Master of Accountancy in Accountancy

 

 

Master of Accountancy in Accountancy

Turn your knack for numbers into enduring job security with a Master's Degree in Accountancy (MAcc/MAccy) at the George Washington University School of Business. Whether you aspire to specialize in auditing, tax, forensic accounting, advanced accounting or management, our comprehensive program prepares you for a CPA certification and a successful career. From calculating ESG metrics to identifying 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.

Distinguish yourself amid a strong demand for accounting professionals with hands-on learning experiences that provide practical experience and insights into global accountancy and its future. Learn from a diverse, esteemed faculty who have and bring in experience in leading international accounting and consulting firms, government agencies and a myriad of nonprofit and for-profit organizations to shape competitive, well-equipped future accounting leaders.

 

 

Explore This Program

The accounting master's curriculum incorporates fundamental concepts in financial reporting, accounting procedures, financial statement analysis, auditing, taxation, budgeting and forensic accounting through deep statistical and theoretical foundations in finance, economics and strategy. Students begin with advanced accounting and analytics courses, then choose electives that prepare them for careers in accounting consulting, government accounting, forensic accounting and accounting information systems. 

Sample Courses Below (* indicates an elective course)

Advanced Accounting Principles

  • Intermediate Accounting
  • Accounting for Internal Decision Making
  • Fraud Examination & Forensic Accounting*
  • Federal Income Taxation*
  • Government Accounting*
  • Government Auditing*

Accounting Analytics & Systems

  • Financial Statement Analysis
  • Data Analytics for Accounting
  • Accounting Information Systems and Electronic Data Processing*

Accounting Strategy

  • Advanced Strategic Cost Management
  • Contemporary Auditing Theory*
  • Business Law: Contract, Torts, and Property*
  • Nonprofit Accounting*


Total Credits: 30  |  Commitment: Part-Time or Full-Time  |  Location: In-Person 

Length of Program: 2 Years (Full-Time) or 2.5 Years (Part-Time)

View Degree Requirements  

 

 

Student Spotlights

 

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Grayson Flambures, Master of Accountancy ‘26

Grayson developed an early interest in public service through work with Congressman Ed Perlmutter (CO-7), while growing up around his mother’s career as an accountant. Recognizing that business school offered the most practical path to combine his early interest with the business acumen he grew up around, Grayson chose to pursue GW’s 4+1 program, enrolling in the Master of Accountancy in Accounting Analytics program to strengthen his credentials before joining EY's Government & Public Sector Assurance practice as a Staff Associate in the fall of 2026. 

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With class sizes of fewer than 30 students, Grayson has built strong relationships with professors of different professional backgrounds inside the classroom. Scott Lancaster, Director of the Master of Accountancy program, serves as CFO of a nonprofit and previously worked at Marriott, and Refik Soyer, Interim Chair of the  Department of Decision Sciences and a world-renowned researcher, are just two examples of faculty who make the program stand out. Grayson appreciates the variety in teaching styles within the business school, noting that no two classes feel the same.

Grayson notably had the opportunity to collaborate with the University of Arkansas to access real corporate records, build dashboards, and analyze company sales data. The hands-on nature of this work made Grayson fluent in Tableau and Power BI and made the CPA exam feel more manageable. Beyond this project, he has learned how to:

  • Conduct data analysis using real-world records and professional tools
  • Communicate effectively across business environments using industry-specific terminology and frameworks
  • Build a well-rounded toolkit that spans analytics, strategy, and collaboration, which allows him to tackle complex business problems

Grayson values the variety of backgrounds in the cohort, split roughly between students continuing directly from undergraduate programs and working professionals returning to advance their careers. He encourages students without traditional accounting backgrounds to also consider the program. Regardless of prior experience, the curriculum is designed to deliver a comprehensive 30-credit foundation that equips students with technical accounting knowledge and analytical skills. 
 

 

Katherine Felice, Master of Accountancy ‘26

Katherine graduated during COVID-19 with a degree in Hospitality Management, but after beginning her career in real estate finance, she discovered a passion for working with numbers. With encouragement from her direct manager, she began exploring part-time Master’s in Accounting programs in the D.C. area. After comparing options at American University and Georgetown, Katherine chose GW Business, where the admissions team stood out as the most responsive and genuinely interested in engaging prospective students. 

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In the program, Katherine has found faculty who are deeply invested in student success. Donald Buzinkai, a Teaching Assistant Professor of Accountancy, is one of the professors who learns every student’s name and identifies where each person excels and where they need more support, focusing on delivering the best experience possible during the 14 weeks students spend with him.

Angela Gore, a Professor of Accountancy, is another standout professor who has made a lasting impression. One of Katherine’s favorite courses has been Fraud in Forensic Accounting, an elective course taught by two engaging professors every spring. In that class, Katherine collaborated with a small group on a case study inspired by the Anna Delvey Netflix series, combining creative thinking with rigorous analysis through case studies and presentations.

