Master of Accountancy in Accountancy
Master of Accountancy in Accountancy

Master of Accountancy in Accountancy

The GW School of Business offers a Master of Accountancy with two different degree programs: the Master of Accountancy in Accountancy and the Master of Accountancy in Accounting Analytics. Applicants select which program they are applying to, and may apply to both by submitting two different applications.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Employment of accountants and auditors is expected to grow 16 percent from 2010 to 2020, and demand for thorough financial documentation is expected to increase in response to recent financial crises and subsequent financial regulations.”

Whether you’re interested in auditing, tax, forensic accounting or management, GW’s Master of Accountancy in Accountancy program prepares you for professional certification as a CPA and a successful career in the world’s leading accounting and consulting firms, government agencies, and a wealth of nonprofit and for-profit organizations.

Experienced accountants are more crucial today than ever before. From fighting terrorism with the FBI and corporate corruption with the SEC, to helping organizations large and small navigate an increasingly complex tangle of tax regulations, accountants are driving business and the business of government.

Tailored to your career objectives, the Master of Accountancy in Accountancy program consists of 30 credits available to qualifying students who possess a bachelor’s degree from a U.S.-accredited university.

Mission & Learning Objectives

Mission

To prepare students for entry into the Accounting profession, and in the long term, to make significant contributions to both private and public organizations in the global economy.

Learning Objectives

Students will build the following skills:

  • Technical Knowledge
    Gain a comprehensive foundation in the technical knowledge of accounting.
  • Ethical Awareness
    Behave ethically and demonstrate responsibility in organizations and society.
  • Critical Thinking
    Exhibit problem-solving and analytical capability for sound accounting decision making.
  • Oral and Written Communication
    Communicate effectively in the workplace.
Admitted Student Profile

While we do not have minimum requirements for test scores, GPA or work experience, our program does attract top academic and professional talent. Statistics from a recent admission period are as follows:

  • Average GMAT Score: 692
  • Average GPA: 3.53
  • Percentage Military or Veteran: 1.8%
  • Percentage Female: 74%
  • Percentage International: 74%
  • Average Age: 24
What's the GW Difference?

Master of Accountancy students at GW benefit from:

  • Opportunities for internships with global organizations including the Big-4, SEC, IRS, FBI, GAO, World Bank, IMF, IFC, Peace Corps, Red Cross and more.
  • Top-notch faculty working in some of the world’s most influential firms and organizations, such as PWC, KPMG and Deloitte, help students cultivate important industry contacts and gain exposure to those currently practicing in the field.
  • A richly diverse student body with representation from countries that include Bolivia, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Moldova, Nepal, Netherlands, Nigeria, Taiwan and Turkey as well as the United States.
  • A flexible program structure that allows students to pursue their degree on a full-time or part-time basis.
  • Access to all the resources of GWSB, including its strong reputation in government and industry, large alumni network, and active career center.
  • Proximity to government and industry institutions like the IRS, SEC, FBI, Treasury Department, World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and many other influential organizations.
Connect With Us

Join our LinkedIn group to connect, network, and get acquainted with fellow GWSB grad students in your academic program, and learn about upcoming professional development opportunities, student engagement events, online events and more.
Please note: this group is only open to current students and alumni.

Join our LinkedIn Group

Contact Information

The George Washington University School of Business
Master of Accountancy in Accountancy Program
2201 G Street NW, Funger Hall, suite 601
Washington, D.C. 20052

Phone: 202-994-1212
Fax: 202-994-3571
Email: [email protected]

Visit the Department of Accountancy page

 


Degree Requirements

The Master of Accountancy in Accountancy program at GW prepares students for high-level professional careers in the public and private sectors.

Curriculum

A flexible program tailored to individual interests and career objectives in accounting, financial management and tax practice. The Master of Accountancy in Accountancy program offers a path for students at all skill levels. An undergraduate degree in accountancy or business is not required. We also offer a five-year combined bachelor's and master's degree program (see 4+1 Program information below).

Credits

The Master of Accountancy in Accountancy program is 30 credit hours long. Three-credit courses are a full semester long (14 weeks). Courses that are 1.5 credits are seven weeks in length and are offered either in the first or second half of a semester.

