Accountancy

[1] Objectives

The Department of Accounting in UCA’s College of Business Administration offers a Master of Accountancy (MAcc) program designed to provide a fifth year of accounting education to prepare students for careers in professional accounting.

The objective of the program is to give students greater breadth and depth of accounting knowledge and, if desired, a specialization on taxation or industry track. The program provides the academic background needed to begin a professional accounting career. Outstanding employment opportunities in public accounting, industry, and government await graduates of the Master of Accountancy program.

The MAcc program is a comprehensive program that develops students’ conceptual and technical accounting competence, communication skills, research and analytical abilities, and leadership skills. The UCA MAcc focuses on the common body of knowledge recommended by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and builds on the traditional undergraduate accounting courses. Consequently, graduates are well prepared to sit for and pass the CPA exam. However, UCA takes students beyond the knowledge required on the CPA exam. Students learn the theory behind accounting and auditing procedures so they can adapt to an ever changing environment. The program encourages life-long learning and is unique in two respects: (1) The UCA MAcc teaches leadership through a course that focuses on the application of leadership in business and accounting organizations. (2) The program also requires a case studies course in which students learn to use multiple resources to solve management and accounting problems.

[2] Admission Requirements

In addition to admission requirements of the Graduate School (application, application fee, transcripts) and the Division of International Engagement (TOEFL score), the Master of Accountancy requires the following:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from an accredited institution or a bachelor’s degree in another discipline including the 27 hours listed in Note 1 below.
• Undergraduate cumulative GPA of at least 2.70, or 3.00 in the last 60 hours.
• GPA on all accounting courses completed of at least 2.70. Accounting GPA requirement may be waived for applicants with significant professional experience or accounting certifications.
• Score of at least 450 on the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) with a minimum score of 18 on the verbal component and 26 on the quantitative component. An equivalent GRE (Graduate Record Examination) score will also be accepted. Scores should be no more than five years old. Some students may be exempt from taking the GMAT or GRE. For exemptions, see Note 2 below.

Applicants for admission to the Master of Accountancy program must submit a completed application packet that includes a completed application form, official transcripts from all undergraduate schools attended, and official GMAT or GRE scores (unless exempt), to the Graduate School.

Note 1:

In lieu of a baccalaureate degree in accounting, an applicant may be admitted by presenting a baccalaureate degree in another field and credit in the following undergraduate courses or their equivalents (27 hours total):

For a well-rounded business perspective and CPA eligibility, credit is recommended for courses in the following areas, but is not required for admission:

Note 2:

Applicants to Master of Accountancy program are generally required to supply GMAT or GRE scores as part of their application process. The following persons may, however, be exempt from taking the GMAT or GRE:

1. Applicants who have completed and passed all parts of the CPA exam (must submit official copy of license from any state or, if not licensed, proof of successful completion of all four parts of the exam).
2. Applicants who hold a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from an AACSB-accredited undergraduate program (including UCA) with an overall undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher as well as at least a 3.25 GPA in their undergraduate Accounting courses.

To request an exemption, complete and submit the exemption request to the Master of Accountancy director at the time of application to the graduate school.

[3] Petition for Candidacy

In the semester following the completion of nine semester hours of graduate work the student must apply for candidacy for the Accountancy degree. Courses taken prior to applying for candidacy will be used toward the degree provided they are appropriate for the program and were approved by the Graduate Coordinator. The Petition for Candidacy must include all courses completed and to be taken for completion of degree and the semester and year in which course was/will be taken.

[4] Degree Requirements

The Master of Accountancy requires 30 hours of course work beyond the baccalaureate degree, of which at least 24 hours must be in courses open only to graduate students (6000-level courses). A concentration in taxation may be obtained by completing nine hours of electives in taxation courses offered by the department. An industry track can be obtained by taking 4 specific MBA courses. Courses will be scheduled so that a full-time student will be able to complete the program in one academic year.

[5] Curriculum

[5.1] Required (18 hours)

[5.2] Electives (12 hours)

Note 3:

These courses are required for students who did not complete equivalent undergraduate level courses.

Note 4:

These courses are not open to students who completed a similar undergraduate level course.

Note 5:

Concentration in Taxation: Students desiring a career in the field of taxation are advised to obtain a concentration in Taxation by completing these three electives.

Note 6:

Industry Track: Students desiring a career in industry are advised to select these four electives.

[6] Graduate Course Links

[6.1] Courses in Accountancy (ACCT)

Follow this link for ACCT course descriptions: course link.

[6.2] Courses in Business Administration (MBA)

Follow these links for MBA course descriptions: course link.