the Graduate Accounting Elective
Which class should I take? When should I take it?
2019-2020 Recommended Program Sequence for:
The course is an advanced level study in accounting information systems and the role it plays in management. Students will analyze the structure of accounting information, modularized by business functions and the organization structure. Students will learn to assess the adequacy of the control environment of the accounting information system. Students will also be exposed to topics on system analysis, design and implementation. Note: A grade of C or better is required on the final assessment in order to earn a passing grade in this course. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees.
This course is designed to build upon prior research assignments, challenging students to identify accounting, auditing, and finance issues and understand the various types of research that are undertaken by accounting, auditing, and finance professionals. One area of research is financial analytics, which is the analysis of financial data to answer specific business questions, identify anomalies, and forecast future financial scenarios. This course is designed to develop a more efficient and effective approach by preparing and researching financial statements. This course is for students who possess a bachelor’s degree that is part of the core requirements for the Masters in Accountancy program. Note: A grade of C or better is required on the final assessment in order to earn a passing grade in this course. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees.
This course explores ethics and professional and legal responsibilities in the accounting profession. Students will obtain knowledge of various professional standards, and federal and state laws for the accounting profession. Various case studies allow students to investigate and analyze ethical situations and issues facing accountants on a daily basis. The course will incorporate AICPA, IMA and IIA codes of conduct. Note: A grade of C or better is required on the final assessment in order to earn a passing grade in this course. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees.
This course serves as an introduction to forensic accounting and fraud examination. Topics include an introduction to the Certified Fraud Examiner exam, accounting fraud schemes, introduction to law related to fraud, introduction to investigation techniques related to white-collar crime and an introduction to criminology. Additionally, this course will introduce the students to the major theories of crime causation related to fraud. Those theories include classical, routine activities theory, psychological theories, biological theories, social structure theories and social process theories. Additionally, the students will synthesize between crime causation theories, theories of human behavior and the fraud triangle. Note: A grade of C or better is required on the final assessment in order to earn a passing grade in this course.
Recommended Prerequisite(s): ACCT640
3
Choose one of the experiential core course options:
Contact Regional Internship Manager at least 1 semester prior to enrolling.
This course is designed for graduate students who wish to pursue an internship. Effective internships relate to the student’s professional goals, require the student to function within the standard procedures of the setting, and require the student to assume increased specified responsibilities. In general, 150 hours of career related work time shall be required at the employment site and evidenced by weekly reports filed by the student. The Internship requires a written report and oral presentation based on the learning experience. The internship may be either paid or unpaid. An appropriate faculty member and the placement site supervisor will evaluate the student’s performance. Note: Any unexcused non-attendance or dismissal from an internship, practicum, clinical or fieldwork experience will result in a grade of F. A criminal background check and drug screening may be required by the Internship site. A grade
This course provides the student with an understanding of quantitative analysis methods used in contemporary business to effectively determine business situations, prescribe needed data and develop decision-support data. Students apply regression and time-series analysis to develop business forecasts and develop probability assessments related to decision-making in a variety of business disciplines including marketing, finance, production, and human resources management. Note: A grade of C or better is required on the final assessment in order to earn a passing grade in this course. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees.
Prerequisite(s): BUSN520 and STAT500
FINC793 -The course will prepare students for the Graduate Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) Cup competition. The ACG Cup is an intercollegiate competition among graduate students from colleges and universities in West Michigan. Student participants will gain invaluable experience in a real-world context, receive feedback from leaders in the local business community, and expand networks. During the competition, students analyze complex business cases and present strategies involving merger and acquisition alternatives, valuation, capital markets, finance options, and corporate strategy. Prerequisite(s): FINC620
FINC794 - This is the second part of the Graduate Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) Cup Competition course and includes the case preparation and ACG Cup competition. The ACG Cup is an intercollegiate competition among graduate students from colleges and universities in West Michigan. Student participants will gain invaluable experience in a real-world context, receive feedback from leaders in the local business community, and expand networks. During the competition, students analyze complex business cases and present strategies involving merger and acquisition alternatives, valuation, capital markets, finance options, and corporate strategy. Prerequisite(s): FINC793
This course focuses on the application of financial theory and concepts for management decision making with emphasis on the practical aspects of finance. Students learn how to analyze a company’s financial information and practice financial planning. Students evaluate the capital investment process, the corporate restructuring process, as well as bankruptcy analysis. In addition, students explore the financial decision-making process relating to working capital management and international finance. Note: A grade of C or better is required on the final assessment in order to earn a passing grade in this course. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees.
