MACc programs for a non-accounting major

Question

Hi Everyone,

I'm planning on applying for MACc programs for Fall 2010, and was looking for suggesting for schools/how to strengthen my application. I graduated from Duke University this spring as an Art History/Chemistry major (we don't have an Accounting major...), but am really interested in going into the business world. Always being a numbers person I really enjoy accounting, and would like to keep pursuing it. Only problem is I don't have too many classes, naturally. I've taken Principles of Economics, Calculus classes, and Financial Accounting (A, had a professor who I've gotten to know very well/will write me a killer rec).

GPA: 3.38
GMAT: Haven't take yet but practice tests in the high 600s/low 700s with a few months of studying left

Right now I'm looking at UNC, Vanderbilt, William and Mary, Boston College, UNC Charlotte, UNC Wilmington, and USC as a longshot.

Am I being realistic? Any suggestions for classes I might want to take BEFORE applying (I know I'll have to take some before enrolling at most schools...)

Thanks!

nink · Answer

A lot of MAcc or MSA programs are designed for students without accounting undergrad background. Many programs (although not all) welcome and some even require that one didn't major in accounting as undergrad in order to apply for their program.

Successful applicants to top MAcc or MSA programs usually boast following stats:

1) Solid UG GPA: 3.2 or above but higher at more competitive programs such as USC
2) High GMAT: 650 or higher to be safe, but 680 or above at least to be on the safe side for more competitive programs
3) Following classes in UG transcript: Calculus and other math classes, Statistics (very important in many programs), some accounting, some Law (i.e. - Business Law)

For GMAT, schools care about high quant score than verbal score, although balanced score would be ideal.

Some schools even require work experience or internship experience in related area.

For essays, make sure they are very solid and objective. You have to be clear about your goals and reasons for pursuing the degree. (They want future CPA accountants, since CPA passing rate accounts for portion of school ranking)

In my opinion, your stats make you a pretty good candidate for MSA or MAcc programs. Make sure you study for GMAT carefully. Good luck and never discount yourself.

Probability of your admit to any of the schools that you've mentioned increases as soon as you submit that application (compared to not submitting at all)......

rayparlour · Answer

Most Schools do need some prerequsites, a few don't. I know for example UNC don't need any, but USC and William and Mary need some prereqs.

Consider taking these classes that might be needed:

Managerial Acct, Intermediate I & II Accounting, Auditing, Income Tax, Cost Accounting, maybe a finance course to supplement it.

Look at the websites and see what are needed.

3.38 from DOOK is fine.

GMAT around 650 is competitive.

Good Essays.

Good luck!

(UVA UGrad, Notre Dame Grad this fall)

Santino12 · Answer

I am also contemplating either a MACC or MSA program. I actually earned my undergrad in pre-med at University of Notre Dame in '97, served as a Naval Officer for 6 years, and have had a diverse and successful sales career over the past 6 years. The time has come for a career change, and based on my aptitude, personality, and interests, earning my CPA has become rather enticing. I'm curious if anyone can provide any insight about the differences between a MACC program versus a MSA program, specifically from the standpoint of career path and marketability. I am also looking at UNCC, UNC Chapel Hill, NS State, William and Mary, and UNC Wilmington. Thank you!

nink · Answer

From career standpoint or marketability, there is no difference between MSA or MACC. It's the same thing. Some schools call it MACC (Master of Accounting), and others call it MSA (Master of Science in Accounting). Make sure you choose a competitive program where Big 4 firms recruit as a key or priority school. UNC Chapel Hill has an amazing program where the enrollment size is small and placement rate is above 90%.

Santino12 · Answer

Thanks for that reply and the clarification. I'm also curious if there are many established professionals like myself in these programs. I've noticed that the typical student is right out of college, and the average age is about 24. It definitely takes some courage to do this at the age of 33, but I'm ready for a change, want tangible and marketable educational-based skills, and figure I'll be working for at least the next 30 years.

