Accountancy FAQs

Whether you're launching your accounting career or preparing for the CPA exam, the Master of Accountancy gives you the credentials and skills to move forward with confidence. This page covers the questions we hear most, from program formats and curriculum to admissions and tuition.

Have a question not answered here? Feel free to email us anytime at [email protected].

 

Overview

The Master of Accountancy (MAcc) is a flexible, on-campus graduate program designed to deepen technical and analytical accounting knowledge and prepare students for CPA certification and career advancement.

The program is intended for recent graduates, career changers, and early professionals seeking to become Certified Public Accountants (CPAs), strengthen their accounting expertise, or pivot into accounting and finance roles.

The program is available for full-time or part-time study and is an on-campus program. Full-time completion takes 1 year for accounting majors or 1.5 years for non-accounting majors. Part-time study typically requires 2 to 2.5 years.

The program admits students for Fall (September) and Spring (January) start terms.

The program is designed for early-career professionals, recent graduates, and those regardless of their background that are interested in the field of Accounting. Work experience is not required, and the average admitted student has 0-4 years of experience. View class profile.

Yes, both program tracks are STEM-designated. This designation allows eligible international graduates to apply for the STEM OPT extension.

Yes. Both program tracks meet the 150-credit requirement for CPA licensure. The curriculum is specifically structured to develop the technical depth needed for strong CPA exam preparation.

Both. Students can complete the MAcc full-time or part-time. Full-time completion takes 1 year or 1.5 years depending on the track. Part-time completion typically takes 2 to 2.5 years.

The MAcc is a specialized professional degree focused on technical accounting expertise and CPA readiness. The MBA is a broader degree, emphasizing leadership and general business functions. The MBT (Master of Business Taxation) is a highly specialized tax degree, while the MAcc provides a wider set of core accounting competencies.

Yes. Our program curriculum satisfies the 150-credit hour requirement needed to qualify for the CPA exam in most states.

Yes. The MAcc program is STEM-designated. This recognizes the rigorous, data-driven nature of our curriculum. It also allows eligible international students to apply for a 24-month STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension.

No. Applicants from any undergraduate major are eligible. Non-accounting majors must complete specific introductory accounting prerequisites (financial, managerial, and intermediate accounting) before starting the MAcc program.

You can start the program in the fall (September) or spring (January).

We do not have a minimum GPA requirement. We review all applications holistically, considering your academic history, professional experience, and general fit for the program.

No. We do not require GMAT or GRE scores for admission to the Master of Accountancy program.

Admissions

Select the track that fits your background. The Master of Accountancy program offers a 30-credit option for accounting majors and a 44-credit option for those new to the field.

Both pathways help you meet the 150-credit requirement for CPA licensure. But the program goes beyond the exam. It’s built for professionals pivoting into accounting or sharpening their technical and analytical expertise.

Requirements include an online application, transcripts, a résumé, a personal statement, a video essay, and two recommendations. Applicants from any undergraduate major are eligible, though non-accounting majors must complete specific introductory accounting prerequisites. View all requirements & deadlines.

Work experience is not required. The average work experience for admitted students is 0-4 years. To see the typical backgrounds of enrolled students, you can review the program’s class profile.

The program is generally test-optional. GMAT or GRE scores may be submitted, but many applicants are admitted without standardized test scores.

Applications are reviewed with priority deadlines for both terms. For international students, the priority deadline is March 15 for the fall term and August 15 for the spring term. Final deadlines vary. View all requirements & deadlines.

Applicants with any undergraduate background equivalent to a four-year U.S. bachelor’s degree are eligible. Non-accounting majors must complete 3 prerequisites before starting the program. View all admissions requirements.

Requirements include an online application, transcripts, current résumé, personal statement, video essay, and two professional recommendations. English proficiency scores are required if applicable. Prerequisite coursework must be completed only by non-accounting majors. View requirements & deadlines.

