Designed for those with a non-accounting undergraduate degree, our STEM-designated Master's in Professional Accounting (MPAC) gives you the right credentials to switch careers or progress upwards in your organization.
This program is designed for those who have earned an undergraduate degree in a non-accounting (including any business major, liberal arts, and/or humanities) major wanting to pivot to the accounting profession.
Albers' MPAC program enables you to gain highly sought-after knowledge by today's employers while offering OPT (optional practical training) opportunities for international students.
Persons seeking a pathway to obtain a pathway to CPA eligibility or any other accounting certification are encouraged to apply. With an undergrad degree in business, you are en route to completing 225 quarter hours for CPA eligibility. If your degree is in a non-business major, we will help you plan your roadmap.
Apply for scholarships when you apply for our Masters in Accounting program
Graduate Programs in Top 25
from the Institute of Internal Auditors
Opportunities to undertake experiential learning including a social justice-focused tax practicum
There are several prerequisite classes that need to be completed before a Fall start. These include:
Our primary focus is to prepare individuals to become competent accounting professionals. Our curriculum walks you through the coursework needed for a deep conceptual understanding of the extensive material required for the CPA, CIA, CMA and the ACCA exams. The curriculum also includes courses on data analytics, visualization, as well as auditing in a world of emerging technologies.
In addition, you will be required to take courses like IT Audit, Advanced Accounting, Corporate Governance, Not-For Profit Accounting, and Law for Accountants. Students will also have an opportunity to conduct an IT audit practicum and a tax practicum that involves service learning. Internship opportunities of up to 12 credits are also included as part of the MPAC. With the permission of the program director and the program advisor, students may enroll in MSAA courses provided they have successfully completed the required pre-requisites.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, "employment of accountants and auditors is projected to grow 4 percent from 2019 to 2029, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Globalization, a growing economy, and a complex tax and regulatory environment are expected to continue to lead to strong demand for accountants and auditors."
The accounting industry has evolved to include analytics, visualization, block chain, robotic process automation, and artificial intelligence (AI), among other technologies as an intrinsic part of the accounting, audit, and risk assurance process. All accounting jobs now require an awareness of these emerging technologies as well as an ability to conduct analytics and data visualizations.
With this qualification, one can get jobs as an accountant (financial, cost or tax specialist), an auditor, a risk assurance and advisory consultant, or a financial analyst, among others.
Alumni of this program have placed in the Big 4, the top regional firms, and companies in the Pacific Northwest region.
Albers prides itself on providing students with real-world experience. Our Master’s in Professional Accounting students have a variety of opportunities to learn and grow outside of the classroom.