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. This track helps you understand the whys of accounting and build deeper field knowledge. Finance undergrads may also apply.
Track requirements
You’ll complete a minimum of 30 credit hours. Fourteen credits cover seven required accounting courses. The remaining 16 credits are electives. This track is typically completed in two semesters.
Full-Time 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 |
| ACCT 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 completing this track.
Part-Time Sample Program Sequence
It’s recommended that you focus on core requirements first (2 to 6 credits per semester), then complete electives. You’ll work with your academic advisor to set a timeline that fits your needs.
Courses are offered Monday through Friday, with a mix of day and evening options, in person and online.
| Course number | Title | Required or Elective | Term | Class day & time | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACCT 5161 | Financial Statement Analysis | Required | Fall A Term | W 5:45–9:05 PM | 2 |
| ACCT 6602 | Securities & Exchange Commission | Required | Fall A Term | T 5:45–9:05 PM | 2 |
| ACCT 6601 | Internal Control | Required | Fall B Term | T 5:45–9:05 PM | 2 |
| ACCT 6606 | Financial Data Analytics (Meets twice per week for seven weeks) | Required | Fall B Term | MW 3:45–5:25 PM | 2 |
| ACCT 5236 | Taxation of Business (Alternative online MBT 6231 course) | Required | Fall B or Spring A Term | (Fall & Spring) MW 11:50–1:30 PM | 2 |
| ACCT 5181 | Advanced Reporting | Required | Spring B Term | M 5:45–9:05 PM | 2 |
| ACCT 6003 | Accounting & Information Systems | Required | Spring A Term | M 5:45–9:05 PM | 2 |
| N/A | Electives | Elective | Fall or Spring | Varies | 16 |
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. Twenty-eight of those hours cover 11 required courses, and the remaining 16 credit hours are electives. This track is typically completed in three or four semesters.
Full-Time 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 5111 | Intermediate Accounting II | Required | Fall & Spring Term | 2 |
| ACCT 5112 | Intermediate Accounting III | Required | Fall & Spring Term | 2 |
| ACCT 5121W | Auditing Principles and Procedures I | Required | Fall & Spring Term | 2 |
| ACCT 5122 | Auditing Principles and Procedures II | Required | Fall & Spring Term | 2 |
| ACCT 5151 | Fundamentals of Federal Income Tax | Required | Fall & Spring Term | 2 |
| ACCT 5235 | Federal Taxation of Individuals | Required | Fall & Spring Term | 2 |
| ACCT 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 |
| N/A | Elective | Elective | Spring Term A | 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 |
Part-Time Sample Program Sequence
It is encouraged that you focus on the core requirements first (2-6 credits per semester) and then complete your electives. You will work with your academic advisor to find a timeline that works for you in completing this coursework.
Courses offered Monday-Friday; a mix of day and night, and in-person and online.
| Course Number | Title | Required or Elective | Term | Class Day & Time | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACCT 5111 | Intermediate Accounting II | Required | Fall & Spring A Term | (F) MW 9:55-11:35 AM or TTH 3:45-5:25 PM (S) MW 11:50-1:30 PM or 1:45-3:25 PM, TTH 9:55-11:35 AM | 2 |
| ACCT 5112 | Intermediate Accounting III | Required | Fall & Spring B Term | (F) MW 9:55-11:35 AM or TTH 3:45-5:25 PM (S) MW 11:50-1:30 PM or 1:45-3:25 PM, TTH 9:55-11:35 PM | 2 |
| ACCT 5121W | Auditing I | Required | Fall & Spring A Term | (F) MW 3:45-5:25 PM or TTH 1:45-3:25 PM (S) MW 8:00-9:40 AM or TTH 3:45-5:25 PM | 2 |
| ACCT 5122 | Auditing II | Required | Fall or Spring B Term | (F) MW or TTH 1:45-3:25 PM (S) MW 8:00-9:40 AM or TTH 3:45-5:25 PM | 2 |
| ACCT 5151 | Fundamentals of Federal Income Tax | Required | Fall or Spring A Term | (F) MW 10:10-11:50 AM or 12:20-2:00 PM (S) MW 12:20-2:00 PM or 3:45-5:25 PM | 2 |
| ACCT 5235 | Federal Taxation of Individuals | Required | Fall & Spring B Term | (F) MW 10:10-11:50 AM or 12:20-2:00 PM (S) MW 12:20-2:00 PM or MW 3:45-5:25 PM | 2 |
| ACCT 6003 | Accounting & Information Systems | Required | Spring A Term | M 5:45-9:05 PM | 2 |
| ACCT 5201 | Intermediate Management Accounting | Required | Fall & Spring | (F) TTH 11:50-1:30 PM (S) MW 9:55-11:35 AM | 2 |
| MBA 6231 | Financial Management | Required | Fall & Spring | (Fall & Spring) M 5:45-9:05 PM | 3 |
| ACCT 6601 | Internal Control | Required | Fall B Term | T 5:45-9:05 PM | 2 |
| ACCT 6602 | Securities & Exchange Commission | Required | Fall A Term | T 5:45-9:05 PM | 2 |
| ACCT 5161 | Financial Statement Analysis | Required | Fall A Term & Spring | (F) W 5:45-9:05 PM (S) TTH 10:10-11:50 AM or 11:50-1:30 PM | 2 |
| ACCT 5181 | Consolidations & Advanced Reporting | Required | Spring B Term | M 5:45-9:05 PM | 2 |
| ACCT 5236 | Introduction to Taxation of Business | Required | Fall A Term & Spring B Term | (Fall & Spring) MW 11:50-1:30 PM | 2 |
| ACCT 6606 | Financial Data Analytics | Required | Fall B Term | MW 3:45-5:25 PM | 2 |
| N/A | Electives | Elective | Fall & Spring | Varies | 13 |
Most class dates & times are already solidified and cannot be changed.
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.
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
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Launch your career with a master’s in accountancy.