MASTER OF ACCOUNTANCY (MAcc) PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Revised 8/24/09
Emphasizing theoretical knowledge, analytical skills, information technology proficiency and research methodology in solving business problems, the MAcc program is designed to meet the needs of private corporations, governmental and non-profit organizations, and public accounting firms. Building upon a student’s undergraduate accounting background, the program allows students to enhance the requisite leadership and oral and written communication skills necessary to advance to positions of increasing responsibility within their chosen career path. The MAcc program may also be structured to satisfy the requirements to meet Florida’s educational requirements to become a licensed CPA.
A quality accounting program requires highly motivated students, a dedicated faculty, actively involved alumni, and an outstanding support staff – all of which MAcc students will find at the USF College of Business Administration. USF faculty and staff members are dedicated to creating an educational environment that equips MAcc graduates with the analytical tools required to succeed, and a mastery of the fundamental concepts and principles involved in the global business arena. The success of our graduates has created a tradition of excellence, which we continually strive to enhance. Accordingly, the MAcc curriculum is evaluated regularly for its strength and relevance to changing global issues, business ethics, and technological innovations.
Program of Study
The MAcc program consists of 30 semester hours of work beyond the accounting undergraduate degree. Most of the program (up to 21 hours) is devoted to the study of accounting. The remaining hours consist of study in other business areas, including economics, entrepreneurship, finance, and information systems and decision sciences, are elected by the student in consultation with his/her MAcc advisor. MAcc courses are taught only on the Tampa campus and are offered both day and evening.
Accreditation
USF is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association Colleges and Schools. USF’s business and accounting programs are separately accredited by AACSB International – The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the highest national (and international) accreditation an accounting program can receive.
Admissions
All applicants must have the equivalent of an undergraduate major in accounting at USF, including 24 hours of upper-level accounting coursework taken within the last 5 years. The accounting courses should have been taken at an AACSB accredited U.S. college or university.
Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better in all upper-level accounting courses and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better in all work while registered as an upper division student working toward a baccalaureate degree. A 500 or better score on the GMAT is required. Please note that these are minimum requirements, and do not guarantee admission into our MAcc program.
Admission Deadlines
| Semester You Wish to be Admitted |
Application Deadline
|
Spring 2010
|
October 15, 2009
|
Summer 2010
|
March 15, 2010
|
Fall 2010
|
June 1, 2010
|
Spring 2011
|
October 1, 2010
|
Summer 2011
|
March 1, 2011
|
Fall 2011
|
March 1, 2011
|
All applications, exam scores and transcripts should be received by the application deadline. A graduate application is available at http://admissions.grad.usf.edu.
REVISED ADMISSION DEADLINES AND POLICIES EFFECTIVE FOR SPRING 2011
Because the MAcc program is increasing in popularity and demand, we anticipate putting in place a competitive admissions policy beginning with admissions to the MAcc program for the Spring 2011 semester. At this time, we will go to a “pool” admissions method. What this means is we will accept applications up to the deadline for each semester, as listed above. After the application deadline, we will begin a review of all applications received. The most qualified candidates at that time will receive highest consideration. If your application is received after the admissions date closes, your application will be considered on a space available basis. Note that in any case, meeting the minimum qualification does not guarantee admission. Admission is competitive.
Revised Curriculum Structure Effective Fall 2009
A revised MAcc curriculum will be effective for students entering the MAcc program in the Fall 2009 semester. The new curriculum is designed to provide greater flexibility in responding to the current business environment and to allow students more freedom to select courses that serve their own particular career objectives.
Students currently in the MAcc program will meet with the MAcc advisor to modify their program plan in light of the availability of new courses.
The Master of Accountancy curriculum has a set of three required common core accounting courses. The student may emphasize a particular specialty through a choice of accounting electives. The sequencing of courses will be determined in consultation with the MAcc advisor.
| Required Accounting Courses |
9 |
| ACG 6875 |
Financial Reporting and Professional Issues |
3 |
| ACG 6405 |
Advanced Accounting Information Systems |
3 |
| ACG 6932 |
Integrative Accounting Seminar |
3 |
| |
| Accounting Electives (3 courses) |
9 |
| ACG 6476 |
Contemporary Issues in Accounting Information Systems |
3 |
| ACG 6636 |
Contemporary Issues in Auditing |
3 |
| ACG 6065 |
Contemporary Issues in Taxation |
3 |
| TAX 6445 |
Estate Planning |
3 |
| ACG 5205 |
Advanced Financial Accounting |
3 |
| ACG 5675 |
Internal and Operational Auditing |
3 |
| ACG 5505 |
Governmental/Not-for-Profit Accounting |
3 |
| TAX 5015 |
Federal Taxation for Business Entities |
3 |
| |
Non-accounting Electives (3 courses) |
9 |
Electives must be approved in advance by MAcc advisor
Open Elective
This may be either an accounting elective or non-accounting elective. Must be
approved in advance by MAcc advisor. |
3 |
Total Semester Hours (Note: At least 21 hours must be in 6000-level courses) |
30 |
Note: Before taking 6000-level courses on any of USF’s regional campuses, MAcc students must receive written approval from the MAcc advisor.