Program Duration

Students typically complete degree requirements within the following time frames:

  • 30-Credit Track & Prerequisites:
    • Part Time: 5 semesters
    • Full Time: 3 semesters

Course Requirements

The following requirements must be fulfilled: 30 credits, including 15 credits in required courses and 15 credits in elective courses. Three elective credits must be graduate-level Accounting (ACCY) courses; the remaining 12 credits can be any 6000-level courses offered by the School of Business.
Preparatory courses
ACCY 2002Introductory Managerial Accounting3
ACCY 6101Financial Accounting3
or ACCY 2001 Introduction to Financial Accounting
MBAD 6235Finance0,3
MBAD 6242Microeconomics for the World Economy1.5
STAT 1051Introduction to Business and Economic Statistics3
Students that have not completed these courses prior to matriculation may be able to take them concurrent with the program requirements.
Required
ACCY 6104Intermediate Accounting I3
ACCY 6105Intermediate Accounting II3
ACCY 6201Accounting for Internal Decision Making0,1.5
ACCY 6202Advanced Strategic Cost Management0,1.5
ACCY 6301Contemporary Auditing Theory3
ACCY 6900Special Topics (Data Analytics for Accounting)0,3
Electives
15 credits in elective courses.At least 3 credits of electives must be taken from accountancy (ACCY) courses.

Students who intend to take the C.P.A. examination should be aware that the coursework required for admission to the examination varies from state to state. Students are advised to consult the Board of Accountancy for the state in which they plan to take the examination and choose electives that meet that state’s requirements.

In addition, students must fulfill preparatory courses in financial accounting, managerial accounting, micro- or macroeconomics, and statistics.

Preparatory courses may be waived without substitution for other coursework. Required classes, except for ACCY 6201 and ACCY 6202, may be waived with substitution for other coursework for students who: 

  • Have already completed these courses with a minimum grade of B-
  • Have taken these courses at an AACSB - accredited institution
  • Have taken these courses within five years prior to the first semester of enrollment into the program

Students should consult with the advisor concerning course substitution.

Additional Requirements for Specific Degree Programs

Combined Bachelor's/Master's Degrees

This degree may be combined with a bachelor's degree through GWSB's new 4+1 Program, which enables students to complete both a bachelor's and a master's degree in five years. 4+1 Program options, eligibility and degree paths are outlined on the 4+1 Program page.

Preparing for the CPA Exam

Students who intend to take the CPA examination should be aware that the coursework required for admission to the examination varies from state to state. Students are advised to consult the Board of Accountancy for the state in which they plan to take the examination and choose electives that meet that state’s requirements.

Click on the dropdowns below to expand each section.

Part I: Auditing & Attestation (AUD)

Key Concepts

  • Planning the engagement
  • Internal controls
  • Obtain and document information
  • Review engagement and evaluate information
  • Prepare communications

Courses

  • ACCY 6301 | Contemporary Auditing Theory
  • ACCY 276 | Government Accounting and Auditing
Part II: Business Environment & Concepts (BEC)

Key Concepts

  • Business Structure
  • Economic Concepts
  • Financial Management
  • Information Technology
  • Planning & Measurement

Courses

  • Business Structure (20%):
    • ACCY 6602 | Business Law: Enterprise Organization
  • Measurement (managerial) (10%):
    • ACCY 6201 | Accounting for Internal Decision Making
    • ACCY 6202 | Advanced Strategic Cost Management
  • All Areas Other Than Business Structure & Measurement (70%)
    • ACCY 6501 | Accounting Information Systems & EDP
    • ACCY 6106 | Financial Statement Analysis
Part III: Financial Accounting & Reporting

Key Concepts

  • Concepts & Standards for Financial Statements
  • Typical Items in Financial Statements
  • Specific Types of Transactions & Events
  • Accounting & Reporting for Governmental Entities
  • Accounting & Reporting for Non-Governmental & Not-for-Profit Organizations

Courses

  • Business Enterprises (80%)
    • ACCY 6101 | Financial Accounting
    • ACCY 6402 | Financial IncomeTaxation of Partnerships
  • Governmental Entities (10%)
    • ACCY 6701 | Government Accounting
  • Not-for-Profit Organizations (10%)
    • ACCY 6701 | Government Accounting
Part IV: Regulation (REG)

Key Concepts

  • Ethics & Professional Responsibility
  • Business Law
  • Federal Tax Procedures & Accounting Issues
  • Federal Taxation of Property Transactions
  • Federal Taxation – Individuals
  • Federal Taxation – Entities

Courses

  • Taxation (60%):
    • ACCY 6401 | Federal Income Taxation
    • ACCY 6402 | Partnership Taxation
    • ACCY 6403 | Corporate Taxation
  • Law & Professional Responsibilities (all areas other than business structure) (40%):
    • ACCY 6601 | Business Law: Contracts, Torts, Property
    • ACCY 6602 | Business Law: Enterprise Organization

 


 

Admissions

Admission to the Master of Accountancy in Accountancy program is highly competitive and enrollment is limited. Students operate in two cohorts throughout the academic year.

