Master of Professional Accountancy
University of California Riverside
Key Information
Campus location
Riverside, USA
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
9 - 15 months
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
USD 57,552
Application deadline
Request info *
Earliest start date
Request info
* priority round: December 15 | round 2: January 31 | round 3: March 31 | international late round: June 1 | domestic late round: August 1
Scholarships
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Introduction
This program builds a career in accounting through advanced education in audit and assurance, taxation, accounting information systems, and ethics. It prepares you with the knowledge to meet the State of California Board of Accountancy education standards required for the Uniform Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam, as well as for the Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), and/or Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) examinations.
Two tracks are offered: Track One is for applicants with a degree or major in accounting and is typically completed in 9 months. Track Two is for applicants without an accounting background and is often completed in 15 months. Domestic students may also choose to follow a flexible schedule that combines their studies with industry work experience.
A STEM-Designated Degree Program
The Master of Professional Accountancy is a STEM-designated degree program (science, technology, engineering, and math). International students in a STEM-designated program are granted an extended stay to work in the U.S. and are eligible to apply for 36 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT) in their field of study after graduation.
Ideal Students
Class Profile
The Master of Professional Accountancy cohort at UCR is comprised of individuals looking to sit for the CPA, CMA, CIA, or CISA exams in addition to accounting professionals looking to accelerate their accounting careers, and move into management positions. Given the diversity of our students, your acquisition of technical skills in the accounting industry will be complemented by cultural sensitivity, collaborative teamwork, and leadership promise, positioning you for top positions in the world of accounting.
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Curriculum
The one-year, 48-quarter-unit program is designed to prepare students with the technical knowledge, judgment, evidential reasoning, ethical skills, interpersonal skills, and executive presence that are the key to a quality accounting and auditing education. Students in the program will study advanced topics in both accounting and taxation, but the major focus of the program is auditing and assurance services.
Two tracks are offered: Track One is for applicants with a degree or major in accounting and can be completed in 9 months. Track Two is for applicants without an accounting background and can be completed in 15 months.
Track One Courses
This track is designed for undergraduate accounting students with a solid background in accounting content.
Required Courses (20 units)
- MGT 225: Professional Accounting and Auditing Research
- MGT 229: Accounting Ethics and Professional Responsibilities
- MGT 240B: Advanced Taxation
- MGT 278A: Auditing and Assurance Services: Theory and Practice
- MGT 278B: Information Technology Auditing and Assurance
Recommended Electives (28 units)
- MGT 204: Cost & Management Accounting
- MGT 226: Fraud & Forensics Accounting
- MGT 240A: Taxation
- MGT 241: Accounting Systems & Control
- MGT 245: Financial Statement Analysis
- MGT 277: Advanced Financial Accounting
- MGT 278C: Internal Auditing
Comprehensive Exam
Students must pass a comprehensive examination given at the end of all coursework to receive the degree. The exam covers all required courses and includes integrated questions that are not necessarily course-specific.
Track Two Courses
Students who have little to no background in accounting are required to take prerequisite courses to help reduce knowledge gaps and ensure success in the MPAc program and beyond in their accounting careers.
Prerequisite Courses (4-8 units depending on prior background)
- MGT 400A: Financial Accounting Principles and Practices
- MGT 400E: Auditing and Assurance
Required Courses (20 units)
- MGT 225: Professional Accounting and Auditing Research
- MGT 229: Accounting Ethics and Professional Responsibilities
- MGT 240B: Advanced Taxation
- MGT 278A: Auditing and Assurance Services: Theory and Practice
- MGT 278B: Information Technology Auditing and Assurance
Recommended Electives (28 units)
- MGT 204: Cost & Management Accounting
- MGT 226: Fraud & Forensics Accounting
- MGT 240A: Taxation
- MGT 241: Accounting Systems & Control
- MGT 245: Financial Statement Analysis
- MGT 277: Advanced Financial Accounting
- MGT 278C: Internal Auditing
Comprehensive Exam
Students must pass a comprehensive examination given at the end of all coursework to receive the degree. The exam covers all required courses and includes integrated questions that are not necessarily course-specific.
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
Potential top positions for Master of Professional Accountancy graduates:
- Finance Manager
- Tax Accountant
- Accounting Manager
- Senior Auditor
- Senior Accountant
- Senior Financial Analyst
- Corporate Controller
- Financial Controller
- Chief Financial Officer
Student Testimonials
English Language Requirements
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