Master of Accountancy (MAcc)
A world-class education in accounting leadership.
Quick Facts
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DOUGLAS BOYLE: One thing that’s very unique about our online program is we didn’t force fit a program that we already had to the online format. We designed our program completely with the practitioner in mind. We put together a council of partners who work in public accounting, and many of them work at the big four and other firms. And that council is really working hand in hand with us on curriculum development, on mentoring our students, and providing them with the skill sets that they need to be successful.
To have a good online experience, it’s not just the faculty talking, but it’s really your peer group and your fellow students. And my experience has been our program attracts students of that caliber.
DANIEL MAHONEY: We place an emphasis on the development of interpersonal skills, whether interacting with colleagues at the firm or our clients. Another one of the key goals and objectives of our program is the development of strong ethical skills within the individual.
DOUGLAS BOYLE: A lot of our students are going to be pursuing the CPA exam, so we really want to develop them in areas that are going to help them succeed in their career. It’s not just a public accounting focused program. It’s also what it would take to advance your career through the private ranks up to titles like controllers and CFOs.
DANIEL MAHONEY: A student who has a particular interest in the area of forensic accounting might find it appealing that, within our program, we do offer three very specialized courses in that area. The certified fraud examiner focuses on the detection and deterrence of fraud in general.
DOUGLAS BOYLE: As folks rise up the ranks in accounting, to have really strong ethics and to have really strong networks and to have really strong interpersonal skills is absolutely critical and vital. So really, that ties in perfectly with our Jesuit mission because here at the University of Scranton, we’ve always taught those things.
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Lead With Integrity and Purpose
In the Master of Accountancy (MAcc), gaining practical, hands-on skills in accounting is just the beginning. You will also develop the soft skills you need to truly succeed as a business leader.
You’ll practice functional, purposeful, and strategic communication, and graduate ready to guide your clients, accounts, and teams to success.
The MAcc embodies the ethical foundations of a Jesuit education, so you’re ready to act with integrity and ethics and harness your accounting expertise to advance the common good.
For these reasons and more, the MAcc is consistently top-ranked. Best Colleges named our Master of Accountancy the No. 1 accounting program in the nation in 2019.
“This has been the best experience with faculty and staff and I feel that I am prepared to take the CPA exam next year based on the knowledge I have learned in this program.”– Keri Hindman, 2017 Master of Accountancy Student
| Succeed at the CPA | Bridge the Gap |
| We offer students a deep discount on Wiley CPAexcel®, an exam preparation tool that’s endorsed by the Big 4 accounting firms.Graduate with the comprehensive tools and confidence you need to earn your CPA.* | Our MAcc Bridge option** allows you to apply without a bachelor’s degree in accounting.You’ll take prerequisite courses in accounting and finance to ensure you have the knowledge you need to succeed in this program and beyond. |
Career Outlook: 10% Growth Through 2029
Accounting positions are in very high demand, with a projected growth rate of 10 percent through 2029.1
That high demand comes with a high salary. In 2018, accountants and auditors earned a median annual salary of $70,500, and the top 10 percent earned an average of $122,840.2
You’ll stand out for top positions now and over the next decade with an AACSB-accredited master’s in accountancy from Scranton.
Career OutlookCurriculum: Comprehensive and Current
The MAcc’s 30-credit curriculum consists of 10 total courses and gives you a comprehensive understanding of financial management, economics, auditing, taxation, regulation, and accounting ethics.
Our courses are routinely updated and influenced by Scranton’s Accounting Department Professional Alumni Council (ADPAC), a group of practicing CPAs who provide a great resource for students to connect with top alumni on curriculum consulting, student mentorship, and to expand their networking opportunities.
We’ll ensure you graduate ready to meet the industry’s most pressing needs.
CurriculumProgram Outcomes
The Master of Accountancy prepares you to:
- Apply extensive, practical knowledge in the field of accounting
- Use advanced approaches to leverage accounting as a means of solving business problems
- Comprehend and employ skills needed for identifying and navigating red flags that could indicate occupational fraud
- Critically analyze accounting information to disseminate value-added insights for the firm to make effective economic decisions
- Understand the global environment and critical leadership roles that are associated within the broader business environment
- Demonstrate effective and advanced communication skills to key stakeholders within and outside of the firm
You’ll complete this program with the robust accounting knowledge you need to take the CPA exam.*,** You will also have a distinctive set of outcomes depending on which concentration you choose.