Prerequisite(s): FINC510
This course will introduce students to the financial system to include financial markets, financial institutions, and central banking. Students garner an understanding of the unique role of banks in the financial system. Also deliberated within the course is the relevance of the United States central bank (a.k.a. the Federal Reserve System) and related central banking topics. Money, Banking, & Treasury Management includes the problems of money and prices, proper organization and functioning of commercial banking and Federal Reserve systems, problems of monetary standards, and credit control and recent monetary and banking trends. The overall relationships and dominance of the workings of the Federal Reserve System and monetary policy and the resulting impacts on the economy are examined. Note: A grade of C or better is required on the final assessment in order to earn a passing grade in this course. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-
This course is designed to provide the framework for success in the mergers, acquisitions, and consolidations field. Students will develop an understanding of the consequences, duties and ethical behavior in this environment. Formal business valuation methods will be presented and applied. Strategies to grow or restructure a firm domestically and internationally will be examined. A formal due diligence process will be understood that will demonstrate real options and the impact of those decisions. Note: A grade of C or better is required on the final assessment in order to earn a passing grade in this course. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees.
This course is designed to explore advanced methods and techniques used in the financial management of an organization: cash management, capitalization issues, and approaches to financial planning, mergers, acquisitions and multi-national financial management. Students learn to assess the financial operations and positions of an organization using various analysis methods. Special consideration is given to unusual trends and accounting issues. Case studies are utilized to analyze the various financial strategies used by organizations. Note: A grade of C or better is required on the final assessment in order to earn a passing grade in this course. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees.
Prerequisite(s): ACCT640 and FINC620
This course provides the necessary understanding and tools crucial in strategically managing international financial activities. Students will develop an appreciation for the policy debates surrounding international trade and finance. This course covers topics related to the role and impact on the global economy of international trade policies, currency markets, international financial systems, balance of payments, and international financial management and macroeconomic policies. Regional economic integration is examined regarding effects upon developed nations, developing nations and nations in transition to a market structure. Students integrate economic and financial management through international cases in this course. Note: A grade of C or better is required on the final assessment in order to earn a passing grade in this course. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees.
Prerequisite(s): FINC765
3
Fraud Examiner and Internal Auditor Specific Courses [FEAS]
In addition to gaining an in-depth understanding of the role of the Internal Auditor, this course is designed to prepare the student for the Internal Audit Basics section of the CIA Exam. Topics include: the International Professional Practices Framework, Code of Ethics, Assessing Risk & Internal Controls, Internal Control Frameworks (including COSO), Conducting Internal Audit Engagements, and Audit Tools & Techniques. Note: A grade of C or better is required on the final assessment in order to earn a passing grade in this course.
In addition to gaining an in-depth understanding of how to conduct the various types of internal audit engagements, this course is designed to prepare the student for the Internal Audit Practice section of the CIA exam. Topics include: Managing, Planning and Supervising Internal Audit Engagements, Engagement Information, Communicating Results, Monitoring Progress, Various Types of Internal Audit Engagements, and Fraud Risk & Controls. Note: A grade of C or better is required on the final assessment in order to earn a passing grade in this course.
This course is designed to cover a broad range of internal audit information in addition to preparing the student for the Internal Audit Knowledge Elements section of the CIA exam. Topics include: Governance & Business Ethics, Risk Management, Organizational Structure, Management & Leadership Principles, IT & Business Continuity, Financial Management and the Global Business Environment. Note: A grade of C or better is required on the final assessment in order to earn a passing grade in this course.
This course will focus on how to conduct a fraud examination. More specifically, this course is aimed at teaching the students how fraud examiners interact with the legal system (both in criminal and civil dealings). The students will learn how to gather evidence and how to take steps to ensure that the evidence is admissible in the courts. The students will also learn how to prepare for and conduct investigation interviews. Additionally, students will learn how to conduct analysis from financial data in an effort to detect fraud schemes. More specifically this course will require the students to develop their abilities with horizontal, vertical and ratio analysis. This course will introduce the students to a broad variety of fraud schemes. Note: A grade of C or better is required on the final assessment in order to earn a passing grade in this course.
Recommended Prerequisite(s): ACCT780
This course is designed to further develop skills in conducting fraud investigation, including financial fraud prevention and detection of fraudulent financial state-ments, asset misappropriation, the legalities of gathering and documenting evidence, legal procedures and preparing fraud investigation reports. The Association of Certified Fraud Examiner (ACFE) CFE Exam Prep Course material is embedded in ACCT784.
