The Master of Accounting (MAcc) will become Master of Science in Accounting (MSAcc) for students admitted beginning Autumn 2021.
No GMAT required for 2021 applications!
18-month track
Starting Autumn 2021, apply for the Master of Science in Accounting (MSAcc)
9-month track
Spring applicant
Final deadline: March 1, 2021
Autumn applicant
Starting Autumn 2021, apply for the Master of Science in Accounting (MSAcc)

The Milgard School of Business Master of Accounting (MAcc) program offers an innovative professional accounting program featuring courses in accounting analytics and forensic accounting. Tracks for accounting (9-month) and non accounting (18-month) majors are offered.
Already have a business and accounting background? (9-month track)
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 |
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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/
New to accounting? (18-month track)
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
Admission Requirements
Graduate school minimum admission requirements
No GMAT required for 2021 applications!
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.
Tuition / Program Cost
Cost of program for 2020-2021:
- Course Fee
- $440/credit for Washington Residents.
- $550/credit for Non-Washington State Residents
- Technology Fee
- $40/quarter
Program costs for the entire program (based on current tuition rates)
9-month program
- Washington Residents: $19,800
- Non-Washington State Residents: $24,750 18-month program
- Washington Residents: $35,200
- Non-Washington State Residents: $44,000
Courses emphasize the skills and tools accountants need to be able to inform and assist decision makers. Key areas of accounting and business knowledge covered in our coursework include advanced topics in accounting, accounting analytics, planning, control and performance evaluation, financial statement analysis, financial accounting theory, taxation of businesses, and business law and ethics.
Our program provides the necessary fifth-year of higher education required for the State of Washington CPA exam.
To learn more, contact us at uwtmacc@uw.edu or 253.692.5776