Curricular Changes for Master’s in EEE and Professional Accounting Master’s Programs

EEE Master’s Program Adjusts Requirements to Better Fit Student Business Goals

The core of entrepreneurship is creating unique ideas and solutions that provide value for customers. So, it is only fitting that Whitman’s master of science in entrepreneurship and emerging enterprises program (EEE) did just that, introducing a new curriculum this fall aimed at allowing students to meet their personalized objectives and career goals.

“Based on feedback from our students and alumni, we made some adjustments to be sure we were staying as current as possible with the type of things student entrepreneurs want to learn to be successful,” says Deputy Department Chair, Program Manager and Professor of Entrepreneurial Practice John Torrens. “We believe that reducing required courses and allowing students to determine their own course choices in the areas they want to pursue will be more attractive to candidates considering our program.”

According to Todd Moss, chair and associate professor of entrepreneurship, the reduction to nine credits of required courses as of fall 2021 allows time for 11 “experience” classes that can be selected from approximately 21 entrepreneurial electives, including those at other colleges and schools within Syracuse University.

“This is a one-year program targeting students who want to immediately start a business or may already be running one,” says Moss. “We didn’t want to make every choice for them but, instead, give students the flexibility to take the courses that will be most beneficial to what they’re working on right now.”

“Being able to help our entrepreneurial students pursue their unique goals based on their prior expertise is key,” says Professor of Entrepreneurship Alex McKelvie, associate dean for undergraduate and master’s education. “These improvements help us do that.” 

Master’s in Professional Accounting Changes to Meet the Needs of Evolving Field

Accounting is not what it used to be, and Whitman’s Joseph I. Lubin School of Accounting has adapted its master’s in professional accounting program to prepare students with all the skills the field now demands.

The new curriculum, which was implemented in fall 2021, reflects what most employers expect of today’s accounting graduates, including a knowledge of IT, auditing, cybersecurity and business and accounting analytics. The program has now increased its core accounting requirements from 12 to 18 credits, adding two courses in data analytics plus an accounting elective. One additional management course is required, along with two additional elective courses, which may be taken from other Syracuse University schools and programs.

“The accounting profession has changed, and we are changing with it,” says Professor of Accounting Joseph Comprix, department chair. “Students have been asking for skills they know employers are seeking, and we’re introducing many of those in this updated curriculum. 

Comprix credits the guidance of the members of the Whitman’sAccounting Advisory Board, a number of whom work at leadingaccounting firms, for insight into the current skills needed for graduates to become confident and competent practicing accountants, consultants and managers.

The master’s program accommodates students who already have an undergraduate accounting degree, as well as those with degrees in other areas who need to take additional credits. As a designated licensure-qualifying program, graduates of the master’s in professional accounting program at the Whitman School satisfy the education requirements necessary for New York State CPA licensure.