Master of Accounting

Fast track your career with a master's degree in accounting

The fifth year of college you spend qualifying for the CPA exam will set you apart from the competition. The MAcc program at UW Tacoma provides a transformational experience for those aspiring to a successful career in accounting. Bolster your skills with practical and research-based knowledge that comes from a world-class university.

The 45-quarter credit program consists of 10 four-credit courses, and a five-credit internship or independent study experience. Students apply program knowledge to a specific area of accounting during the internship/independent study, providing valuable experience within a supportive academic environment.

• Earn your degree in nine months
• Classes after 4:30 p.m. to accommodate working professionals
• Internships with companies and accounting firms
• Small class sizes taught by world-class UW faculty
• Membership in the prestigious Milgard Alumni network

Schedule

SAMPLE SCHEDULE 9 month (3 qtr.) program / 45 credits / evening classes
AUTUMN	WINTER	SPRING
Financial Statement Analysis	Taxation of Business Entities	Business Regulation & Communication
Tax Research & Communications	Planning Control & Performance Evaluations	Forensic Accounting
Advanced Auditing	Internship or Independent Study	Accounting Analytics
Advanced Topics in Financial Accounting	Governmental & Non-Profit Accounting

Accounting and business course prerequisites

The Master of Accounting (MAcc) 9-month program is designed primarily for applicants who have an undergraduate business degree with an accounting option or major. Generally, students with such a degree would not need to complete any course prerequisites prior to applying for the program.

All prerequisite classes must be completed before the start of the MAcc Program. The following prerequisites or their equivalents must be taken at a college or university, either at the undergraduate 300, 400 or graduate level:

• Intermediate Accounting I, II, III (or equivalent series)
• Cost Accounting
• Auditing
• Individual Income Tax

Students who did not major in accounting should consider the 18-month MAcc track.

See our course descriptions here in the UW Tacoma course catalog.  http://www.washington.edu/students/crscatt/

When and How to Apply

A full-time Master of Accounting program designed for non-accounting degree holders

This track is open to recent graduates and professionals seeking to solidify their accounting skills to succeed in professional careers. It also provides students with necessary credit hours to qualify for the CPA exam in Washington State.

Who should apply?

Those who have a bachelor's degree and want to enter the high demand field of accounting. Earn a master's degree in accounting and meet requirements for CPA examination. As a full-time program, it is ideal for international and military students.

Format

• Courses are taught on the UW Tacoma campus in the afternoon and evening to accommodate schedules of working professionals
• The student cohort admits for autumn quarter and classes meet autumn through spring
• Program can be completed in two academic years (18 months)

Benefits

• Become eligible for the CPA exam by earning all upper-division accounting credits
• Make an exciting career change. Be recruited by employers for internships and full-time careers through Milgard's career and professional development network
• Access to the Milgard Success Center throughout your career
• Join the prestigious Milgard Alumni Network
• World-class faculty, small class sizes, urban campus in the heart of vibrant downtown Tacoma

Prerequisites/admission requirements

• Earned a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
• A minimum of 8 quarter credit hours with at least one course each in financial and managerial accounting. Must have earned a B (GPA of 3.0 on a 4-point scale) or better in each of these courses. Equivalent UW Tacoma courses would be TACCT 210, 220 and 230. Equivalent Washington community college courses are ACCT 201, 202 and 203.
• GMAT score in the range of 500 and above, or be approved for a GMAT waiver
• International students must satisfy the UW Graduate School’s English Language Proficiency Requirement. The TOEFL institution code for UW Tacoma is 4854

When and How to Apply

Graduate school minimum admission requirements

*AS OF MARCH 2020, The Milgard School is waiving the GMAT requirement on both the 9-month and 18-month MAcc programs for both International and domestic students.

Applicants must meet the UW Graduate School Admission Requirements to be eligible for admission to the UW Tacoma's MAcc Program.

• Hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university in the U.S. or its equivalent from a foreign institution.
• Prefer at least a 3.0 grade-point-average (on a 4 point scale) for the last 90 graded quarter credits or 60 graded semester credits.
• Be proficient in English: Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency. The ways in which proficiency can be demonstrated are outlined in Memo 8: Graduate School English Language Proficiency Requirements.

The UW Tacoma's MAcc Program selects prospective students on the basis of their academic achievements, their ability to communicate effectively, and their record of personal accomplishments. Admission is based on a number of criteria including:

• Satisfactory completion of prerequisite accounting and business classes before you start the MAcc program.
• Scores from the GMAT exam.
• International students:  Proof of English proficiency. The TOEFL institution code for UW Tacoma is 4854
• Well-written admission essay.
• Internship (include on your resume even if you haven't started work yet), and/or any work experience.
• Volunteer and student activities.

In selecting the entering class, the Milgard School also strives to create an environment that fosters a rich and satisfying learning experience and is representative of society as a whole. We believe that a diverse student body helps create such an environment.

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. 

Program cost for 2020-2021 

• $440/credit for Washington Residents.
• $550/credit for Non-Washington State Residents 
• Technology fee $40/quarter

Program cost for entire program (based on current rates) 

9-month MAcc 

• Washington Residents: $19,800 
• Non-Washington State Residents: $24,750 

18-month MAcc 

• Washington Residents: $35,200 
• Non-Washington State Residents: $44,000