Master of Accounting (MAcc)
Start your accounting career with a strong competitive edge by earning a Master of Accounting degree.
If you're looking for a way to enhance your accounting degree, a Master of Accounting degree may be the perfect fit. The UNI MAcc program emphasizes applied accounting research skills, communication skills, problem-solving and other skills and knowledge required to be a successful in the fields of public accounting, business and government. Completion of the UNI MAcc program also satisfies Iowa's 150-hour requirement for CPA licensure.
Our Master of Accounting is the first STEM-designated program in Iowa. As part of the designation, international students qualify for 3 years of Optional Practical Training (OPT).
For CPA
Success
Ranked as one of the top schools for CPA pass rate according to AccountingToday (2019).
CPA Pass
Rate
Our accounting graduates pass the CPA at a much higher rate compared to the state average of 33%.
Median
Salary
Starting salaries for accounting majors range from $54k-$60k according to NACE (2019).
Find out More About MAcc
Tell us more and we'll send information on how you can succeed with a master of accounting degree from the David W. Wilson business college.
 | Amy Igou, Ph.D., CMA MAcc Graduate Program Coordinator 319-273-7181 |
Accounting Careers
University of Northern Iowa’s accounting program will arm you with the skills to collect, analyze and interpret financial data so you can efficiently communicate the impact with decision-makers within the organization. Careers in accounting include:
- Corporate Accountant
- IRS Accountant
- Non-Profit Accountant
- Chief Financial Officer
- Auditor
- Government Accountant
- Controller/Comptroller
- Budget Analyst
- FBI Agent
- Forensic Accountant
- Entertainment Accountant
- Sports Accountant
Accounting Courses
UNI is nationally known as a top institution for CPA professionals because we tie professional-level exam preparation into the curriculum. If you plan to practice as a CPA you’ll be responsible for completing a predetermined amount of semester hours. Iowa and most states require 150 credit hours to become a CPA. Typical CPA and non-CPA career track courses include:
- Financial Accounting Theory and Analysis
- Business Law for the Professional Accountant
- Advanced Accounting Systems
- Cost Management
- Fraud Examination
- Government and Not-for-Profit Accounting
The CPA Success Index ranks the University of Northern Iowa as one of the best schools in the nation for students who want to pass the CPA exam.
Next Steps
Apply Now
Our application process is smooth and easy. You can apply now and pay your fee later or even get it waived, if you qualify. Current or former UNI students will also have their app fee waived.
Requirements for Admission
- Completed Intermediate Accounting I and II, Cost Accounting, Income Tax, Auditing, and Accounting Information Systems courses
- 1 Letter of Recommendation
- Resume or CV
- Applicant Statement
- 2.75 is the minimum GPA to be accepted without provision; applicants with a GPA lower than 2.75 may still be admitted provisionally, at the discretion of the program and the Graduate College
- Application fee (this can be waived or deferred, see if you qualify).
Requirements for International Applicants
Along with the basic application requirements, international applicants also need:
- Proof of English proficiency
- A copy of the personal data page of your passport
- A completed UNI Financial Statement and Certification form
- Non-refundable application fee.
UNI accounting professor Dr. Gabriel Dickey earns NASBA research grant
UNI’s assistant professor of accounting, and his co-authors were the only recipients of the 2022 Accounting Education Research Grant from the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) for their work researching metacognition and online adaptive learning technology.
Dr. Cathalene Bowler
Dr. Bowler's research interests are Deferred Tax Assets, Taxation, Earnings Management and Accounting Education; more importantly, she assists with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which helps low- to moderate-income families with their returns every year.
Fund Your MAcc Degree
Get the opportunity to learn and fund your degree through hands-on experiences or earning monetary awards. Visit one of the following pages to learn about graduate assistantships, scholarships or additional details on the Master of Accounting degree at University of Northern Iowa's Wilson College of Business.
Why UNI MAcc?
The UNI MAcc program, which has a competitive selection process, offers smaller class sizes where you will work in teams making presentations, performing research, doing financial statement analysis and completing a variety of writing assignments. All classes unique to the MAcc are taught by tenured and tenure-track faculty members who have significant experience in their discipline and in practice.
