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Master in Accountancy | MAcc | Graduate Degree Program

Master in Accountancy | MAcc

Online Master of Accountancy

Ottawa University’s online Master of Accountancy (MAcc) degree is designed to prepare students for careers as professional accountants in public practice, industry, government, and not-for-profit organizations. With OU’s MAcc degree, you will gain the conceptual framework used to measure and report on an organization’s financial health, while also growing your accounting knowledge, developing strong analytical, written and oral communication skills, and augmenting interpersonal skills.

Completion of the 30-hour online program will provide more career opportunities, while helping you meet the 150-hour educational requirement for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam in most states. The curriculum includes courses ranging from auditing and attestation, business environment and conceptual understanding to financial accounting, reporting, analysis, and business regulation.

The Master of Accountancy program is open to all students, even those without a prior degree in accounting or who haven't taken accounting courses before. Additionally, our Masters in Accounting has a concurrent degree program to allow students the opportunity to complete a bachelor’s degree in accounting at the same time and in just five years!

Reach out to an academic advisor for more information on the Combined BA/MAcc program!

For complete curriculum and course descriptions, download a program overview.

Why Should I Pursue a Career in Accounting?

Accounting is the backbone of any successful enterprise, in every industry, but it requires leadership that can do more than just keep the numbers straight. The Master of Accountancy produces professionals who know what it takes to blend accounting practice fundamentals with strategic thinking.

Accounting Related Degrees

Master of Business Administration

MBA Accounting Concentration

MBA Finance Concentration

Business Blog Spot

If you are looking for more information about accounting and other organizational needs, then please visit our Business Blog Spot.

10 Best Accounting Skills

Top Accounting Careers

Key Accounting Trends

To learn more about Ottawa's online MAcc degree, contact us today!

Beginning in the 2017-2018 academic year, the ASSB began offering the Master of Accountancy. The following note is included with respect to this degree program: *This program is not yet accredited by ACBSP, as a new business program, it cannot be considered for ACBSP accreditation until the program has been in place for at least two years and has graduates.

Accountancy | MAcc is offered at the following locations.

  • Ottawa, KS (Residential Campus)
  • Overland Park, Kansas
  • Phoenix, Arizona
  • Brookfield, Wisconsin
  • Online

Accounting Education and Qualifications

Most accountant and auditor positions require at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field. Some employers prefer applicants with a master’s degree in accounting, or a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) with a concentration in accounting. Professional recognition through certification, such as CPA, CMA, or other designation, provides a distinct advantage in the job market.

Accounting Careers

The need for accounting professionals is expected to increase 7% from 2020 to 2030, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The average wage for accountants and auditors was $73,560 in May of 2020. The highest 10% earned more than $124,450. About 135,000 openings for accountants and auditors are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Accounting principles of the MAcc provide an important foundation for careers in finance, economics, auditing, and administration within both the public and private sectors. There are a number of accounting jobs you can pursue upon graduation, including budget analyst, controller, financial manager, public accountant, or purchasing agent.

Careers in Accounting 

  • Accounting Clerk
  • Accounts Payable/Receivable Clerk
  • Accounting Information System Specialist
  • Actuarial Accountant/Insurance Accountant
  • Bookkeeping
  • Budget Analyst
  • Business Valuation Specialist
  • Capital Accountant
  • Certified Financial Planner
  • Comptroller/Financial Controller
  • Cost Account
  • Cost Estimator
  • Enrolled Agent
  • Environmental Accountant/Sustainability Measurement
  • Financial Analyst
  • Forensic Accountant
  • Payroll Accountant
  • Real Estate Appraiser
  • Tax Accountant
  • Tax Attorney
  • Tax Consultant
  • Tax Preparer

Required Accounting Courses

(30 credit hours)

Accounting Theory | ACC 7000 (3 credit hours)
Examines and evaluates the theories underlying the practice of accounting and financial reporting.  The conceptual basis of U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) is reviewed within the context of policy setting, the economics of reporting regulation, and in comparison with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). A historical perspective on the evolution of the theories is provided as part of the rationale for the treatment of financial statement elements.

Advanced Financial Accounting and Reporting | ACC 7100 (3 credit hours)
Analyzes and distinguishes between the reporting requirements of large, generally multinational corporations focusing on foreign currency transactions, segment reporting, and business combinations. Further concentrates on the rational and critical review of economic data presentation and emerging issues in financial accounting and reporting. Prerequisite: ACC 7000 Accounting Theory

Accounting Information Systems | ACC 7600 (3 credit hours)
This course provides an overview of the development, implementation, and evolution of accounting information systems (AIS). Relevant theoretical and applied research are integrated into topical coverage to further provide the conceptual, analytical, and technical knowledge and understanding necessary for accounting professionals to work efficiently and productively in a computer-based information environment.  Topics discussed include the impact of technology, control issues, and behavioral aspects of the AIS process, including the relationship between the AIS and the flows of accounting information (both internal and external to business operations) for decision-making. In addition to AIS auditability concerns, other attributes of internal and external auditing, such as professional ethics, evidence gathering and evaluation, risk assessment, and reporting options will also be examined.