Beyond the classroom, Katherine values the community she has built with her peers. From reviewing resumes and studying for the CPA exam together to bouncing ideas off one another, the relationship she has formed has been one of the most rewarding parts of the program. Through her time at GW Business, she has learned how to:

  • Build meaningful professional relationships through collaboration, networking, and peer-to-peer support
  • Engage with faculty who prioritize mentorship and individualize support
  • Apply creative thinking and analytical skills to real-world problems

For anyone considering the program, Katherine encourages students to take advantage of every opportunity to connect with peers in the business school, whether with classmates during study sessions or with professors who welcome interaction and feedback. 

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Katherine Felice headshot

 

 

Why GW Business?

Located in the heart of Washington, D.C., our Master of Accountancy in Accountancy (MAcc/MAccy) program offers unparalleled access to global institutions, government agencies and multinational corporations. This prime location, combined with our rigorous accounting curriculum, provides you with extraordinary learning experiences, internship opportunities and networking prospects.

Designed to develop the next generation of accounting leaders, this program produces graduates who are driving business success and integrity across the globe, from combating corporate corruption with the SEC to navigating complex tax regulations as leaders of major corporations or members of the Big Four.

 

 

Where Our Alumni Are Leading

GW Business graduates go on to work across a wide range of sectors—from federal agencies and government contractors to consulting firms, major tech companies, global financial institutions, healthcare and life sciences organizations, nonprofits and the defense and intelligence community.

  • Deloitte
  • EY
  • FBI
  • Financial Crimes Enforcement Network
  • IFC
  • IMF
  • IRS
  • KPMG
  • Peace Corps
  • The Department of Treasury
  • Defense Contract Audit Agency
  • Fannie Mae
  • US Government Accountability Office
  • Public Company Accounting Oversight Board
  • PWC
  • World Bank Group

 

Career Support

  

Dedicated Career Center
The GW Business F. David Fowler Career Center provides exclusive access to employer connections, recruiting opportunities and career resources, including professional development workshops on technical skills, presentations and salary negotiation.

  

Personalized Career Coaching
Experienced career coaches with a proven track record of supporting successful career outcomes and advancement help you build an effective job search strategy while providing resume reviews and mock interviews.

  

Mentorship Opportunities
Participate in the Careers360 program to connect with industry mentors in consulting, finance or marketing.

  

Global Alumni Network
With more than 60,000 alumni spanning 260+ organizations, Fortune 500 companies, startups, and nonprofits around the world, you’ll gain access to mentorship, connections and career opportunities that open doors and accelerate your impact.

 

 

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Admissions

Admission to GW's Master of Accountancy in Accountancy (MAcc/MAccy) program is competitive, with limited enrollment to support a collaborative, cohort-based learning experience.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and early submission is encouraged. 

Our admissions team is here to guide you through the process and answer any questions along the way. Learn more about application requirements and next steps on our How to Apply page.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and early submission is encouraged. The admissions committee takes a holistic approach, considering academic performance, professional experience and achievements, and letters of recommendation. 

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
  • Transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities
  • Current résumé
  • Statement of Purpose: In no more than 500 words, describe how this program fits into your professional life and your career objectives.
  • One letter of recommendation from a professional and/or academic reference
  • Application fee (non-refundable)
  • Completed online application form

No GRE or GMAT is required. However, applicants who feel their test scores strengthen their candidacy are welcome to submit them.

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.

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 2026 - Closed
  • Summer 2026 - Closed
  • Fall 2026 - Rolling. Based upon seat availability.

Please note:

  • Admissions for the following programs is offered only for the fall semester: Global MBA, Master of Accountancy in Accounting Analytics, M.S. in AI for Business, M.S. in Applied Finance, M.S. in Business Analytics
  • Summer admissions deadlines apply only to our online MBA and Specialized Master's degree programs.
  • Admission to all other programs is offered for the fall and spring semesters only.
  • Doctoral and executive education programs may have different admissions deadlines.

 

 

Tuition, Fees & Funding

Tuition: Tuition is determined on a per-credit basis, which may very each semester depending on the number of courses you take. The base tuition for this 30-credit master's degree is ~$62,500. Students should also plan for university fees, books and living expenses. Since rates are reviewed and updated annually, prospective students are encouraged to check the official GW tuition and fees page for the most current cost information.

Financial Aid: Many GW Business students receive merit-based awards to offset tuition costs and expenses. Additional options include graduate assistantships, employer sponsorship, and federal financial aid. 

 

CONTACT US

Meet Your GW School of Business Team

Behind every step of your graduate student journey is a team ready to help. Connect with faculty, admissions and advising to get the answers and guidance you need.

Dept of Accountancy Faculty   

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Admissions Team

businessatgwu [dot] edu (subject: MS%20in%20Business%20Analytics%20admissions) (Email Admissions Team)

 

 

Learn More

Attend an Info Session

Info sessions and open houses, offered in-person and online, are your chance to explore what makes our programs stand out. Connect directly with our faculty and staff to learn about the Accountancy program, career outcomes, study abroad options, the admissions process and more. 

View All Admissions Events  

 

 

 

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Ready to Take the Next Step?

Join a program designed to prepare the next generation of accounting leaders. Build the technical expertise, strategic perspective, and professional network to advance your career in public accounting, corporate finance, consulting, or beyond.