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:

Students must choose an emphasis in one of the following areas

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.