Due to the rolling admissions policy, it is highly recommended that candidates submit applications early. The candidate’s major and trend in grades, personal achievements, and letters of recommendation also affect the admission decision. This program seeks social, ethnic, cultural and geographical diversity in its student body.

Prerequisites
  • Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
  • Strong academic performance
  • Demonstrated professional interest in accountancy

MAccy Prerequisites*

  • Financial Accounting | 3 Credits
    GWSB Equivalent ACCY 2001 or ACCY 6101

  • Managerial Accounting | 1.5 Credits
    GWSB Equivalent ACCY 2002

  • Micro or Macroeconomics | 1.5-3 Credits
    GWSB Equivalent MBAD 6242 or ACCY 6900

  • Statistics | 1.5 Credits
    GWSB Equivalent STAT 1051

*MAccy prerequisite courses may be waived for students who have completed courses earning a grade of B- or better. Courses must have been taken within five years prior to the first semester of enrollment in the program. Students must consult their academic advisor for GWSB equivalents.

Admissions Process

Applying to a program at the GW School of Business may seem like a complicated process, but the GWSB admissions team is here to help. The application process for this program can be found on our How to Apply page. All application materials should be sent to the GWSB Graduate Admissions Office. The GRE or GMAT test is not required — however, if you feel that submitting your scores will strengthen your application, you are welcome to submit them. We also offer a wealth of resources to help you finance your degree, from scholarships and fellowships to loans and work-study arrangements.

Application Requirements

To be considered complete, the following must be included in the application:

  • Completed online application form
  • Application fee (non-refundable)
  • Current résumé uploaded through the online application system
  • One letter of recommendation from a professional and/or academic reference
  • Statement of Purpose: In no more than 500 words, describe how this program fits into your professional life and your career objectives.
Additional Application Requirements
  • Upload copies of your transcripts from all colleges/universities attended, whether or not the program was completed or the credit appears as a transfer credit on another transcript. Note that admitted students will be required to submit official, sealed transcripts with proof of bachelor’s degree. There is no need to submit them at the time when you first apply.
  • The GRE or GMAT test is not required for this program — however, if you feel that submitting your scores will strengthen your application, you are welcome to submit them. Learn more about our test-optional policy on the How to Apply page. GW School of Business applicants interested in taking the exam can benefit from 10% off any Kaplan GMAT or GRE preparation course. Use discount code GWUSB10.
International Applicants

Applicants who require a visa to study in the United States must also fulfill additional requirements in order to be considered for admission to a graduate program at the School of Business. Please visit our How to Apply page for further details.

Admissions Process

Applying to a program at the GW School of Business may seem like a complicated process, but the GWSB admissions team is here to help. The application process for this program can be found on our How to Apply page. All application materials should be sent to the GWSB Graduate Admissions Office. The GRE or GMAT test is not required — however, if you feel that submitting your scores will strengthen your application, you are welcome to submit them.

 

Application Deadlines

Candidates seeking financial assistance and international students requiring visas are encouraged to apply early. Only completed applications, with all required materials, will be considered for admission.

  • Spring 2024 - Closed
  • Summer 2024 - April 15, 2024
  • Fall 2024 - April 15, 2024

Please note that admission to the following programs is only offered for the Fall semester: Global MBA, Accelerated MBA, MBA in Security Technology Transition, Master of Accountancy in Accounting Analytics, M.S. in Business Analytics, Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics, and M.S. in International Business. Summer admissions deadlines apply only to the Online MBA and Healthcare MBA programs; admission to all other programs is only offered for the Fall and Spring semesters. The MS in Finance and MS in Applied Finance programs, as well as our doctoral and executive education programs, each have different admissions deadlines.

Tuition and Other Costs

Explore tuition rates and fees, view health insurance and housing costs, and more.

