Rhodes College seniors pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Business now have the opportunity to earn credits toward a Master of Science (M.S.) in Accounting. The Accelerated M.S. in Accounting option allows eligible students to take up to three graduate-level courses (12 credits) during their senior year. These courses will count toward both the undergraduate B.A. in Business and the M.S. in Accounting.
The M.S. in Accounting requires a total of 32 credits. To be eligible for the accelerated option, seniors must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 and earn a grade of “B” or better in BUS 342: Intermediate Accounting II. Founded in 1993 and offered by the Department of Business, the M.S. in Accounting program equips graduates with the knowledge and competencies required for successful careers across various fields, including corporate accounting, public accounting, financial consulting, and investment banking.
Moreover, the coursework is structured to help students meet the educational requirements necessary to sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam. The program boasts a nearly 100 percent job placement rate for graduates, with many students passing each part of the CPA Exam on their first attempt.
Dr. Wendy Bailey, director of the M.S. in Accounting and chair of the Department of Business, said, “I am very excited about this new accelerated option. Not only does it allow students to start the program early, but it provides ample time to complete the degree and pass the CPA exam before they begin working. The CPA firms offer sizable bonuses to students who can achieve that goal.”
Each year, Rhodes hosts the “Meet the Firms” networking event, where representatives from accounting firms and corporations meet with Rhodes students, helping them secure internships and job placements.
Dalia Forster, a member of the Rhodes Class of 2026 and a recent recipient of a competitive scholarship from the Tennessee Society of CPAs, is enrolled in the M.S. in Accounting program.
“My interest in accounting started with a financial accounting course taught by Prof. Kayla Booker that I originally took simply to improve my financial literacy. That class sparked a passion for the field and led me to pursue accounting as my concentration,” said Forster. “Professors such as Prof. Wendy Bailey have continued to challenge and support me, helping me connect what I learn in the classroom to real-world practice. What makes accounting at Rhodes unique is the combination of rigorous technical preparation and a liberal arts education that develops critical thinking, communication, and ethical decision-making skills. That foundation has prepared me well for both the CPA exam and my future career.”