Master of Accountancy in Accountancy (older page version)

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

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.