Tuition and Fees

Please visit the Student Accounts Office for a complete list of tuition rates and fees.

Other Expenses
  • Student Health Insurance
    GW offers voluntary comprehensive health insurance through Aetna Student Health. All F-1 and J-1 international students are automatically enrolled. See the Student Health Insurance page for rates and other important information.
  • Housing
    View information about on-campus and off-campus housing for full-time GW graduate students.

 

Financial Resources

From scholarships and fellowships to loans and work-study arrangements, we offer a wealth of resources to help you finance your degree.

GWSB Fellowships and Financial Support

The GW School of Business offers merit-based fellowships to incoming students at the time of admission. While applying to graduate degree programs at GWSB, prospective students may opt in to be automatically considered for all fellowship award opportunities funded by the School of Business as well as various university-funded tuition awards administered by the Office of Graduate Student Assistantships and Fellowships (OGSAF). Unless otherwise stated, no separate application is required.

In limited circumstances, current students may also be eligible for merit-based tuition fellowship awards.

Office of Graduate Student Assistantships and Fellowships

The Office of Graduate Student Assistantships and Fellowships (OGSAF) maintains a comprehensive database of GW and external fellowships to support graduate-level study and/or research. Incoming and current students are encouraged to browse the OGSAF website for information about additional merit-based funding opportunities.

Federal Financial Aid

U.S. Citizens and eligible non-citizens may qualify for:

  • Federally sponsored education loans through the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan and Federal Graduate PLUS Loan Programs
  • Need-based financial assistance through the Federal Work Study Program, which allows students to earn income while working part-time at pre-approved organizations during their program

To apply for federal financial aid, submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the appropriate deadline using GW’s FAFSA school code: 001444. Please note that students must apply for federal financial aid each academic year.

Visit the Office of Student Financial Assistance for details about eligibility criteria, application steps, and deadlines. Information about alternate private and federal loans is also available.

Tuition Discounts

Employer Discounts

The GW School of Business offers a tuition discount to current employees of the following companies:

  • Leidos
  • Lockheed Martin
  • Organization of American States (GS/OAS)
  • SAIC

Please note that eligible programs vary by employer. View details about eligibility, conditions, and the application process.

Veterans and Military

Nationally recognized as a top military- and veteran-friendly university, GW offers a wealth of services and benefits to student veterans, military personnel, and dependents of the United States Armed Forces. As a proud participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program, GW funds tuition expenses exceeding the maximum base pay amount covered through the GI Bill®, and its contributions are matched by the Department of Veteran Affairs.

For more information about the Yellow Ribbon Program and other education benefits, visit GW Veteran & Military Services (VMS).

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website.

Student Employment and Internships

The F. David Fowler Career Center supports GWSB student and alumni professional development by providing career management resources, career fairs and expos, and employer information sessions. GWSB students also have access to employment services and resources provided through GW’s Center for Career Services.

Handshake is the official online recruiting platform and event calendar for the F. David Fowler Career Center and the Center for Career Services. To search for jobs and internships, find and register for events, and connect with career coaches, log in to Handshake.

Federal Work Study

The Federal Work Study Program is a federally-funded and need-based work program that allows GW students to earn income through part-time employment during the academic year at GW and other pre-approved organizations. Graduate students interested in the program must submit the FAFSA and apply through the Office of Student Financial Assistance.

The Center for Career Services provides awarded students assistance with finding positions. Visit the Center for Career Services for information about the Federal Work Study Program at GW.

International Students

Students studying at GW on F-1 or J-1 visas may have additional restrictions on their employment due to visa regulations. F-1 Students are required to obtain Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization from the International Services Office for all paid, off-campus internships and employment. GW-sponsored J-1 Exchange Visitors are required to obtain employment authorization for all employment, whether on-campus or off-campus.

For more information about the CPT application process, see GWSB Global & Experiential Education’s Curricular Practical Training page.

For information about how your visa status may affect your employment options, please visit the International Services Office.

Billing and Payment Processing

The Student Accounts Office manages all student accounts and processes student bills, refunds, disbursements, payment plan enrollment, employer reimbursements, third party billing, and financial holds. For inquiries regarding your Student eBill, tuition and fees, or payment options and due dates, visit the Student Accounts Office.

 

Next Steps

 

Apply Now

Applications are submitted through the GW Student Portal. You can sign up for an account if you don't have one.