Accountancy Curriculum
Minnesota Carlson’s Master of Accountancy (MAcc) degree offers a cutting-edge curriculum of graduate accountancy classes to help you build the critical thinking and analytical skills needed to excel in today’s fast-evolving accounting landscape. Designed to shape future leaders, this program provides an understanding of the full business spectrum and the essential role accountants play in driving organizational success.
Beyond the classroom, you’ll gain access to an influential network of peers, faculty, alumni, and industry advisors—plus Minnesota’s dynamic business hub of Fortune 500 giants and medium to small businesses. With flexible full- and part-time options, this master’s in accountancy program is designed to fit your schedule, allowing you to elevate your career on your terms.
Minnesota Carlson's Master of Accountancy Earns STEM Designation
The Carlson School of Management is proud that our Master of Accountancy (MAcc) degree is STEM designated. This prestigious recognition underscores the program’s cutting-edge, data-driven curriculum of accountancy courses. Each accountancy course of this cutting-edge MAcc program is designed to sharpen critical thinking and analytical skills essential for success in today’s evolving accounting industry.
Master of Accountancy Curriculum Tracks
Our Master of Accountancy program offers 2 STEM-designated tracks tailored to your background and career goals:
- 30-credit track – Designed for students with an undergraduate degree in accounting.
- 44-credit track – Ideal for those with non-accounting undergraduate degrees.
Both tracks feature a leading-edge curriculum of MAcc course offerings that build in-demand analytical skills. Whether you choose to study full-time or part-time, you'll meet the 150-credit-hour requirement to qualify for the CPA exam in most states. Plus, the STEM designation allows eligible international students to apply for an Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension, providing valuable career opportunities after graduation.
You’ll take this track if…
You studied accounting as an undergrad; take this track to understand the “whys” of accounting and develop a deeper understanding of the field. If you studied finance as an undergrad, you might also apply for this sequence.
Track requirements
You’ll complete a minimum of 30 credit hours. 14 of those hours cover the seven required accounting courses; the remaining 16 credit hours are for elective courses. This track is typically completed in two semesters.
Sample program sequence
Below is an example of a typical program sequence for accounting undergrad students.
| Course number | Title | Required or Elective | Term | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACCT 5161 | Financial Statement Analysis | Required | Fall Term A | 2 |
| ACCT 6602 | Securities & Exchange Commission | Required | Fall Term A | 2 |
| ACCT 6601 | Internal Control | Required | Fall Term B | 2 |
| ACCT 6606 | Financial Reporting Data Analytics | Required | Fall Term A or B | 2 |
| ACCT 5236 | Introduction to Taxation of Business | Required | Fall Term A or B | 2 |
| ACCT 5181 | Consolidations & Advanced Reporting | Required | Fall Term B | 2 |
| IDSC 6003 | Accounting & Information Systems | Required | Spring | 2 |
| N/A | Elective | Elective | Fall | 4 |
| N/A | Elective | Elective | Spring | 12 |
***Graduates typically take and pass the CPA exam shortly after they graduate from this track.
You’ll take this track if...
You did not major in accounting during your undergraduate studies, but this track will help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to pivot into the field.
Track requirements
You’ll complete a maximum of 44 credit hours. 28 of those hours cover 11 required courses; the remaining 16 credit hours are for elective courses. This track is typically completed in three or four semesters.
Sample program sequence
Below is an example of a typical program sequence for accounting undergrad students.
Year 1
| Course number | Title | Required or Elective | Term | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACCT 5102 | Intermediate Accounting II | Required | Fall & Spring Term | 4 |
| ACCT 5125W | Auditing | Required | Fall & Spring Term | 4 |
| ACCT 5135 | Fundamentals of Federal Income Tax | Required | Fall & Spring Term | 4 |
| IDSC 6003 | Accounting & Information Systems | Required | Fall & Spring Term | 2 |
| ACCT 5201 | Intermediate Management Accounting | Required | Fall & Spring Term | 2 |
| MBA 6231 | Financial Management | Required | Fall & Spring Term | 3 |
| N/A | Elective | Elective | Fall & Spring Term | 4 |
| ACCT 6604 | Advanced Management Accounting | Required | Fall Term A | 2 |
| N/A | Elective | Elective | Spring Term A | 2 |
| BLAW 3062 | Law of Contracts & Agency | Required | Spring Term B | 2 |
| N/A | Elective | Elective | Spring Term B | 2 |
| N/A | Elective | Elective | Spring Term B | 2 |
Summer
Break, May - Mid-June
Course study
- Accounting Internship
- Study for and pass the CPA Exam
Year 2
| Course number | Title | Required or Elective | Term | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACCT 6601 | Internal Control | Required | Fall & Spring Term | 2 |
| ACCT 6602 | Securities & Exchange Commission | Required | Fall & Spring Term | 2 |
| ACCT 5161 | Financial Statement Analysis | Required | Fall & Spring Term | 2 |
| ACCT 5181 | Consolidations & Advanced Reporting | Required | Fall & Spring Term | 2 |
| ACCT 5236 | Introduction to Taxation of Business | Required | Fall & Spring Term | 2 |
| ACCT 6606 | Financial Data Analytics | Required | Fall & Spring Term | 2 |
| IDSC 6003 | Accounting & Information Systems | Required | Fall & Spring Term | 2 |
| N/A | Elective | Elective | Fall & Spring Term | 4 |
| N/A | Elective | Elective | Spring Term B | 2 |
| N/A | Elective | Elective | Spring Term B | 2 |
MAcc Degree Electives
MAcc students must complete at 16 elective credits to reach their total credits required (30 or 44), selected in consultation with the advisor, from the following list. In some cases, graduate-level courses from outside this list may be taken with prior approval from the MAcc Director. How to choose the electives:
- Choose 2 credits from Group A Electives
- Choose 6 credits from Group A or B Electives
- Choose 8 credits from Group A, B, or C Electives
Preparing You for Your Future MAcc Career
The Master of Accountancy faculty and curriculum prepares you to succeed in accounting careers after graduation and beyond.
Explore MAcc Course Offerings
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Launch your career with a master’s in accountancy.