Master of Science Degree in Accounting

Master of Science Degree in Accounting

Sum Up Your Pathway to a Dynamic Career in Accounting
From balancing budgets and managing corporate finances to filing taxes and conducting audits, businesses of every size and type require highly skilled accounting professionals to ensure they function efficiently and profitably. National University’s Master of Accounting (MAcc) program is designed to prepare you for a career in auditing or public, corporate, and nonprofit accounting.
Our curriculum is based on published content specifications of the uniform CPA and CMA exams and is designed to prepare you with the industry-current knowledge you’ll need to pursue positions in state and local government agencies like the IRS, FBI, CIA, Franchise Tax Board, Defense Contract Audit Agency, and many others.
NU’s Master of Accounting program is unique in that it offers two pathways towards completion. If you have little or no previous accounting background, you’ll learn the basics in the core courses of your program before taking advanced courses and electives. If you already have an undergraduate degree in accounting, you’ll start by learning advanced topics in accounting without having to repeat any fundamental courses. Whichever path applies to you, you’ll receive an industry-current education from an experienced faculty and be mentored by practitioners with years of real-world experience in the accounting profession.
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Program Learning Outcomes
As a graduate of National University’s Master of Accounting program, you will develop the following skills:
- Integrate current information technologies to report and analyze financial information
- Evaluate accounting information based upon mastery of a common body of accounting knowledge
- Analyze ethical issues within the accounting profession
- Effectively conduct and present accounting research
- Collaborate effectively as a team to enhance critical thinking
You’ll also benefit from learning from faculty members who have real-world experience in accounting and bring their passion and expertise into their classrooms. You’ll be mentored by experienced professionals who’ve been there, done that, and are ready to support you in your pursuit of your MAcc degree. With your master’s credential, you’ll be able to pursue positions like:
- Financial Analysts & Managers
- Accountants
- Controllers
- Directors of Finance
- Tax Managers
- Budget Analysts
SOURCE: Emsi Labor Analyst- Report. Emsi research company homepage at https://www.economicmodeling.com/company/ Report viewed: April 19, 2022. DISCLAIMER: The data provided is for Informational purposes only. Emsi data and analysis utilizes government sources to provide insights on industries, demographics, employers, in-demand skills, and more to align academic programs with labor market opportunities. Cited projections may not reflect local or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth. Current and prospective students should use this data with other available economic data to inform their educational decisions.
SOURCE: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/accountants-and-auditors.htm#tab-1
Some of the top employers of accounting professionals in today’s marketplace include:
- Wells Fargo
- Deloitte
- Ernst & Young
- Anthem
- Amazon
- BDO
- Humana
- Northrop Grumman
- PricewaterhouseCoopers
- RSM
- Citigroup
SOURCE: Emsi Labor Analyst- Report. Emsi research company homepage at https://www.economicmodeling.com/company/ (Report viewed: April 19, 2022. DISCLAIMER: The data provided is for Informational purposes only. Emsi data and analysis utilizes government sources to provide insights on industries, demographics, employers, in-demand skills, and more to align academic programs with labor market opportunities. Cited projections may not reflect local or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth. Current and prospective students should use this data with other available economic data to inform their educational decisions.
You should know that NU’s MAcc program focuses largely on the published content specifications of the uniform CPA Exam and the CMA exam. (Students should enroll in an external, recognized exam review course to fully prepare for CPA and CMA exams.)
- A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) provides assurances to external parties about a company’s financial information and health. Often employed by a public accounting firm, a CPA examines a company’s financial statements and attests to their integrity. CPAs also prepare and file taxes for companies and individuals. Many CPAs hold high-level positions within corporations and government organizations.
- A Certified Management Accountant (CMA) has expertise in advanced accounting and financial procedures in critical areas such as financial planning, analysis, control, and decision support. They analyze budgets, assess risks, and make strategic decisions based on internal financial data.
Click here to learn more about specializations in accounting.
Students with an undergraduate degree in accounting are also required to take 10 courses, 7 are specifically supplemented by 3 electives. Students with a BS in Accounting (BSACC) from National University, who have taken ACC 515 Accounting Ethics, and ACC 555 Data Analytics as part of their Undergraduate degree requirements CANNOT retake these courses to satisfy degree units for MAcc.
The Academic Program Director, or a designee, shall review the application and transcripts of every new student to determine the correct pathway and any necessary electives and prerequisites.
Total Requirements (10 courses; 45 quarter units)
Requirements for Students WITHOUT an Undergraduate Degree in Accounting
Core Requirements – (9 courses; 40.5 quarter units)
Preparation for the Major
Course | Description | Quarter Units |
---|---|---|
ACC601M | Foundations of Financial Accounting | 4.50 |
ACC657 | Accounting Information Systems Prequesite: ACC 601M |
4.50 |
ACC610M | Financial Accounting I Prequesite: ACC 601M |
4.50 |
ACC611M |
Financial Accounting II Prequesite: ACC 610M |
4.50 |
ACC621M | Taxation of Bus & Other Entities | 4.50 |
ACC630M | Cost Accounting Prequesite: ACC 601M |
4.50 |
ACC651M | Auditing Procedures | 4.50 |
ACC515 | Accounting Ethics | 4.50 |
ACC555 | Data Analytics | 4.50 |
Capstone Requirement (1 course; 4.5 quarter units)
Course | Description | Quarter Units |
---|---|---|
ACC695M | Cases in Accounting & Auditing Prequesite: Completion of all core and elective courses |
4.50 |
Requirements for Students WITH an Undergraduate Degree in Accounting
Core Requirements – (6 courses; 27.0 quarter units)
Course | Description | Quarter Units |
---|---|---|
ACC652M | Forensic Accounting | 4.50 |
ACC631M | Advanced Managerial Accounting | 4.50 |
ACC653M | Internal Controls | 4.50 |
ACC654M | Legal Issues in Accounting | 4.50 |
ACC615M | Advanced Financial Accounting | 4.50 |
ACC640M | Acc for Gov’t & NFP Entities | 4.50 |
Electives for Students WITH an Undergraduate Degree in Accounting (3
courses; 13.5
quarter units)
Course | Description | Quarter Units |
---|---|---|
ACC515 | Accounting Ethics*** | 4.50 |
ACC555 | Data Analytics*** | 4.50 |
ACC620M | Taxation of Individuals | 4.50 |
LED 604 | Legal Issues in Accounting | 4.50 |
LED 605 | Conflict and Power Dynamics | 4.50 |
Capstone Requirement (1 course; 4.5 quarter units)
Course | Description | Quarter Units |
---|---|---|
ACC695M | Cases in Accounting & Auditing Prequesite: Completion of all core and elective courses |
4.50 |
Introducing the Opportunity Scholarship
In honor of our students, and in celebration of our 50th anniversary, National University is investing $30 million in new student scholarships. To learn more about the Opportunity Scholarship, how you can apply, and how much you can save, inquire today.
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Take the first step by starting your application online today.
To speak to an enrollment advisor about this program, please email [email protected].
Why Choose National University?
We’re a veteran-founded, San Diego-based nonprofit. Since 1971, our mission has been to provide accessible, achievable higher education to adult learners. Today, we educate students from across the U.S. and around the globe, with over 185,000 alumni worldwide.
FAQs
If you’re focused on a career in the accounting industry and interested in pursuing
positions at the top level of the industry, earning your MAcc can help lay the
groundwork for your professional trajectory.
While many MBA programs require coursework in accounting and auditing, NU’s Master of
Accounting curriculum is based on published content specifications of the uniform CPA
and CMA exams. It’s designed to prepare you for a future in accounting, regardless of
whether you have a background or bachelor’s degree in accounting.
for and pass all four parts of the Uniform Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Examination. Fortunately, NU’s MAcc curriculum is based on published content
specifications of the uniform CPA and CMA exams. (Students should enroll in an external,
recognized exam review course to fully prepare for CPA and CMA exams.)
The Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (AICPA) does not
specifically require CPA candidates to have a graduate level degree. However, you’ll
need to complete 150 credit hours of college coursework before you start taking the exam
and complete 150 credit hours before you can become a licensed CPA.
Since most bachelor’s degrees require about 120 hours to complete, you’ll need to fill
that 30-hour gap. A master’s degree in accounting, like NU’s MAcc program, offers
numerous benefits. For one thing, you’ll develop a stronger understanding of high-level
accounting concepts and principles. A Master’s in Accounting can also position you to
pursue senior-level positions throughout your career and, correspondingly, earn a higher
salary.
It’s considered to the gold standard of expertise in the field and can have a positive
impact on your salary, job security, and can expand your career opportunities as
globalization continues to create a demand for International Financing Reporting
Standards around the world.
Program Disclosure
Successful completion and attainment of National University degrees do not lead to automatic or immediate licensure, employment, or certification in any state/country. The University cannot guarantee that any professional organization or business will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any certification, licensure, or related exam for the purpose of professional certification.
Program availability varies by state. Many disciplines, professions, and jobs require disclosure of an individual’s criminal history, and a variety of states require background checks to apply to, or be eligible for, certain certificates, registrations, and licenses. Existence of a criminal history may also subject an individual to denial of an initial application for a certificate, registration, or license and/or result in the revocation or suspension of an existing certificate, registration, or license. Requirements can vary by state, occupation, and/or licensing authority.
NU graduates will be subject to additional requirements in a program, certification/licensure, employment, and state-by-state basis that can include one or more of the following items: internships, practicum experience, additional coursework, exams, tests, drug testing, earning an additional degree, and/or other training/education requirements.
All prospective students are advised to review employment, certification, and/or licensure requirements in their state, and to contact the certification/licensing body of the state and/or country where they intend to obtain certification/licensure to verify that these courses/programs qualify in that state/country, prior to enrolling. Prospective students are also advised to regularly review the state’s/country’s policies and procedures relating to certification/licensure, as those policies are subject to change.
*Positions may require additional experience, training, and other factors beyond successfully completing this degree program. Depending on where you reside, many positions may also require state licensure, and it is the responsibility of the student to ensure that all licensure requirements are met. We encourage you to also review program-specific requirements. Any data provided on this page is for informational purposes only and does not guarantee that completion of any degree program will achieve the underlying occupation or commensurate salary.
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