No, work experience is not required for admission. The average experience for admitted students is 0-4 years. To see the typical backgrounds of enrolled students, you can review the program’s class profile.

The program admits students for fall and spring terms. Priority deadlines for international students are March 15 for the fall term and August 15 for the spring term. Final deadlines vary by term and are listed on our Requirements & Deadlines page.

Yes, if they do not qualify for an exemption based on the University of Minnesota’s English proficiency criteria. International applicants must submit scores for an approved English-language test.

Tuition & Aid

MAcc tuition is based on credits taken per semester—with a flat rate for 10+ credits (full-time) and per-credit pricing for fewer than 10 credits (part-time). Total program cost varies by your curriculum track (30 credits for accounting undergrads; 44 credits for non-accounting backgrounds) and residency status.

For 2025-2026 rates and detailed fee breakdowns, visit the MAcc Tuition & Aid page.

Yes. Merit-based scholarships are available for MAcc students, and consideration happens automatically when you apply to the program—no separate application needed.

A limited number of teaching assistantships are available through the admissions process. These highly competitive roles are open only to domestic students with an undergraduate degree in Accounting. Offers are extended to selected students a few months before the term begins.

Cost of attendance covers tuition, fees, housing, and personal expenses. Actual totals vary by program, residency, and lifestyle. Use the charts at OneStop to estimate your specific costs.

Tuition follows a tiered model based on your semester credit load. Students taking 10 or more credits pay a flat rate, while those taking fewer than 10 credits pay per credit. Total costs vary by residency and your assigned track (30-credit or 44-credit). Visit out Tuition & Aid page for current rates and fee breakdowns.

A limited number of teaching assistantships are available through the admissions process. These highly competitive roles are open only to domestic students with an undergraduate degree in accounting. Offers are extended to selected students a few months before the term begins.

Students typically fund their degree through a combination of merit-based scholarships, federal or private loans, personal savings, and employer support. A limited number of Teaching Assistantship positions are also available for qualified domestic students. View scholarship opportunities.

Yes. We automatically consider all admitted students for merit-based scholarships. Decisions are released with your offer of admission. Additionally, active U.S. military members and veterans receive a 15% tuition discount.

Tuition & Aid

The program requires either 30 credits (accounting majors) or 44 credits (non-accounting majors). The curriculum includes financial reporting, auditing, managerial accounting, data analytics, internal controls, and SEC regulation.

No formal concentrations are offered, but you’ll have elective credits (requirements vary by curriculum track) to customize your studies with options like finance, taxation, and more.

The program is designed to support CPA licensure preparation while welcoming students **pivoting into accounting** or looking to deepen their technical and analytical expertise.

Internships are common and available to all students. The Carlson Business Career Center helps coordinate these opportunities. The program does not require a capstone or practicum.

Real-world learning includes strong employer partnerships, dedicated recruiting events, and opportunities for internships in the Twin Cities, all coordinated by the Carlson Business Career Center (CBCC).

Classes are offered in person on campus, typically Monday through Thursday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. For detailed schedules, including the part-time program sample with specific day/time offerings each semester, visit the curriculum webpage.

The curriculum covers core areas like financial reporting, auditing, managerial accounting, data analytics, internal controls, and SEC regulation. Coursework is delivered by experienced faculty and industry professionals, with electives available to align with specific career interests.

Yes. Students benefit from strong employer partnerships in the Twin Cities, dedicated recruiting events, and opportunities coordinated through the Carlson Business Career Center (CBCC). Internships are common, particularly for career-changers and those pursuing CPA licensure.

Yes. Both tracks of the MAcc program are STEM-designated. This designation reflects the analytical rigor of the curriculum and provides eligible international graduates with the opportunity to apply for a STEM OPT extension.

Classes are typically offered in person, and on campus Monday-Thursday anywhere between 8am and 5pm. May be easiest to link the curriculum website page for this answer as the part-time program sample is more in depth with class day/times offered each semester. See the MAcc Curriculum page for example program sequences.

