MSc Accounting

18 Months On Campus Masters Program

American University of Sharjah

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) at American University of Sharjah is a rigorous, professionally focused programme designed to prepare graduates for advanced careers in accounting, auditing, and financial reporting. It is ideal for accounting graduates and business professionals who want strong technical depth, international credibility, and preparation for professional certifications in a globally recognised academic environment.

Curriculum structure

Year 1 (Full-time / Part-time options)

In the early stage of the programme, students develop a solid professional accounting foundation through core courses such as Advanced Financial Accounting, Managerial Accounting, and Accounting Information Systems, strengthening their ability to analyse financial data and support managerial decision-making in complex organisations. These modules emphasise accuracy, standards compliance, and analytical reasoning.

As the programme progresses, students move into advanced professional areas including Auditing, Financial Statement Analysis, and Advanced Accounting Theory, where they apply international accounting and auditing standards to real-world business scenarios. Coursework integrates case studies and problem-based learning aligned with global professional practice.

In the final stage, students complete advanced elective courses—such as Forensic Accounting, Internal Auditing, or approved MBA/MSF electives—allowing them to tailor the degree to their career goals while consolidating technical expertise required for senior accounting roles.

Focus areas (in a string):

Financial accounting, managerial accounting, auditing and assurance, accounting information systems, financial statement analysis, forensic and internal auditing, professional accounting practice.

Learning outcomes (in a string):

Apply advanced accounting and auditing standards, analyse complex financial statements, evaluate internal controls and governance structures, use accounting information systems effectively, and communicate professional financial judgements clearly and ethically.

Professional alignment (accreditation):

The MSA is delivered by the School of Business Administration, which is AACSB-accredited, and the university is accredited by both the UAE Ministry of Education (CAA) and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (USA)—giving the degree strong international academic and professional recognition.

Reputation (employability & rankings):

The American University of Sharjah is consistently recognised as one of the leading universities in the Middle East, with graduates employed by Big Four accounting firms, multinational corporations, banks, consulting firms, and government organisations across the UAE and internationally.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

In the Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) at American University of Sharjah, experiential learning is carefully designed to reflect real-world accounting and auditing practice in international business environments. Students gain hands-on exposure through applied coursework, professional software use, case-based learning, and close interaction with faculty who have strong academic and professional backgrounds—ensuring theory is consistently linked to practice:

This applied learning is delivered through:

Case-based and problem-driven coursework: Core courses such as Advanced Financial Accounting, Auditing, and Financial Statement Analysis use real corporate cases and regulatory scenarios, enabling students to apply IFRS and international auditing standards to realistic business problems.
Professional accounting and analytics tools: Students work extensively with spreadsheets, accounting information systems, and financial analysis tools commonly used in professional accounting, audit, and consulting environments.
Group projects and presentations: Many modules include team-based projects, simulating professional accounting engagements and developing collaboration, communication, and client-facing skills essential in audit firms and corporate finance teams.
Elective specialisation projects: Advanced electives such as Forensic Accounting and Internal Auditing involve applied assignments focused on fraud detection, internal controls, and risk assessment in real organisational contexts.
Industry-informed teaching: Courses are delivered within AUS’s School of Business Administration, where curriculum content is closely aligned with professional accounting practice and international certification requirements (e.g., CPA, ACCA).
Library and digital research resources: Full access to the AUS Library provides specialised accounting, auditing, and finance databases, professional standards, and academic journals that support coursework and applied research.
Graduate learning facilities: Students benefit from modern classrooms, seminar rooms, and digital learning platforms on AUS’s Sharjah campus, designed specifically to support postgraduate professional education.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) at American University of Sharjah progress into highly responsible and well-paid professional roles across audit firms, corporations, and public-sector organisations. Typical career outcomes include Accountant, Auditor, Financial Analyst, and Internal Auditor, with many graduates advancing quickly into supervisory and managerial positions thanks to the programme’s technical depth and international recognition:

Career progression and graduate opportunities include:

University employability support: AUS provides strong postgraduate career support through its Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs and Career Services, including employer networking, recruitment events, CV/interview coaching, and access to internships and graduate roles across the UAE and GCC.
Strong employment demand & salaries: Accounting and auditing professionals are consistently in demand in the UAE and Middle East, particularly within Big Four firms, multinational companies, banks, and government entities, offering competitive starting salaries and rapid progression with experience and certification.
Industry connections: AUS’s School of Business Administration maintains close links with professional services firms, corporate employers, and financial institutions, supporting graduate recruitment and industry-relevant learning.
Professional certification pathways: The MSA is well aligned with global certifications such as CPA, ACCA, CMA, and CIA, supporting exemptions or accelerated progress toward professional qualification (subject to individual body rules).
Long-term qualification value: With AACSB accreditation and dual recognition by the UAE Ministry of Education (CAA) and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (USA), the degree carries strong international credibility and long-term career value.
Graduate outcomes: Alumni commonly secure roles in audit and assurance, corporate accounting, financial reporting, internal audit, and consulting, with many progressing into senior finance and leadership roles.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the MSA, graduates may progress to doctoral study (PhD) in Accounting or Business, or pursue executive education and advanced professional certifications. The programme’s analytical focus and applied coursework also support long-term careers in academia, consultancy, and senior financial management.