To be licensed as a certified public accountant (CPA) in most states, individuals must complete 150 credit-hours of education. The Penn State Smeal College of Business offers the One-Year Master of Accounting (MAcc) Program for students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree at Penn State or elsewhere.
Becoming a CPA opens doors to opportunities not only in accounting firms, but also across the business landscape. A master’s degree in accounting will prepare students to enter careers in public accounting, corporate accounting, management accounting, and governmental accounting, as well as corporate finance, financial analysis, and law enforcement. Combining graduate accounting coursework with a CPA certificate and any one of a number of undergraduate degree specializations facilitates entry to careers in consulting and advisory services.
The Smeal College of Business’ One-Year MAcc Program is delivered in an executive format and is designed for high-potential college graduates who require additional coursework to be eligible for CPA certification. The earliest opportunity for interested students to apply to the program is in January of the junior undergraduate year. The One-Year MAcc Program spans the fall, spring, and summer semesters and culminates with the granting of a Master of Accounting degree in August.