Thanks again.

Thanks again.

nink · Answer

I think in MST (Master of Science in Taxation) programs, you can find older (28+ in age) students more often. These are usually current CPA's, or lawyers.....getting a degree in Taxation to compliment his/her skillset.

In MACC or MSA programs, I think you are on the money. Generally, you would find younger students in these programs.

However, I wouldn't discourage you either. Big 4 firms recruit for accounting positions from 2nd tier MBA programs and professionals out of these programs tend to be older (avg around 28-30 I am guessing) and start out as Senior Associates.

sns1011 · Answer

Scored a 710 on the GMAT! Have submitted apps to UNC Chapel Hill, Northeastern (MS/MBA), William and Mary, and George Washington. Planning to submit to Boston College and Vanderbilt...others if necessary.

I'm really waiting to hear from UNC CH though. Hoping that works out because I'm dying to be back in the RDU area.

I'm really waiting to hear from UNC CH though. Hoping that works out because I'm dying to be back in the RDU area.

LionNJ · Answer

Great score! I was also thinking of going for MS Accounting. However, I am already a CPA and eventually decided that MS Accounting would not be of any significant benefit to me. Nevertheless, I did some extensive research on the MS Accounting programs in the USA and you cannot really go wrong with UNC CH. Great school, great program! My personal favorite is USC but the program is not really tailored for non-accounting majors. Anyway, good luck with your applications, given your stats you should be fine.

d0nk3y713 · Answer

Hello, I recently graduated early from UC Davis with an economics major, and I'm currently looking towards applying for a masters in accounting.

UC Davis does not have an accounting or finance major so I wasn't able to take much of the related accounting courses during my undergrad. But, I realized that most of these graduate schools require some prerequisites accounting courses, and some don't accept community college courses as a fulfillment for the prerequisites (They want all accounting prerequisites to be taken at an approved four-year university).

Does this mean that I have to take these classes at another university? I was thinking about taking these courses at a state university near my home, but does that mean that I have to reapply for undergraduate admission? or do extension classes work as well?

So basically what I am asking is this:
Where do most people who already graduated without an accounting major take these prerequisite courses if the graduate school they want to get into don't accept community college classes?

Thank You! I feel lost

sns1011 · Answer

Well, my program did accept community college classes, so it's definitely something worthy of checking depending on where you decide to enroll.

In terms of a 4 year university, I did take a class or two at the state university near where I lived. What I did was apply as "Post-Baccalaureate" student, so a non-degree student basically just there to take classes. Most colleges classify you as a grad student, so you can probably find information about Post-Bac classes there. Then you can enroll in whatever classes you need (provided you're allowed, get professor permission...etc), even if they're undergraduate classes. You pay by the class, get a transcript...etc.

andregoddu · Answer

SNS,

What school did you end up going to?

sdilmanian · Answer

@ nink, rayparlour.

You speak of these prerequisite courses before being able to enroll in such a Macc program. Is it important where I take these courses? Is it better for my addmission chances at competitive Macc programs to take these at top tier schools like the ivies; should I take them at the school at which I want to pursue my Macc; or is it totally irrelevant?

Thanks in advance guys!

Simon

nink · Answer

Some schools won't accept credits from community colleges, while others will accept credits from community colleges. It depends on the program that you are applying to. A typical state university would probably suffice for most schools (plus if they are accredited). For Macc programs, it's all about GMAT score and GPA (and rec letters/essays to a degree). Unless you got your degree from Devry or other for-profit colleges, it should be ok for most programs.

ugen64 · Answer

William & Mary actually recommended that I take one of their prereqs (Business Law I think) online, when I mentioned that it would be hard to fit in my schedule. Of course, they're not quite a top tier school - IIRC, schools like UT and USC specifically state that CC and online courses are unacceptable (or not recommended).

MACc programs for a non-accounting major

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