Program Overview

Introduction to the Master of Accounting Program

The Master of Accounting (MAcc) program at William & Mary is a nine-month, STEM-designated program that provides students with the technical skills and business acumen necessary to succeed in the accounting profession. The program is designed for undergraduates from all backgrounds and is committed to developing students' technical skills and business acumen using a collaborative, team-based methodology.

Our Approach

The MAcc program at William & Mary is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in accounting. In the fall semester, students develop professional expertise through a series of required courses that give them the skills they need to navigate the ever-changing world of accounting. In the spring semester, students design their program of study to broaden their knowledge or specialize in an area of expertise.

Core Curriculum

The core curriculum of the MAcc program includes a series of required courses that provide students with a foundation in accounting. These courses include:

• Advanced Auditing & Audit Research
• Advanced Federal Taxation
• Accounting for Complex Financial Transactions
• Financial Instruments & Derivatives
• Accounting Analytics & Information Systems
• Business Skills for Professional Accountants

Emphases

The MAcc program at William & Mary offers several emphases that allow students to specialize in a particular area of accounting. These emphases include:

Accounting Analytics

The Accounting Analytics emphasis provides students with the skills necessary to analyze and manage large data sets. Students learn forecasting, diagnostic, and relationship tools to analyze and manage large data sets.

Audit & Assurance

The Audit & Assurance emphasis provides students with practical experience in forensic accounting and fraud investigation, auditing information systems, risk management, and compliance.

Experiential: Winter Field Experience

The Experiential emphasis offers students the opportunity to intern with an accounting firm or other top employer during the winter semester.

Taxation

The Taxation emphasis prepares students to meet the growing demand for qualified tax professionals. Students learn how to research professional standards, analyze complex transactions, and understand the issues confronting accountants in the field today.

Valuation & Advisory Services

The Valuation & Advisory Services emphasis provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed as financial services leaders. Students learn advanced study of financial reporting, data modeling, and managerial accounting.

Course Descriptions

The MAcc program at William & Mary offers a variety of courses that provide students with a comprehensive education in accounting. These courses include:

Core Courses

• Accounting for Complex Financial Transactions
• Current Issues in IT & Accounting Analytic (Sprint) Required
• Accounting Analytics & Information Systems
• Business Skills for Professional Accountants
• Advanced Auditing & Audit Research
• Advanced Federal Taxation

Elective Courses

• Integrated Winter Field Experience
• Driving Organizational Performance
• Taxation & Business Strategy
• Business Law
• Estate & Financial Planning
• Govt & Non-profit Accounting
• Financial Statement Analysis, Modeling, and Valuation
• Programming and Data Analysis for Accountants
• Forensic Accounting & Fraud Examination
• Taxation of Mergers & Acquisitions | Marshall-Wythe School of Law
• Partnership & LLC Taxation | Marshall-Wythe School of Law
• Current Research in Accounting
• State & Local Taxation | Marshall-Wythe School of Law
• Corporate Taxation | Marshall-Wythe School of Law

Combination Degree Program

The MAcc program at William & Mary also offers a combination degree program that allows students to earn both an MBA and an MAcc degree in 2.5 years. This program is designed for non-accounting majors who intend to seek the CPA credential as part of their professional preparation. The dual program provides students with a comprehensive accounting education and a broad-based business education.