Master of Science in Accounting
Accountants are in high demand. Employment opportunities are better than ever, and salaries are increasing rapidly in response to this increasing demand.
The Katz Master of Science in Accounting (MAcc) program prepares students for accounting positions in a variety of industries such as public accounting, banks, other private corporations, not-for-profit organizations, and government. Katz’s curriculum develops professional skills and knowledge that set our students apart from other job candidates. The program is appropriate for both students who majored in accounting as undergraduates, as well as for non-accounting undergraduates.
Katz also offers a STEM-designated Master of Science in Accounting and Business Analytics program. Although the MAcc program includes data analytics courses, the MAcc + BA program has a greater focus on data analytics. Both programs prepare graduates for a successful professional career.
The MAcc and the MAcc + BA programs prepare students to pass the CPA exam, by covering the content areas of the exam and by satisfying the 150-credit hour requirement of Pennsylvania and most other U.S. states.
Upon graduating, you’ll be prepared to pass the CPA exam, and you will have satisfied the 150 credit-hour requirement required by most U.S. states to qualify for CPA certification.
The MAcc program at Katz brings together award-winning professors, industry experts, and knowledgeable students to explore and analyze complex business activities and apply emerging technologies. With courses from Forensic Accounting to Data Analytics, we strive to help our students prepare for success in a shifting market and successfully pass the CPA exam. I value the preparedness and enthusiasm our students bring and the experiences we provide to help them be ready for their future.
Career Examples
- Forensic Accountant
- Tax Associate
- Tech Assurance
- Accounting Data Analyst
- Audit and Advisory Positions
Facts and Figures
- Pitt Business accounting graduates are highly successful, with 70% passing the CPA exam on their first attempt, compared to 55.7% across Pennsylvania and 50% nationwide. Source: NASBA Report on the CPA Exam, 2019 (the most recent publication date).
- Pitt undergraduate students can earn both the BSBA and MAcc degrees in as little as 4 years through the University’s 3 + 1 Program. Students can also complete both degrees in 4 ½ to 5 years depending on their individual situations.
- Students who had been undergraduate accounting majors generally complete the MAcc program in 2 semesters. Others will require additional time to also complete the 6 prerequisite courses (18 credits).
- Please email the MAcc faculty director, Professor Karen Shastri, at kshastri@pitt.edu to discuss your personal path to completion of the MAcc and/or MAcc + BS program.
Courses
Curious about the courses you’ll take as a Master of Science in Accounting student? View courses and recommended electives.
Professional Development
Here you’ll find information about credit, course, degree, and work experience requirements for earning your CPA license.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Katz has been taking the best of efforts to keep things as normal as possible in these virtual times. With the mix of classes, clubs, professional development and networking events, my time at Katz has been educating, engaging and exciting.
What makes Katz unique is the environment they cultivate for students right from the start. Katz encouraged a culture of collaboration, what I learned outside the classroom from my classmates has been just as valuable as what I learned from my professors.
