Program Overview

Master of Professional Accounting, Integrated

At a Glance

• Degree Type: Master of Professional Accounting
• Location: Bellingham, face to face
• Total Credits: 48

Program Information

The 3+2 Integrated MPAcc is designed for outstanding junior-level students. Successful applicants receive both conditional admission to the MPAcc at the end of their junior year and permission to take a limited number of graduate level courses during their senior year that count toward both their undergraduate and graduate degrees. An 3+2 Integrated MPAcc student's program would look something like the following, and a student could receive the MPAcc with as few as 36 credits beyond a bachelor's degree.

Important Note: To qualify for CPA exam eligibility, a student must have completed a minimum of 225 total quarter credits.

A 3+2 MPAcc student in their four year might take: ACCT 461, ACCT 470, a colloquium, two MPAcc courses, and their remaining undergrad courses. In their fifth year, they might take the MPAcc courses (planned with advisement), a capstone, and the comprehensive exam* (see note).

*Both the 3+2 Integrated MPAcc and the 4+1 Traditional MPAcc options require a comprehensive exam as part of the capstone course taught during Spring Quarter. The program design of each option emphasizes small groups of graduate students working closely with faculty. Both program options are designed to be completed in one year of full-time, post-graduate study.

Goals

The MPAcc program is a 48-credit graduate degree. It is designed to:

• Provide opportunities for students to improve their expertise in a field that is rapidly becoming more complex.
• Provide students with an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills required in Washington for professional licensing as CPAs.
• Help meet the demand in Washington for well-trained professional accountants.

Application Requirements

• All applicants must complete the Graduate School's application and pay the $100 application fee.
• Within the application, you will be prompted to upload an unofficial transcript from each institution attended. If admitted, you will be asked to provide official transcripts.
• Additional application materials are specified below. Applications will not be forwarded to the department for review until all required materials have been received by the Graduate School.

The Integrated 3+2 MPAcc program is only available to qualified WWU undergraduate students.

Additional Application Requirements

• At least 110 completed undergraduate credits with overall GPA of at least 3.0
• At least 16 upper-division accounting credits completed with overall GPA of at least 3.2
• Resume
• Provide letters of recommendation from at least two WWU accounting faculty members.
• Statement of Purpose: A 500‐750 words application letter that includes information on
  • How the WWU MPAcc will enable you to advance your career goals;
  • Your choice of the Western MPAcc over other academic options;
  • The attributes you will bring to the program to contribute to an effective graduate school experience for both you and your classmates.

Application Deadline

• Fall: June 15

Program Details

The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in accounting, preparing them for careers as professional accountants. The curriculum includes courses in financial accounting, auditing, taxation, and financial management, as well as a capstone course and a comprehensive exam. The program is designed to be completed in one year of full-time, post-graduate study.