Program Overview

The master’s degree in accounting at the University of Kansas prepares students for advanced professional roles in accounting, auditing, taxation, information systems, and consulting. Delivered by the KU School of Business, one of the few institutions to hold both business and accounting accreditations by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), this intensive, one-year graduate experience is designed to deepen technical expertise while strengthening analytical, ethical, and strategic decision-making skills.

The curriculum aligns closely with professional accounting standards and emphasizes the application of accounting theory to complex business challenges. Students build advanced knowledge across financial reporting, taxation, assurance services, and accounting analytics while developing the professional judgment expected of today’s accounting leaders.

Designed for students with undergraduate preparation in accounting or closely related business fields, the program supports individuals seeking to expand their expertise and position themselves for career advancement. Whether your goal is to work in public accounting, corporate accounting, financial analysis, government service, or nonprofit leadership, KU’s accounting graduate program provides the advanced preparation needed to compete in a demanding profession.

Students benefit from small class sizes, close faculty mentorship, and applied learning experiences that connect coursework to real-world accounting practice.

Career preparation is embedded throughout the program. Students have access to career coaching and recruiting events that connect them with employers ranging from regional firms to global organizations. KU’s strong alumni network further enhances professional connections and career mobility, supporting graduates long after completion of the degree.

With a balance of rigorous coursework and applied learning, the master’s degree in accounting equips graduates with the competencies needed for long-term success in the profession. The program emphasizes ethical responsibility, effective communication, leadership, and global business awareness—skills that are increasingly critical in today’s evolving regulatory and technological landscape.

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For more information about the program, visit the program page below.

Accounting, MACC

KU School of Business

The Master of Accounting is part of the School of Business, which advances business knowledge and prepares students to be leaders in business and society.

Master of Accounting Learning Outcomes

Graduates of KU’s master’s degree in accounting will be able to:

  • Demonstrate advanced competency in financial reporting, auditing, and taxation.
  • Apply accounting theory and professional standards to complex business scenarios.
  • Use accounting and business data to support informed decision-making.
  • Evaluate ethical issues and legal responsibilities in professional accounting practice.
  • Communicate accounting information clearly to diverse stakeholders.
  • Contribute to organizational effectiveness through leadership and strategic insight.

What Careers are Possible with a Master of Accounting?

The Master of Accounting prepares graduates for advancement across a wide range of professional roles. Common career paths include:

  • Advisory & Consulting: Provide strategic advice to solve complex business challenges and drive performance.
  • Cost Accounting: Analyze and manage costs to improve efficiency and guide smart decision-making.
  • Digital Assurance: Apply technology and data analytics to strengthen accuracy and trust in financial systems.
  • External and Internal Audit: Deliver independent evaluations of financial statements and internal controls to enhance credibility and manage risk.
  • Financial Planning and Analysis: Guide business strategy through forecasting, budgeting, and performance analysis.
  • Financial Reporting: Prepare clear, compliant financial statements that inform stakeholders and decision-makers.
  • Forensic Accounting: Investigate fraud, trace irregularities, and provide financial evidence for disputes and litigation.
  • Tax Compliance and Consulting: Ensure compliance with tax laws while advising on strategies to reduce liability.
  • Transaction Consulting: Support mergers, acquisitions, and other deals with financial analysis and structuring guidance.

According to Lightcast, national demand for roles requiring a master’s degree in accounting is projected to grow over the next decade, with competitive median earnings that reflect the value of advanced accounting expertise and professional specialization. Paired with the Master of Accounting program’s graduate placement rate of 99%, this degree has proven to set students up for immense success in the field.

Tuition and Financial Aid

KU provides competitive tuition and multiple forms of financial assistance for graduate business students. For more information on scholarships, federal aid, and tuition rates, visit the KU Financial Aid & Scholarships Office.

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the master’s degree in accounting program must meet the following requirements:

  • Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, preferably in accounting or a related business discipline
  • Provide official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions attended
  • GMAT or GRE scores (waivers may be available for qualified applicants)
  • Three essays
  • Current résumé/CV
  • Provide two letters of recommendation
  • TOEFL or IELTS scores are required for non-native English speakers

For more information on admission requirements, please visit the School of Business.

Student Life and Learning Experiences

Students enrolled in KU’s accounting graduate program engage in a dynamic academic and professional community that extends learning beyond the classroom. Opportunities include:

  • Faculty-led case studies and applied projects addressing real-world challenges and emerging technologies
  • Networking events between faculty and students to forge connection
  • Collaborative learning in Capitol Federal Hall, the KU School of Business’s state-of-the-art facility
  • Opportunities to study abroad in Costa Rica to learn more about business practices in Latin America
  • Opportunities to study abroad in India to learn more about the offshoring of accounting and financial services by U.S. public accounting firms and multinational corporations

Master of Accounting Sample Courses

The Master of Accounting curriculum includes advanced coursework aligned with professional standards and evolving industry needs. Sample courses include:

  • Decision-Making in the Boardroom
  • Strategic Communications for Accountants
  • Fraud Examination and Forensic Accounting
  • Business Valuation and Financial Analysis
  • Management Consulting
  • Advanced Taxation of Business Entities
  • Accounting Theory
  • Advanced Auditing
  • Accounting Information System Risks and Controls

View the full list of courses and requirements in the KU Catalog.

Master of Accounting Frequently Asked Questions

When should I apply?

The MAcc applications deadlines are:

October 2, 2025 (for spring 2026 applicants)

March 3, 2026 (for summer and fall 2026 applicants).

How long will it take to complete the degree?

Students typically complete this degree in two years.

Contact Information

MAcc Office 785-864-4766 kumacc@ku.edu

Accreditation & Notes

The Master of Accounting is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, and is the official degree awarded. References to “masters degree in accounting” or similar terms are used for clarity and student understanding.