Available Concentrations
In addition to the MAcc’s core courses, you’ll take five elective courses to leverage your accounting skills in an emerging field.
Focus your degree with a concentration in Forensic Accounting or Accounting Analytics, or select any five electives — out of 16 available courses — to tailor your degree to suit your interests.
Admission Requirements
To apply for the Master of Accountancy, you’ll need:
- Completed application (no application fee required)
- Undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting or non-accounting business bachelor’s degree (Bridge courses may be required)
- Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities
- Résumé
- Personal statement
- 3 letters of references from someone with whom you have an academic or professional relationship
- MAcc Academic Honesty Certification and Agreement Form
Students with a non-accounting business bachelor’s degree may still apply through the MAcc Bridge option, which offers pre-requisite courses in accounting and finance.
Find more details on the Master of Accountancy’s Admission Requirements page.
Admissions InfoTuition Details
The Master of Accountancy program at The University of Scranton consists of 30 credit hours and costs $895 per credit hour.
We strive to provide you with an affordable, high-quality education. That’s why we’re ranked a Best Value School, Regional Universities North, by U.S. News & World Report for 2020.
See TuitionFaculty: Support From Industry Pros
The University of Scranton’s CPA-certified faculty are more than industry experts.
They’re also working professionals and consultants with a long list of award-winning publications. These experienced professionals will support you directly as you earn your master’s degree.
You’ll also benefit from the close advisement and mentorship of Scranton alumni, our partners at Big 4 accounting firms, and Scranton’s Accounting Department Professional Alumni Council.
Faculty at ScrantonEarn a degree without interrupting your career. You’ll be part of an online learning community led by a diverse and expert faculty. Online programs reflect the same rigorous standards as our on-campus programs.
Scranton OnlineFinancial aid options are available to help you pay for your education. A personal financial aid counselor will assist you in identifying and taking full advantage of all opportunities.
Financial Aid DetailsFrequently Asked Questions
If you have a question we don’t cover here, request more information or call 866-373-9547.
The minimum amount of time to complete the program is 1.5 years. Students may take up to six years to finish.
Depending on your career path and MAcc concentration, you’ll have a wide variety of jobs to choose from with this degree. Examples include:
- Director of accounting
- Credit analyst
- Financial reporting manager
- Chief risk officer
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for accountants and auditors is expected to grow 6 percent between 2018 and 2028.
Learn more about how you can use your Master of Accountancy degree by visiting our career outlook page.
No. While a background in business is preferred, students with non-business bachelor’s degrees have the option to apply by completing some or all of the Master of Accountancy Bridge courses. Students should also complete at least one 3-credit financial accounting course.
Request more information or call us at 866-373-9547 to learn more.
The cost of tuition for the Master of Accountancy program is between $26,850 and $37,590, depending on whether you need to take Bridge courses. The program’s cost per credit is $895.
For more information about tuition, additional costs, and financial aid options, please visit our tuition page.
This is designed as a part-time program.
The Master of Accountancy program requires students to complete 10 courses, with a total of 30 credit hours. This does not include any Bridge courses you might need to take as prerequisites, depending on your accounting background.
Visit our MAcc curriculum page to view the full list of coursework requirements.
Sources:
- Burning Glass Technologies: Labor Insight™. Retrieved November 19, 2019.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2019 September 4). Accountants and Auditors. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved November 19, 2019, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/accountants-and-auditors.htm
Footnotes:
*The University of Scranton accounting program also meets the NYS CPA license education requirements as an “Equivalent to a NYS Licensure Qualifying Registered Program.”
**Many states require 150 semester hours of education within a prescribed accounting coursework curriculum for obtaining the CPA license. Students without prior accounting and related coursework are unlikely to meet this requirement through completing the MAcc program. Such students may need to complete additional required course(s). Please refer to your individual state’s requirements.