Master of Accounting

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Providing Exceptional Education in Accounting

The Milgard School of Business Master of Accounting (MAcc) program is a one year, 45-quarter credit full-time professional program. The program will consist of 10 four-credit courses and one (1) five-credit internship.  The internship requirement enables students to the opportunity to apply their academic skill and knowledge to a specific area of accounting.

The MAcc courses cover key areas of accounting and business knowledge such as advanced topics in accounting, international accounting, planning, control and performance evaluation, financial statement analysis, financial accounting theory, taxation of businesses, and business law and ethics. These courses emphasize the skills and tools for accountants to provide information and assist decision makers.  The program's innovative features include international accounting, social reporting, and forensic accounting. The program provides the fifth-year of higher education required for the State of Washington CPA exam.

Program Cost

This is a fee-based program and it is possible for students to qualify for some federal and state grants, loans, or the work study program, as well as Master of Accounting scholarships.  Students in all fee-based programs and fee-based degrees are ineligible for the tuition exemption program, institutional tuition waivers and the Undergraduate/Graduate University Grant programs, including the Husky Promise program.  For information on federal or state aid, contact the UW Office of Student Financial Aid. 

The program fees for 2012-2013:

  • Course Fee
    • $440/credit for Washington Residents. ($19,800 for the entire program)
    • $550/credit for Non-Washington State Rresidents ($24,750 for the entire program
  • Technology Fee
    • $40/quarter

Program Length

The program can be completed in 1 year on a full-time basis only.  Courses start in the fall and end in the following spring.  Students who have had an equivalent course with a grade of "B" (3.0) or better may be eligible to waive one course if completed within the past five years.

Courses

A Rigorous Curriculum to Advance Accounting Careers

Enabling accounting professionals to adapt to the evolving realities of the global marketplace, the Milgard School’s MAcc curriculum provides a solid foundation, rooted in the business fundamentals identified by regional business leaders.

AUTUMN QUARTER
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Financial Statement Analysis (4 credits)
Examines the analytical tools and research techniques necessary to understand and interpret financial statements for the purposes of making economic decisions from a user’s perspective.

Taxation of Business Entities (4 credits)
Investigates the effects of income taxes on business strategy. Examines the interaction of income tax considerations with non-tax considerations in business decision-making.

Advanced Auditing (4 credits)
Examines key issues regarding generally accepted auditing standards, the role of the auditor, professional conduct and ethics, reporting responsibilities, risk assessment, internal control evidential matter, management fraud, forensic accounting, and auditing of social reports.

Governmental and Not-For-Profit Accounting (4 credits)
Explores accounting issues for state and local governments, public and private colleges and universities, hospital and health care providers, and other not-for-profit organizations. Examines the characteristics that distinguish governmental and not-for-profit entities from for-profit entities. Investigates fund structure and financial reporting issues for various kinds of not-for-profit institutions.

WINTER QUARTER
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Tax Research & Communication (4 credits)
Examines issues in conducting tax research. Investigates aspects of the research process, including how to find, read, and evaluate primary and secondary sources of tax law. Emphasizes development of advanced communication skills relating to the expression of research findings in taxation.

Advanced Topics in Financial Accounting (4 credits)
Investigates advanced accounting issues related to business combinations, foreign currency transactions, financial derivatives, segment and interim reporting, intercompany transactions, SEC regulation and reporting requirements, and revenue recognition. Emphasizes the ability to identify and apply related accounting principles, assess their impact on the financial statements, and identify areas of potential misstatements.

Internship (5 credits)
Provides students the opportunity to receive practical knowledge and experience in an accounting environment.  Permits students to perform field work utilizing the skills developed in the classroom.  An internship proposal is required for registration and a written report is required upon completion of the internship.

Planning, Control and Performance Evaluation (4 credits)
Investigates the use of cost accounting information and techniques to support decision-makers as they develop, implement, evaluate and modify organizational strategy. Examines and evaluates quantitative models and behavioral aspects regarding the use of cost information in decision-making.

SPRING QUARTER
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Business Regulation and Communication (4 credits)
Investigates key issues in the current regulatory business environment. Examines statutory and common law precedent of issues. Explores optimization of results to those key issues evaluated. Emphasizes the development of advanced communication skills pertaining to research regarding regulatory issues.

Financial Accounting Theory (4 credits)
Examines accounting theory, such as the role of accounting in valuation of securities, performance evaluation, and accounting standards setting. Investigates the scope and limitations of “generally accepted accounting principles,” with special emphasis on the objectives of financial reporting.

Advanced International Accounting (4 credits)
Examines the causes and effects of global accounting diversity. Investigates issues related to the preparation and use of financial reports across borders. Investigates selected financial reporting and disclosure issues including social responsibility reporting. Emphasizes the nature and importance of emerging capital markets, and managerial accounting issues related to global business.

 

Admissions

Comprehensive admission information is located within the Admission section of this website. 

Questions

Contact Sally Schwartz at (253) 692-4733 or email to uwtmacc@uw.edu.