M.S. in Accounting Program Earns Endorsement by Institute of Management Accountants

Seton Hall University is proud to announce that the Stillman School of Business’ M.S. in accounting program has earned endorsement by IMA (Institute of Management Accountants), one of the largest and most respected associations focused exclusively on advancing the management accounting profession.

IMA’s Endorsement of Higher Education initiative recognizes programs that meet high educational standards, enabling students to pursue and earn the CMA (Certified Management Accountant) credential. Information about the program is available here.

“Being endorsed by IMA is a significant achievement that will better equip our students for successful careers in management accounting,” said Joyce Strawser, Ph.D., dean of the Stillman School of Business. “This recognition speaks to the strength of our curriculum and the value it brings—not only to our students’ future careers but also to the organizations they will serve.”

Seton Hall's 30-credit M.S. in accounting (M.S.A.C.) program is designed for graduates without a bachelor's degree in accounting who are interested in financial analysis and detail-oriented work. The program provides expertise in financial systems, auditing and tax regulations while developing the analytical and numerical skills essential for success in accounting or finance. The M.S.A.C. prepares students to sit for the CPA exam in New Jersey, New York and most other states.

With flexible options, the program offers full- and part-time enrollment, with classes available on Seton Hall’s South Orange campus—just 14 miles from New York City—and asynchronously online to suit any schedule. Full-time students can complete the program in as little as 12 months, while part-time students typically finish within two years.

"The IMA endorsement brings a new dimension to Seton Hall’s accounting program, expanding opportunities for students—especially those in our M.S.A.C. program—who are stepping into accounting for the first time," said Danielle DiMeglio, M.B.A., instructor of accounting and taxation and director of graduate accounting programs. "With a stronger focus on management accounting, this partnership opens doors to careers in financial planning, analysis and strategic decision-making, giving our students the skills and certifications needed to excel as future leaders in this area."

The Stillman School is also the only school in northern New Jersey with dual accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)—the highest standard of achievement for business schools and earned by only five percent of schools worldwide granting business degrees at the bachelor's level or higher. Only 194 of these select schools maintain supplemental accreditation in accounting, with the Stillman School of Business among them.

To qualify for endorsement by IMA, schools must meet the following criteria:
(1) The program must substantially cover the CMA exam content.
(2) The program must have adequate faculty resources to deliver this content.
(3) The program must be accredited by a recognized accreditation organization.
(4) A faculty member must be designated as an IMA campus advocate.

IMA’s globally recognized CMA program is a relevant assessment of advanced accounting and financial management knowledge in areas such as financial planning, analysis, control and decision support—each of which is increasingly critical in meeting the changing needs of business and, therefore, essential learning for students of accounting and finance.

“IMA is pleased to welcome Seton Hall’s Stillman School of Business to the growing list of schools that support the CMA exam program and have achieved a consistent standard of excellence,” said Raef Lawson, CMA, CPA, CFP, CFA, IMA vice president of research and professor-in-residence. “High-quality, up-to-date educational programs that support the current needs of businesses will help future professional management accountants accomplish their career objectives and meet the competency expectations of employers.”

“With this new IMA endorsement, our M.S.A.C. program offers even more options for graduate students to move into a broad array of different accounting careers,” said Mark P. Holtzman, Ph.D., CPA, chair of Seton Hall’s Department of Accounting and Taxation. “Most of our graduates pursue the CPA and careers in public accounting—now they also have the option to pursue CMA certification and careers in management accounting and corporate finance.”

Categories: Business