Degree Overview: Master of Accountancy (M.Acc.) Degree with a Taxation Focus
Majors Overview May 12, 2015Get information about Master of Accountancy (M.Acc.) degree programs with a taxation focus and their education requirements, coursework, career choices, job and wage outlook, and certification and continuing education choices.
Master of Accountancy (M.Acc.) Programs with a Taxation Focus
Students enrolled in a Master of Accountancy (M.Acc.) degree program may opt for specialization in taxation and gain a strong grasp in areas such as tax codes, government regulations, and compliance. Students become adept at evaluating corporate finances, preparing corporate budgets, ensuring the compliance by a company of government tax codes, and conducting internal investigations. Graduates can gain the necessary number of college credits necessary to sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam in their respective states.
Education Requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school. Applicants who have not completed basic undergraduate courses in taxation, economics, and accounting may be expected to complete these courses before they are allowed to begin core coursework.
Coursework
Coursework may combine research seminars and other interactive instruction with intensive classroom instruction. The curriculum may include various subject areas related to accounting, including finance, business, and law. Core coursework may include topic areas such as the following:
•Corporate taxation
•Individual taxation
•Auditing
•Accounting management
•Financial accounting
•Cost accounting
Career Choices
Armed with a master’s degree in accounting, graduates may seek occupations in various professional capacities, such as auditing, tax planning, information technology, financial planning, and consulting. They may seek popular career options such as:
•Public accountant
•Internal auditor
•Management accountant
•Forensic accountant
Job and Wage Outlook
Over the 2012 – 2022 decade, a job growth of 13% has been predicted for accountants and auditors (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). In 2012, accountants and auditors brought in an average annual wage of $63,550 (BLS).
Certification and Continuing Education Choices
Accountants in most states can sit for the CPA exam after completion of 150 credit hours of coursework via a master’s degree program. Armed with the CPA designation, accountants can enjoy a professional advantage in the field and qualify for interaction with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Beyond the master’s degree level, continuing education options for accounting students may include a Ph.D. in Accounting that could lead to a career in academia or research. Coursework in such a program may include subject areas such as institution operation or market operation.