Accounting - MAcc
About This Degree
The master of accounting in the Huntsman School of Accountancy is designed for students who have the desire to elevate their professional opportunities. Most students in this program aspire to become Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) and join the ranks of the most trusted and recognized financial services profession in the world. The MAcc program builds upon the undergraduate accounting curriculum to provide students with the enhanced ability to research, analyze, and communicate on various accounting and taxation issues.
Accounting graduate students have earned a national top-10 ranking. USU ranked eighth in the nation for students who pass the CPA exam on their first try, according to the NASBA. Only three schools have ever been in the top 10 for two consecutive years. For the past several years, approximately 90% of MAcc graduates had accepted employment offers by the time of their graduation.
What You Will Learn
The MAcc curriculum is focused on preparing students to become CPAs. Most states, including Utah, require CPA examination candidates to complete a 150-hour program of accounting study in order to sit for the exam. The master of accounting at USU is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business and meets the educational requirements for all National Association of State Boards of Accountancy-affiliated state boards of accounting.
Additionally, a student accounting organization called Beta Alpha Psi has won the Superior Chapter Award for 32 consecutive years – the longest streak in the nation.
Specialization:
Taxation:
In this specialization, students prepare for careers in public accounting but with a specialty in tax compliance.
Professional Accountancy:
Students choose this specialization if they wish to pursue auditing in public accounting.
Personal Financial Planning:
Students in this specialization focus on financial advising, investments, and estate and retirement planning. They are qualified to take the exam to become personal financial planners.
ADVISING
At a Glance
College: Jon M. Huntsman School of Business
Department: School of Accountancy
USU Locations:
- Logan campus
- Statewide campuses
Faculty: View profiles of faculty members on the department directory.
Program Requirements
Career And Outcomes
Career Opportunities
Graduates who pass the CPA exam work in the following areas:
Professional Accountancy and Taxation Specializations
- The Big Four accounting firms as auditors, tax consultants, and public accountants
- Large regional accounting firms or local firms
- Government agencies
Personal Financial Planning Specialization
- Financial planners
Job Outlook
USU Locations
LOGAN CAMPUS
*This degree is available at various USU locations.
Admission
Admission Requirements
Applicants generally have undergraduate degrees in accounting or other business areas. The department will consider exceptions, but the student must fulfill the core requirements or equivalent of USU’s undergraduate accounting program.
Application Requirements:
- Complete the online application
- Pay the $55 application fee
- Have a 3.0 or higher GPA on your last 60 semester or 90 quarter credits
- Provide transcripts of all college/university credits
- Provide three contacts for letters of recommendation
International students have additional admissions requirements.
Deadlines
The department has the following deadlines:
- Fall semester – July 1
- Spring semester – October 1
- Summer semester – March 1
- March 1 is also the deadline for financial assistance
Plan Options
Students can receive the MAcc by pursuing the following option:
- The Plan C option does not involve a thesis or a defense meeting and is comprised of coursework only.
Financial Aid
The department offers 16-18 scholarships based on the admissions criteria for the MAcc program. There are also approximately 10 teaching assistantships and 5-6 research assistantships. These assistantships are part time, requiring 10 hours of work a week for the department. Students are provided with a salary of $1,600 and out-of-state students may receive a tuition award for the nonresident portion of tuition upon meeting the qualifications. These assistantships can be renewed for up to two semesters.
A variety of funding opportunities are available on the graduate school website.
Take The Next Step
How to Apply
View our step-by-step guide on how to become an Aggie.
Request Information
Contact the School of Graduate Studies to ask questions or receive more information.
Cost and Funding
Calculate the cost of graduate school and learn about funding opportunities.
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