Prerequisite(s): ACCT781
Most of the information required to plan and control business operations, and the data required to create and sustain a competitive advantage, come from the accounting system and the reports that are generated. This course analyzes the management structure and process in which this information is generated, the construction and application of managerial accounting data, cost behavior and cost assignment. Students will also examine product cost within activity based costing, job order costing, and process costing. Controlling cost through the use of standard cost system and budgeting are explored. In addition, this course covers business decision-making using relevant information from activity costing, variable/fixed analysis, cost-volume-profit analysis, quality costing, and productivity analysis. Students will analyze and evaluate managerial accounting functions and decision cases in light of managing a business, making financing decisions, and generating growth and income within the
Introduction to CMA Credential and CMA Learning System; Section A: Planning, Budgeting and Forecasting; Section B: Performance Measurement; Section C: Cost Management; Section D: Internal Controls; Section E: Professional Ethics
This course is primarily focused on preparing students to pass Part I of the CMA exam. This course is designed as a continuing study of cost management and cost control techniques. Included in the course is the study of management accounting planning and control techniques and decision-making and performance evaluation techniques. Such techniques include relevant costing, the budget process, capital budgeting, inventory and production management, and organizational performance evaluation. Note: A grade of C or better is required on the final assessment in order to earn a passing grade in this course. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees.
Prerequisite(s): An undergraduate course in C
Introduction to CMA Credential and CMA Learning System; Section A: Financial Statement Analysis; Section B: Corporate Finance; Section C: Decision Analysis and Risk Management; Section D: Investment Decisions; Section E: Professional Ethics
This course is designed to enhance learning from earlier courses with a focus on financial statement analysis. Students are challenged to analyze financial statements with the ability to construct and communicate strategic decisions. Additionally they have to demonstrate an understanding of risk management throughout this process. Lastly, the students are taught to use this ability to ultimately make investment decisions. Note: A grade of C or better is required on the final assessment in order to earn a passing grade in this course. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees.
Prerequisite(s): An undergraduate course in Cost Accounting, a completed bachelor’s degree in account
This course is designed to explore advanced methods and techniques used in the financial management of an organization: cash management, capitalization issues, and approaches to financial planning, mergers, acquisitions and multi-national financial management. Students learn to assess the financial operations and positions of an organization using various analysis methods. Special consideration is given to unusual trends and accounting issues. Case studies are utilized to analyze the various financial strategies used by organizations. Note: A grade of C or better is required on the final assessment in order to earn a passing grade in this course. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees.
Prerequisite(s): ACCT640 and FINC620
This course is designed to prepare the student for the Financial Accounting and Reporting section of the four part CPA exam. Topics include understanding of the financial reporting framework used by business enterprises, not-for-profit organizations, and governmental entities; comparisons between GAAP and IFRS; account classification; GL entries; reconciliation of GL to subsidiary ledgers; account reconciliation and analysis; consolidating and eliminating entries; financial statement preparation and analysis; financial calculations, ratios. The student will gain practice in while applying judgment in evaluating assumptions and methods underlying estimates, and produce required financial statement filings in order to meet regulatory or SEC reporting requirements. Note: A grade of C or better is required on the final assessment in order to earn a passing grade in this course. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-f
This course is designed to prepare the student for the Auditing and Attestation section of the four part CPA exam. Topics include understanding and differentiating between the professional auditing standards (ISAs and US) set for public, private, governmental, not-for-profit entities as well as understanding the standards related to attestation and assurance engagements, and applying those standards in performing audits, attestations, and assurance services, compilations and reviews. Students will also review professional responsibilities of certified public accountants, including ethics and independence, identifying unethical situations and client behaviors, violations of professional standards while maintaining independence and determining appropriate actions. Note: A grade of C or better is required on the final assessment in order to earn a passing grade in this course. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-f
Prepares the student for the Regulation section of the four part CPA Exam. Topics include ethical and legal knowledge of appropriate professional conduct and responsibilities, business law, and federal taxation. Student will expand their knowledge and understanding of CPA’s professional and legal responsibilities; matters of agency, creditor-debtor interactions, uniform commercial code and contract law in which the student will apply business law concepts in evaluating the economic substance of client transactions and in evaluating the legal structure of an entity to determine the implications of applicable laws and regulations on how a business is organized, governed, and operates. On the tax side students will build upon their understanding and skills in federal tax process, procedures, accounting, and planning, as well as federal taxation of property transactions, individuals, and entities (which include sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited liability entities, C corporations,
This course is designed to prepare the student for the Business Environment and Concepts section of the four part CPA Exam. Topics include knowledge of corporate governance; economic concepts essential to understanding the global business environment and its impact on an entity’s business strategy; financial risk management; financial management processes and information systems; operations management and strategic planning. Note: A grade of C or better is required on the final assessment in order to earn a passing grade in this course. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees.