Overview
Earning a Master of Accounting (MAcc) degree not only expands a student's education and job options, it amplifies earning potential and career advancement. On average, over 90 percent of graduates secure a job by graduation. From coast to coast, in every major metropolitan area of the country, even the world, KU MAcc graduates find success.
For students who have never considered accounting, a MAcc can be an excellent gateway into a career they're passionate about through a route they never thought to explore. The MAcc program welcomes students from many different backgrounds who are looking to enhance their professional options.
The KU MAcc program offers a challenging curriculum, acclaimed faculty and opportunities for experiential learning that provide a comprehensive graduate program. The University of Kansas School of Business is accredited by the Association for the Advancement of Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB). Not only is the School of Business as a whole AACSB-accredited, but the accounting program also holds the distinction.
Less than 5 percent of the 15,000 business programs worldwide earn an AACSB accreditation, and even fewer programs are dually accredited. Attending an AACSB-accredited program ensures students receive relevant coursework taught by highly qualified faculty who are working on the most current issues in the profession.
Two Master of Accounting programs are offered at KU: 1) the Full-Time program in Lawrence and 2) the Working Professional program based at the Edwards Campus in Overland Park.
Baccalaureate Preparation
The Full-Time Master of Accounting program offers a 30 credit hour degree for students with baccalaureate degrees in accounting equivalent to that required for accreditation by the AACSB. Deficiencies in the undergraduate program result in additional hours being required for the degree.
The Working Professional Master of Accounting program length varies based upon the pace at which students complete classes. Most students with baccalaureate degrees in accounting equivalent to that required for accreditation by the AACSB can complete the program in 5 semesters. Deficiencies in the undergraduate program result in additional hours being required for the degree.
Admission to the Master of Accounting Programs
Full-Time Program
The Full-Time MAcc program is open to graduates who have earned baccalaureate degrees from accredited colleges or universities and whose undergraduate academic records, scores on required standardized examinations, and/or prior work experience indicate that they have the capability to complete the program. Admission to the program is limited on the basis of space, facilities, faculty, and other resources.
Applicants from schools other than the University of Kansas can contact the MAcc office to verify whether they are required to submit Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) scores.
Working Professional Program
The Working Professional MAcc program is open to working professional graduates who have earned baccalaureate degrees from accredited colleges or universities and whose undergraduate academic records, and prior work experience indicate that they have the capability to complete the program. Admission to the program is limited on the basis of space, facilities, faculty, and other resources.
Applicants for the Working Professional program are not required to take the GMAT. Applicants are required to complete an interview with the MAcc Admission Committee to assess work experience and capability to complete the program. Applicants will be contacted to schedule the interview subsequent to review of application by committee.
Both Programs
All applications for admission to the Full-Time MAcc program must include:
- Transcripts: Non-KU graduates must submit OFFICIAL paper or electronic transcripts as part of the application process. KU students may upload a copy of their “KU Advising Report” in lieu of an official transcript.
- The score from the applicant's GMAT, if applicable.
- Proof of English proficiency, if required: Students whose native language is not English or who have not completed a degree from a college or university in the United States, Great Britain, Canada, or Australia must obtain and submit satisfactory scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language or International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
- Two letters of recommendation.
- Pledge to support the Honor System of the School of Business.
- Current Resume.
- Three essays.
- $65 application fee ($85 for international students).
Completed applications are reviewed by committee, and action is taken on them periodically throughout the year. Each applicant is notified by letter of the action taken on his or her application.
Graduate applications are submitted online. For detailed application steps and answers to frequently asked questions, please visit the Getting Admitted section of our Full-Time program website or our Working Professional program website.
All admissions to any graduate program in business are subject to and in accordance with all rules and regulations. See Admission in the Graduate Studies section of the online catalog for more information.
Curriculum
Full-Time Program
The Full-Time MAcc program offers four different tracks of coursework, allowing students to specialize in assurance, tax, advisory/consulting services or corporate accounting. Each track requires 30 credit hours, but the number and type of required courses and electives in each track varies. Students with a non-accounting undergraduate degree will take an additional set of classes prior to their track coursework.
Assurance (Audit)
The Assurance (Audit) track curriculum prepares students for a career in external audit at public accounting firms. External auditors examine financial records and assess internal controls to ensure a company's financial statements are presented fairly and in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
Tax
The Tax track curriculum prepares students to meet the demands of a career in taxation, including positions in public accounting or corporate tax. There are many opportunities to specialize as a tax professional, including state and local tax, international tax, transfer pricing and estate and trust planning.
Advisory/Consulting Services
The Advisory/Consulting Services track curriculum helps students develop the skills necessary to become successful advisors in a complex and diverse business world. Advisory and consulting services careers vary greatly and include risk management, IT audit, performance improvement, fraud and forensics, business valuation and mergers and acquisitions.
Corporate
The Corporate track curriculum prepares students for a career outside of public accounting, including private industry, not-for-profit and government. Typical entry-level positions are in the areas of corporate accounting and internal audit.
See the Curriculum page of our website for more detailed track information.
Working Professional Program
The Working Professional MAcc program offers students at least two classes per semester. Although a specific track is not required for Working Professional students, courses offered are similar to those in the Full-Time Corporate track. Students are required to complete a total of 30 credit hours.
Students with a non-accounting undergraduate degree will take an additional set of classes prior to their track coursework.
Contact Information
For more information about the KU Master of Accounting programs, please see our Full-Time website and/or our Working Professional website or email kuaccounting@ku.edu.