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Master of Accountancy (MAcc)

Master both the technical and professional skills essential to long-term success in the accounting profession. Become a certified public accountant and get ready for a dynamic and rewarding career.

Accelerate Your Career—in 1 to 2 Years

Grow job-ready skills

Gain an effective combination of technical knowledge, professional insights, and industry experience. Become a trusted business professional.

High-Impact internships

Benefit from the program’s ongoing relationships with accounting firms and corporations. Connect with employers and experience the profession first-hand with relevant internships.

Diverse career paths

Start the career of your choice with opportunities in assurance, taxation, or advisory in the public accounting profession. Consider a start in industry or government, with a nonprofit, or pursue an entrepreneurial venture.

Be A Trusted Financial Partner

Become a team player people look to for answers. Gain the essential skills you need to have a successful career in accounting.

Program at a glance

  • 1–2 years—finish in as few as two semesters
  • In-person—100% with high-caliber faculty and industry professionals
  • Prerequisite—bachelor’s degree in a major other than accounting
100
placement rate within three months of graduation
Top 10
in the United States for CPA exam pass rates*
4
in Top MAcc Tax Programs in the United States
— TaxTalent, 2018

Program at a glance

  • Completion—1–2 years
  • In-person—100%
  • Undergraduate degree—Any nonaccounting major

1 Master of Accountancy Degree. 2 Paths.

Get on the path to a top accounting career—no matter your background.

Did you have an undergraduate business major?

1+ years

33-36 credits

Did you have a major outside of business?

2 years

54 credits

The Preparation and Flexibility You Need

Employers value graduates who are ready to make an impact from day one—graduates who embrace the global and diverse nature of the profession, graduates who welcome change and are willing to think critically and creatively to solve business problems. The MAcc program at the University of Wisconsin–Madison prepares you for all of this and more.

students taking notes in classroom

A comprehensive curriculum

  • 2-4 semesters based on your experience
  • Individual career coaching and mentorship
  • Personalized paths with an emphasis in taxation or one of several certificate programs
  • Programming on ethics, diversity, equity, and inclusion
  • Incorporation of emerging technology across the curriculum
  • Experiential learning projects

People talking at banquet

One-on-one connections with industry professionals

Interact with employers and alumni. The program hosts accounting-specific receptions with leading professionals every semester, and career fairs connect you with prospective employers.

speaker at symposium

Case competitions, events, and student orgs

Alumni and other corporate partners engage with the program on a regular basis, helping to plan and deliver cocurricular program elements such as case competitions, student organization events, and symposiums.

What do I need to qualify?

1
An interest in using financial data to impact business decisions
2
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in a major other than accounting
3
 A completed application (including your résumé, transcript, essays, GMAT score, letters of recommendation)

Career Opportunities

Employer contacts

  • On-campus career fairs draw over 300 employers.
  • Close work with preferred employers and the largest public accounting firms.

Top cities for employment

  • Chicago
  • Milwaukee
  • Minneapolis
  • New York
  • Atlanta
  • Miami
  • Nashville
  • Boston
  • Denver
  • Los Angeles
  • San Francisco
  • Seattle

Common areas of work

  • Client work in an audit, tax, or advisory function within the public accounting industry
  • Financial planning and analysis, budgeting, internal auditing, and internal and external financial reporting
  • Corporate rotational programs that enable professionals to experience multiple roles
  • Wealth management and financial planning
  • Forensic accounting
  • Government and nonprofit accounting
  • Start-ups and small business consulting
Leah Schmid
“I was impressed by the practical knowledge the accounting faculty offers, as well as their technical expertise. The teaching staff pushes students not only to master the course material, but to actively pursue topics that interest them. My instructors also served as mentors, offering practical advice on selecting a specialty and entering the profession.”
Leah Schmid, MAcc
Financial Advisor, Wipfli Financial Advisors LLP
Evening class for Masters of Accountancy

Admissions & Tuition

Learn about the admissions process and tuition for the MAcc program.

View requirements

Have an accounting undergraduate degree? Consider the Master of Science: Accounting and Business Analysis.

Connect With Us

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