Admissions Q&A: Finance and Accounting Programs, Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics

To learn more about the finance and accounting masters programs at the Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics, University of New Hampshire, we spoke to Rebecca Barbour, Director of the Graduate Programs Office at the business school.

Barbour Plascencia has worked in the graduate office for 14 years in various roles as an admissions counselor, educational program coordinator for the MBA, assistant director and now director. She is a UNH alumna, with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and an MBA. She is currently enrolled in the PhD. program in Education with a concentration in Higher Education Leadership and Policy at UNH.

As an institution, Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics is most known for the following programs: MBA, Accounting, MS Finance, MBA – Information systems & business analytics option

What is your acceptance rate for finance and accounting programs?

The 2018-19 Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) has an acceptance rate of 91 percent. But the Master of Science in Finance program will be a new course in 2020 and doesn’t have an acceptance rate to report yet.

What are the jobs I can get with a master’s in finance or accounting?

Most of our Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) students are hired at public accounting firms including the big four and regional firms. They become certified public accountants, external auditors, internal auditors, and tax accountants to name a few.

MS in Finance students can pursue a variety of career paths in investment firms, corporate finance departments, and individual wealth advising, depending on their specific track of studies within the program. 

Can someone with a master’s in accounting become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA)?

The Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) provides students an additional 30 credits / 10 courses in accounting covering topics in advanced auditing, accounting information systems, governmental, and non-profit accounting. Most of our MSA students go on to take the CPA exam. Our MSA program boasts the #1 CPA pass rate in New Hampshire for first-time test takers.

Can someone with a master’s in finance become a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)?

The MS in Finance program track in investment finance is designed to help prepare students for the CFA exam process.

What’s the difference between an MBA and a master’s in accounting?

The MBA is a generalist degree that provides students with competencies in the full range of business functions including managing people, finances, products/services, and developing strategies that integrate across all those functions.

The MS in Accounting develops deep competence in financial and managerial accounting, auditing, ethics, and compliance, preparing students to take on leadership roles in accounting and auditing firms and operations.

What’s the difference between an MBA and a master’s in finance?

Compared to the generalist nature of the MBA as stated above i.e. learning about the full range of business functions like managing people, finances, products/services, and developing strategies that integrate across all those functions – the MS in Finance is tailored to a more specific approach to finance.

The MS in Finance develops deep competence in the financing of business and other enterprises, preparing students to take on a variety of roles in corporate finance, investment banking, new venture financing, and other areas requiring strong financial skills.

Is it possible to pursue a master’s degree in accounting or finance without any background in those fields?

Yes, although some additional pre-requisite coursework is necessary, depending on prior preparation in mathematics, economics, and general business. Please contact us for details.