Graduate Seminar: Applied Accounting | ACC 8500 (3 credit hours)
This is the capstone course in the MAcc program  It concentrates on case study analysis not only to apply knowledge from previous accounting coursework, but also to develop and improve critical thinking and analytical skills in the use of accounting information for decision-making purposes. The course will discuss applied accounting issues surrounding five themes including (a) the role of accounting, (b) the importance of professional research, (c) emerging and contemporary issues, (d) professional auditing, and (e) consulting and other accounting services. This capstone course will provide the foundation for a broad-based, comprehensive business analysis of accounting and its practical application. Prerequisite: Completion of all required program courses or approval of advisor.

Value Systems and Professional Ethics | BUS 7200 (3 credit hours)
Study of personal and corporate value systems and decision making. Investigation of personal beliefs, purposes and attitudes, and their effects on self and others. Examines the ethical dimensions of organizational structures and practices.

Accounting Core Electives

Choose two of the following courses:

Advanced Income Taxation | ACC 7200 (3 credit hours)
Analyzes and distinguishes between the studies of federal taxation as it applies to sole proprietorships, partnerships and corporations, including the tax implications and/or consequences of forming, operating, liquidating, and reorganizing such entities. The complex topics of financial tax accounting concepts (e.g., cash and accrual methods of tax accounting, time value of money effects, deferred tax assets/liabilities, permanent/temporary differences, net operating loss carryforwards/carrybacks, etc.), employee compensation, related party transactions, shareholder taxation, and tax planning are also addressed.

Professional Responsibilities and Business Law | ACC 7250 (3 credit hours)
Examines and analyzes elements of the legal environment relevant to the accounting profession. Topics of study include professional, ethical, and legal responsibilities in accounting practice applicable to partnerships, corporations and other business organizations, contracts (e.g., debtor-creditor relationships), government regulation, and aspects of the uniform commercial code (UCC) including negotiable instruments and secured transactions.

Accounting for Decision Making and Control | ACC 7300 (3 credit hours)
Examines the use of accounting information to assist management planning, analyzing, and implementing processes for business and strategic decision making. Analyzes and evaluates cost information for management planning and control, including a study of traditional management accounting systems (e.g. job order and process costing, standard costing, and activity-based costing systems) and their limitations. The application of analysis techniques to assist in finding solutions to accounting management issues are emphasized.

Advanced Auditing and Forensic Accounting | ACC 7400 (3 credit hours)
An in-depth exposure and coverage of auditing and forensic accounting topics. Coverage will include examining and assessing the auditor's attest function and its practical application, emphasizing auditing standards (e.g. concepts of independence and professional judgment), auditing methodology and procedures as well as professional and reporting responsibilities. The mechanics of an external audit are covered, including documentation, evaluation of internal controls, and the design and implementation of corroborative substantive tests. Other topics include statistical methods, governmental, internal, and operational auditing, audit management, information systems auditing, and current issues.

Business Courses

Choose three of the following courses:

Managerial Economics | BUS 7500 (3 credit hours)
Application of economic theory to managerial. Emphasis on both quantitative and qualitative application of microeconomic principles to business analysis.

Managerial Finance | BUS 7600 (3 credit hours)
Application of the theories and tools used in financial decision making. Topics include present value and capital budgeting, financial analysis and forecasting, market efficiency and capital structure.

Money and Capital Markets | BUS 7801 (3 credit hours)
Course provides a comprehensive understanding and working aptitude of the structures, tools, and functions of monetary systems, both domestic and international. Special attention will be give to the U.S. Federal Reserve System, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and other government agencies dealing with global capital markets.

Working Capital Management | BUS 7802 (3 credit hours)
Course focuses on guidelines, objectives, and methodologies involved in managing corporate short-term assets, liabilities, and working capital. Liquidity levels, cash management, credit policies, bank relationships, factoring, inventory controls, and current asset and liability management will be emphasized.

For complete curriculum and course descriptions, download a program overview.

Full Degree Catalog

University Accreditation

Ottawa University, as a whole, is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Specific degree programs within our institution have also been accredited by relevant bodies within the field:

We are proudly recognized for our commitment to student excellence by the following designations:

Why Choose Ottawa
Almost all courses in Ottawa University’s programs are available online and accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. We make it easy for you to transfer credits in order to help keep tuition costs down. We also offer courses in accelerated 8-week terms in order to reduce your time to completion. These are just a few of the reasons why we are proud to be the best, fastest, and most affordable option locally in the Kansas City, Milwaukee, and Phoenix areas, as well as serving students nationally through our online degrees.

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