Master of Accounting

Overview

A Master of Accounting (MAcc, MAc, MAcy, or MPAcc), alternatively Master of Professional Accounting (MPAcy or MPA), or Master of Science in Accounting (MSAcy) is typically a one-year, non-thesis graduate program designed to prepare graduates for public accounting and to provide them with the 150 credit hours required by most states before taking the CPA exam. The program is designed to not only prepare students for the CPA examination but also to provide a strong knowledge of accounting principles and business applications.

History

The Master of Accounting degree originated in the United States in the early 20th century with the emergence of professional accounting. As the field of accounting became more complex, the need for a graduate degree in accounting became apparent. The first Master of Accounting degrees were conferred in the early 1920s.

Admission Requirements

Admission into a Master of Accounting program usually requires an undergraduate degree in accounting or a related field such as business administration. Applicants are also typically required to take the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE). Other admission criteria typically include undergraduate grade point average, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.

Curriculum

The curriculum for a Master of Accounting program typically includes courses in advanced financial accounting, auditing, management control systems, tax accounting, business law, financial management, and ethics in accounting. Some programs also offer courses in information systems, corporate governance, and forensic accounting.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of a Master of Accounting program are prepared for careers in public accounting, corporate accounting, government accounting, and non-profit accounting. They are also prepared for advanced positions in financial analysis, financial management, and consulting.

Accreditation

Master of Accounting programs are typically accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), which is the premier accrediting agency for bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs in business administration and accounting.