Accountancy Curriculum
The Carlson School Master of Accountancy program is designed to help you develop critical thinking and analytics skills that’ll help you excel in the dynamic accounting landscape and to become a leader in your profession. You’ll gain an understanding of the full business spectrum and how accountants play a vital role in an organization’s success. Our flexible program is here to help you succeed in this high-demand field.
Curriculum Tracks
We offer two tracks: a 30-credit track for those with accounting undergraduates, and a 44-credit track for those with non-accounting undergraduates. Both can be completed full-time or part-time, and satisfy the 150 credit hour requirement to qualify for the CPA exam.
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.
Year 1
Fall Semester | Break | Spring Semester | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orientation | Mid Dec. - Mid Jan. | Accounting & Information Systems | ||
| Internal Control (4 credits, Full Semester) | Elective | |||
SEC & Standard Setting | Elective | Elective | ||
Elective | Elective (2 credits, Spring Term A) | |||
| Elective (2 credits, Fall Term A) | Elective (2 credits, Fall Term B) | |||
***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
Fall Semester | Break | Spring Semester | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orientation | Mid Dec. - Mid Jan. | Accounting & Information Systems | ||
| Intermediate Accounting II (4 credits, Full Semester) | Elective | |||
Auditing | Elective | Law of Contracts & Agency | ||
Fundamentals of Federal Income Tax | Elective (2 credits, Spring Term B) | |||
| Advanced Management Accounting (2 credits, Fall Term A) | Elective (2 credits, Spring Term B) | |||
Summer
Break | Course Study |
|---|---|
| May - mid. June |
|
Year 2
Fall Semester | Break | |
|---|---|---|
| Internal Control (4 credits, Full Semester) | Mid Dec. - Mid Jan. | |
SEC & Standard Setting | ||
Elective | ||
| Elective (2 credits, Fall Term A) | Elective (2 credits, Fall Term B) | |
Preparing you for your future career
The Master of Accountancy faculty and curriculum prepares you to succeed in accounting careers after graduation and beyond.