New University of Maryland MS in Accounting Program Addresses Acute Industry Shortage in Auditing Expertise

College Park, MD January 10, 2006 The University of Marylands Robert H. Smith School of Business today announced that it intends to offer an Executive Master of Science (MS) in Accounting program. The program will include a focus on internal auditing making it a unique offering and well positioned to meet a critical need for accountants with advanced degrees and internal audit specialization following the institution of the Sarbanes Oxley Act.

In todays era of heightened accountability, the demand for highly qualified auditing specialists who can successfully interpret new rules, better understand business control processes, and design effective internal controls has never been greater, said Howard Frank, dean of the Robert H. Smith School of Business. The Smith Executive MS in Accounting will provide organizations and auditing specialists with the tools they need to succeed in todays challenging business environment.

Interest in accounting programs is on the rise. According to the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) The Supply of Accounting Graduates and the Demand for Public Accounting Recruits2005 report, after steady declines in the late 1990s, total accounting enrollment for 2000-2004 increased 19 percent.

The Executive MS in Accounting was developed by Smiths world-class faculty in consultation with the big four public accounting firms and other accounting professionals. The program will be delivered in an executive format, with classes meeting on Saturdays for 15 months. In addition to the internal audit track designed for internal auditors, a general accounting track will also be offered as an option. This track will be designed to assist participants working toward the 150-hour credit CPA education requirement in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. Individuals interested in learning more about the Executive MS Accounting program can call 301-405-9564.

About the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business
The Robert H. Smith School of Business is an internationally recognized leader in management education and research for the digital economy. One of 13 colleges and schools at the University of Maryland, College Park, the Smith School offers undergraduate, full-time and part-time MBA, Executive MBA, PhD, and executive education programs, as well as outreach services to the corporate community. The school offers its degree, custom and certification programs in learning locations in three continents including North America, Europe, and Asia. More information about the Robert H. Smith School of Business can be found at www.rhsmith.umd.edu.

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