The Master of Accounting (MAcc) program provides students with the credit hours necessary to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and prepares graduates for success in a dynamic profession. Students apply technical accounting knowledge to a variety of business situations and develop analytical, critical thinking, and communication skills. The 12-month online program offers exceptional value to both new graduates and anyone seeking to shift gears and pursue a career in accounting.
Program Requirements
Common Core
The theoretical structure underlying financial accounting will be discussed. The relationship of accounting theory to basic financial statements and standard setting will be analyzed. Case analysis will require research in accounting standards and application of those standards to various situations.
Prerequisites:
none
This course examines the audit of investments, equity, estimates, going concern issues, and other advanced topics related to the audit of financial statements. The course also covers non-audit services such as compilations, SSARS reviews, and agreed upon procedures engagements.
Prerequisites:
none
The course examines significant principles of the federal tax system as applied to individuals and entities to provide a deeper understanding and appreciation of tax rules and underlying policies. The course will utilize the study of critical tax cases and application of tax laws to factual scenarios.
Prerequisites:
none
This course provides an advanced overview of the production and management of workplace communication. Participants will analyze and produce documents typical of workplace communication (ranging from memos and reports to business plans and websites) and research presentations, documentation, and management of communication projects appropriate to their industry or business concerns.
Prerequisites:
none
Restricted Electives
Choose 20 Credit(s).
This course provides in-depth coverage of contemporary tools and techniques available for analyzing financial statements and other relevant data to derive measurements and relationships useful in decision making.
Prerequisites:
none
This course examines accounting rules and regulations for governmental and not-for-profit entities.
Prerequisites:
none
The course provides an overview of organizing, financing and managing corporations, risk management, bankruptcy and foreclosure. SEC oversight of publicly traded securities, insider trading restrictions, and liability issues are also examined. Professional and ethical responsibilities of accountants are discussed.
Prerequisites:
none
This course addresses specialized topics in accounting, auditing, or taxation. Topics will vary by semester.
Prerequisites:
none
This course examines the principles and methodology of fraud detection and deterrence. Topics include skimming, cash larceny, check tampering, register disbursement schemes, billing schemes, payroll and expense reimbursement schemes, non-cash misappropriations, corruption, fraudulent financial statements, and interviewing witnesses.
Prerequisites:
none
This course is designed for those interested in financial auditing. The course focuses on the processes involved in information technology (IT) auditing, from planning an IT audit to auditing controls. Topics include general controls, application controls, and audit technology applications. Auditing standards and frameworks, including the COSO and COBIT frameworks, are examined. The approach to performing a SOX audit for the IT infrastructure that supports key financial applications is discussed.
Prerequisites:
none
This course concentrates on the skills needed to research tax questions. The research process employed to ascertain the state of the Federal tax law applicable to the facts, and the formulation of conclusions and professional recommendations is also explored.
Prerequisites:
none
This course examines the tax impact of the conduit rule, partnership formation, operation, sale and dissolution of a partnership; income to the partners, withdrawal and retirement of partners; and basis calculations.
Prerequisites:
none
This course examines issues and rules governing the taxability of C-corporations and their shareholders. The tax concepts and rules related to the activities of formation, operations, distributions, and liquidation are reviewed for the C-corporation entity and its shareholders.
Prerequisites:
none
This course addresses the importance of using data for business decision making purposes. Students will learn to identify specific business problems, evaluate potential solutions, and use data to provide a foundation for making sound business decisions. This will be accomplished through the use of systematic problem solving tools, the exploration of commonly used business analytics methodologies, and the learned use of specific software packages.
Prerequisites:
none
The course examines the IFRS reporting practices of various countries and examines recognition and disclosure differences of the major classes of assets and liabilities reported in accordance with IFRS and US GAAP. Hedging transactions of multinational corporations are also discussed.
Prerequisites:
none
Participation in a paid full-time position with a cooperating business, governmental, or civic organization whose program has been approved in advance by the department in which the student has an approved major. Credits provided upon completion of all requirements.
Prerequisites:
none
Prerequisites:
none
* MBA courses are limited to a maximum of 6 credits.
Capstone Course
This course will employ hands-on application of accounting and tax concepts to case applications. Applications will include completion of the accounting cycle as well as researching in accounting standards and tax law to address appropriate treatment of transactions.
Prerequisites:
MACC 615
Policies
Admission Requirements
1. An undergraduate degree is required for admittance.
2. Undergraduates in Accounting who have a 3.0 cumulative GPA and have completed 5 upper-level accounting courses can apply for admission but would not be able to take MAcc courses until their degree is conferred.
3. Applicants with degrees other than accounting must complete, at a minimum, Intermediate Accounting Financial Accounting 1 and 2, Individual Income Tax, Business Income Tax, and Auditing.
After review of your application, the director and/or admissions committee, at their discretion, may also request the submission of two letters of reference. The committee may request that the applicant participate in an interview with the director of the MAcc program.
Graduation Requirements
Individuals must meet the Minnesota State University, Mankato Graduate Studies graduation requirements (https://grad.mnsu.edu/graduate-college-policy/). This includes a "C" or better in all courses counting towards the degree and a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
Degree Master of Accounting
Major Credits 30
Total Credits 30
Locations Online
Career Cluster Finance
Accreditation
AACSB
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business