UAB’s Master of Accounting program curriculum is designed to allow students with a wide variety of career goals and educational backgrounds to tailor their MAc degree to meet their needs. Students may choose to focus on courses that prepare them to sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam, or they can focus on a blend of advanced accounting and business courses that prepare them for corporate, not-for-profit or governmental accounting and auditing positions. Our MAc program allows you to tailor your degree regardless of whether your undergraduate degree is in accounting or something else. All MAc students take the same three required MAc courses – advanced corporate financial reporting, accounting research, and advanced auditing and attestation services – and customize their degree from there.
CPA Preparation
A student following this focus of study is interested in becoming a CPA and wants to pursue a career in public accounting or a higher-level accounting or auditing position in a corporate, not-for-profit, or governmental organization. CPA preparation is formally incorporated in the program. Graduate from UAB, pass all four sections of the CPA exam, and be eligible to become a Certified Public Accountant.
MAc + Business Focus
This student typically pursues an accounting or auditing position in a corporate, not-for-profit, or governmental organization with plans to advance in accounting or move to a different role in the organization. The curriculum blends advanced accounting courses with study in information systems, finance, or another area of business.
Students can earn one of the following graduate certificates in addition to a Master of Accounting degree:
- Business Analytics with Information Technology
- Business in the Health Sector
- Business Leadershp & Professional Growth
- Cybersecurity Management
- Marketing in the Digital Era
- Financial Analytics for Decision Making
- Foundations of Business Administration
- IT Operations & Strategy
- Technology Commercialization & Entrepreneurship
Students are still able to pursue a CPA license later if they choose.
Foundational Accounting
This focus is required for students who have an undergraduate degree in something other than accounting but want to enter the accounting field. Primarily for those switching careers, the curriculum includes courses that help non-accounting majors get up to speed in their accounting knowledge. Students without an accounting undergraduate degree who would like to take MAc courses beyond foundational accounting knowledge and participate in our MAc CPA mentoring, should complete the Undergraduate Accounting Certificate before beginning the MAc.
How to Match a Focus to Your Career Goals
CPA Preparation
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I have an undergraduate degree in accounting. I want to pursue a MAc degree and obtain my CPA license.
- Enroll in our MAc program following the CPA Preparation focus of study.
- Graduate from UAB with a MAc degree, pass all four sections of the CPA exam, and be eligible to become a Certified Public Accountant.*
CPA licensure requirements vary by state for sitting for the CPA exam and licensure. Check with the Board of Public Accountancy in the state where you plan to practice for specifics. The National Association of State Boards of Accountancy provides a complete list of state licensing boards.opens a new website Questions about CPA licensure? Contact the MAc program advisor.
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I have an undergraduate degree but it's not in accounting. I want to pursue a MAc and obtain my CPA license.
- You have two choices:
- Enroll in the Mac with a Foundational Accounting focus. Complete the three required MAc courses and seven foundational accounting courses.
- Enroll in our Undergraduate Accounting Certificate program to obtain a foundational knowledge in accounting. Transition into the MAc program following the CPA Preparation focus of study.
- Graduate from UAB with a MAc degree, pass all four sections of the CPA exam, and be eligible to become a Certified Public Accountant.*
*Our degree plans are structured to meet the requirements to become a CPA in Alabama. Although most states have very similar requirement, if you desire to become a CPA in a different location, please check by state for CPA requirements and reach out to us with any questions.
- You have two choices:
Mac + Business OR Foundational Accounting
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I have an undergraduate degree in accounting. I want to pursue a MAc degree but do not plan to obtain my CPA license at this time.
- Enroll in our MAc program following the MAc + Business Focus area of study.
- Select your electives to match the courses in one of our graduate certificates and receive a graduate certificate upon graduation, along with your MAc.
- Graduate from UAB with a MAc degree and a graduate certificate.
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I have an undergraduate degree but it's not in accounting. I want to pursue a MAc degree but do not plan to obtain my CPA license at this time.
You have two choices:
- Enroll in the Mac with a Foundational Accounting focus.
- Complete the three required MAc courses and seven foundational accounting courses.
- Graduate from UAB with a MAc degree.
- Enroll in our Undergraduate Accounting Certificate program.
- Complete eight courses to obtain a foundational knowledge in accounting.
- Transition into the MAc program and follow the MAc = Business Focus area of study.
- Select your electives to match the courses in one of our graduate certificates.
- Graduate from UAB with a MAc degree and a graduate certificate.
- Enroll in the Mac with a Foundational Accounting focus.
