Spring 2019 KU MAcc graduates pose with Big Jay in Capitol Federal Hall

Setting you up for success

The KU MAcc program produces graduates who are successful in public accounting firms, industry, government, not-for-profits and academia.

Overview

Opportunities for accounting professionals are diverse and limitless.

With our high placement rate — above 90 percent, outstanding career services, integrated CPA program and powerful alumni network, a MAcc degree from KU will give you a competitive edge in the marketplace.

Passing the CPA exam

The KU MAcc program allows students to fulfill the requirements to sit for the CPA exam in Kansas, Missouri and most other states.* Our students consistently achieve a high pass rate on the exam in part due to the integration of the Becker CPA review course into our program.

Led by KU faculty, the Becker course is integrated into the spring semester so that our graduates have the opportunity to pass all four parts of the exam before starting full-time employment.

Students prepare and sit for one section of the exam at a time, which gives them the best chance to pass each part of the exam on the first attempt. Students and employers continue to praise this innovative approach to preparing for and passing the CPA exam.

*The Master of Accounting can meet the educational requirements to sit for licensure in the state of Kansas; however, please check with an advisor about the correct course sequence. If you plan to obtain a license or certification in a state other than Kansas or a US territory after completion of your program, it is highly recommended you first seek guidance from the appropriate licensing agency BEFORE beginning the academic program to ensure you can obtain a license or certification in your home state or territory. The website nasba.org/stateboards provides resources for licensure and certification boards outside of Kansas.

CPA exam success

  • #29 in the country among large programs for first-time CPA exam pass rate (NASBA)

  • 76.4% of KU MAcc graduates passed the CPA exam on their first try in 2019. (The 2019 national average was 58.6%) (NASBA)

  • Our program ranks in the top 5 among larger collegiate accounting programs for the CPA Success Index, which estimates students’ progress toward completing all four parts of the CPA exam in 18 months.


High placement rate

Averaging more than 90% placement by graduation, MAcc students secure top jobs in Kansas, coast-to-coast, or anywhere in the world.

Recent placement locations include Kansas City, Boston, New York City, Charlotte, Atlanta, Memphis, Chicago, Portland, Minneapolis, Denver, Bartlesville/Tulsa, Dallas, Houston, Phoenix, San Francisco and Seattle.

Our graduates secure jobs working in many areas of accounting including:

  • Assurance
  • Forensic Accounting
  • Personal Financial Planning
  • Business Valuation
  • Internal Audit
  • Risk Advisory
  • Management Consulting
  • IT Services
  • Tax Services
  • Financial Reporting
  • Litigation Support
  • Mergers and acquisitions/Deal advisory

With an average starting salary of nearly $55,000, a KU MAcc degree will position you for long-term career success.


Outstanding career services

In addition to career advising and support, the Business Career Services office provides MAcc students with many other services such as career fair preparation, employer roundtables, mock interviews, and resume reviews.

“The MAcc degree at KU is highly regarded by employers and can help students move into successful careers in accounting. Business Career Services works with all of the Big 4 firms as well as many of the regional firms, private groups and government agencies who seek to hire students with a Master of Accounting degree.” 

—Jolene Phillips, Assistant Director, Business Career Services