Program Information
The Master of Accountancy (MAc) is intended to meet the needs of both career-changers and those already working in the profession who wish to further develop their expertise. For many students, the MAc will satisfy the education requirements to sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) examinations. In addition to studying several key accounting sub-disciplines, students will have the opportunity to customize their degrees by choosing 12 units from an extensive list of accounting, tax and business electives. Students also have the option to complete the MAc degree with a concentration in financial accounting and reporting, internal auditing, management accounting, forensic accounting or taxation. Eligible students may earn up to six units of electives through an internship for approved real world experience acquired during their degree programs.
The Master of Accountancy can be obtained in person through our evening program in San Francisco and online. The evening and online venues allow students to earn their degrees at their own pace. Online learning offers extraordinary flexibility to those whose obligations or physical location prohibit regular attendance at the San Francisco campus.
The Tax and Accounting Career Fair is held late in September, at which public accounting firms, government agencies and corporations meet and hire Golden Gate University students. Internship opportunities may be available for eligible students for up to six units of elective credit.
Student Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the master of accountancy program will:
- be able to identify accounting issues, research, and effectively communicate the results orally and in writing.
- have a defined body of knowledge of essential accounting principles and doctrines, including but not limited to the following, and be able to critically apply these principles to practical situations and to adapt to changing work environments: revenue recognition; IFRS; auditing; internal controls; control environment; materiality; ethics, both practical implementation and professional responsibility; and fraud.
- be prepared to be effective accounting decision makers in an increasingly international business environment.
- have an understanding of the business, legal, professional, and ethical context for a career as a professional accountant, including the ability to identify and appropriately act when ethical dilemmas are encountered in the activities of a professional accountant.
- have experience and skill in accomplishing objectives by collaboration.
Requirements for the Master of Accountancy
The MAc program requires 45 units of graduate coursework. Courses listed carry three semester units of credit unless otherwise noted. For further information regarding graduation requirements, see Degree Requirements for Graduate Programs .
Computer Proficiency Requirement
Applicants are expected to have access to current levels of computing, including the Internet, and to have a working familiarity with computers and the software applications appropriate for graduate study.
Math Proficiency Requirement
Applicants are expected to possess a level of mathematical skill at least equivalent to Intermediate Algebra (MATH 20 ). Students may meet this requirement by satisfying one of the screening criteria listed under the heading “Proficiency in Mathematics, English and Computer Skills Required for Certain Master’s Degrees and Certain Graduate Certificates”.
Economics Proficiency Requirement
Students are expected to possess a level of economic skill and knowledge at least equivalent to that attained in ECON 1 or ECON 2 .
Finance Proficiency Requirement
Students are also expected to possess a level of financial analysis ability equivalent to FI 100 .
Graduate Writing Proficiency Requirement
Students are expected to possess a level of writing skill and knowledge equivalent to ENGL 201 . Students may meet this requirement by satisfying one of the screening criteria. See Graduate Writing Proficiency Requirement for more information.
Multiple Concentrations
Two or more concentrations may be earned in the Master of Accountancy program. In addition to the course requirements for the concentrations, students must complete the proficiency and advanced program requirements. Elective courses may apply to more than one concentration. All of the courses required for each concentration must be completed prior to graduation. Students may not request additional concentrations after their degrees have been conferred. The student’s diploma will list all of the concentrations successfully completed prior to graduation.
The following concentrations are available:
Advanced Program - 45 units
In addition to the core courses, a 12 unit concentration must be completed.
Forensic Accounting Concentration - 12 units
The School of Accounting’s MAc forensic accounting concentration is for both career changers and those already working in the profession who wish to develop specialized forensic accounting expertise. It includes courses in fraud examination, financial statement investigations, complex discovery and data management, the role of the expert and expert report, bankruptcy and insolvency, economic damages, valuation and lost profits.
The MAc can be obtained in person through our evening programs in San Francisco and online. The evening and online venues allow students to earn their degrees at their own pace. Online learning offers extraordinary flexibility to those whose obligations or physical location prohibit regular attendance at the San Francisco campus.
The MAc forensic accounting concentration requires 45 units of graduate coursework. The requirements are the core courses described above (33 units) plus 12 units of concentration courses described below.
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