The number of credits depends on your academic background. If you have an undergraduate degree in accounting, you must complete 30 credits. If your degree is in another field, you will complete up to 44 credits to meet the requirements for the CPA exam.

The timeline depends on your enrollment status:

  • Full-time students: Typically complete the program in one year.
  • International students: Must maintain full-time status and usually finish in three semesters.
  • Part-time students: You control the pace. While the average is three years, you can finish in as little as two or take up to five years.

The number of credits depends on your enrollment status:

  • Full-time students: Generally 14–16 credits per semester.
  • International students: Generally 10 credits per semester.
  • Part-time students: You decide your load. Most start with two classes and adjust as needed. You must register for fall and spring semesters to stay active, or apply for a leave of absence if you need a break.

MAcc students complete a mix of required accounting core courses and electives tailored to your career goals. The number of required elective credits varies depending on your curriculum track (accounting undergrads or non-accounting backgrounds).

You can choose from options across finance, marketing, supply chain, information systems, and taxation. See the MAcc Curriculum page for details on tracks and course offerings.

Community & Careers

The Carlson Business Career Center (CBCC) provides comprehensive support, including 1:1 coaching, résumé and interviewing preparation, job-search strategy support, and employer information sessions.

Graduates typically secure roles in public accounting (audit, tax, advisory), corporate accounting, financial reporting, and financial analysis. Recruiters include major public accounting firms, corporate finance teams, and government agencies (including companies like Amazon and Google). View employment statistics.

The Carlson Business Career Center (CBCC) provides comprehensive support, including one-on-one coaching, résumé and interviewing preparation, job-search strategy support, and employer information sessions.

Recruitment is focused early in the program year. Public accounting firms, corporate finance teams, and government agencies primarily recruit for internships and full-time CPA-track roles during the fall on-campus recruiting cycle.

Graduates obtain roles in public accounting (audit, tax, advisory), corporate accounting, financial reporting, internal audit, consulting, government roles, and financial analysis. Some also pursue advanced study, such as PhD or law degrees.

Yes. The program has a strong placement record. Employers actively recruit MAcc students, and the Carlson Business Career Center (CBCC)'s support leads to strong placement outcomes across major public and corporate accounting firms, including companies like Amazon and Google. View employment statistics & outcomes.

Yes. The Carlson School's global network of 60,000+ alumni has strong representation in accounting and finance. Students have numerous opportunities to connect through events, employer presentations, and mentorship programs.

Student Life

The cohort is typically small to mid-sized, ensuring personalized instruction. The average work experience for admitted students is 0-4 years. For full details on cohort demographics—including age, median GPA, undergraduate fields of study, and top industry backgrounds—check the MAcc class profile.

Students can join dedicated accounting organizations, professional clubs, honor societies, and the broader graduate business student groups at Carlson.

The alumni network is strong, allowing students to network with the 60,000+ Carlson alumni global network, which has strong representation in accounting and finance, through various events and mentorship programs.

MAcc students enjoy a small cohort with personalized instruction and dedicated career support. Classes are offered in person on campus, typically Monday through Thursday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. For detailed schedules, including the part-time program sample with specific day/time offerings each semester, visit the curriculum webpage.

The cohort size is typically small to mid-sized, ensuring personalized instruction and close interaction with faculty. The exact size varies by start term. View class profile.

Yes. Accounting firms and corporations visit campus regularly. Students engage with professionals during info sessions, networking events, and through the Carlson Business Career Center (CBCC). Alumni frequently participate in recruiting and mentoring activities.

Yes. MAcc students can join dedicated accounting organizations, professional clubs, honor societies, and the broader graduate business groups across the Carlson School.

Yes. Students benefit from faculty support, advising, and access to University academic resources. Courses are delivered in small, interactive settings to ensure significant instructor engagement.