Western's Master of Professional Accounting program (MPAcc) is a selective program that builds on the strength and diversity of our accounting courses while maintaining our focus on small classes and accessible faculty.
If you are a qualified junior, consider our 3+2 Integrated option and begin your graduate studies a year earlier than most students.
MPAcc FAQ handout_2018-06.pdf
Why MPAcc?
Accountants help both their immediate clients and the public to understand and evaluate increasingly complex transactions. To do so, a contemporary accountant needs the theoretical and practical background offered by a Master of Professional Accounting degree. Most states (including Washington) require an additional year of education beyond the four years generally needed for a bachelor's degree to qualify for the CPA examination. The MPAcc program offer students the opportunity to earn a master's degree in accounting while meeting the 5th year educational requirement to become a Certified Public Accountant.
The Western MPAcc Program structure builds on the depth and breadth of the Accounting Department's advanced level elective courses and close working relationships among students and faculty members. The program provides students opportunities to:
- Improve their expertise in the discipline of professional accounting.
- Deepen their knowledge in related subjects.
- Acquire the knowledge and skills for professional licensing as CPAs in Washington and other states.
The program design permits students to customize their graduate study by taking additional graduate-level accounting electives, designated MPAcc seminars, and MBA or other supporting courses. Each student will plan his or her program through discussion with the MPAcc Advisor. The Accounting Department offers both undergraduate and graduate versions of the following courses:
*At the graduate level, these courses have MBA rather than MPAC designations.
In addition, students select from both required and elective offerings within Western's MBA program to supplement their additional accounting studies.
Students meet with the MPAcc advisor to design their own program within general guidelines. MPAcc students are eligible for designated MPAcc scholarships and priority registration. The program structure accommodates internships and has a significant cost advantage over other MPAcc programs.
3+2 Integrated MPAcc
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. A 3+2 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.
*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.
4+1 Traditional MPAcc
The 4+1 Traditional MPAcc is designed for outstanding students who have completed their undergraduate accounting degrees prior to beginning their MPAC studies. A 4+1 MPAC student's program would look something like the following:
Fifth Year Courses
- Colloquim (Fall/Winter/Spring)
- MPAC Courses under advisement
- Supporting Field
- Capstone
- Comprehensive Exam *
*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.
Contact Us
Dr. Audrey Taylor
Department Chair
Michelle Stach
Academic Department Manager
Department of Accounting
Parks Hall 451
Phone: (360) 650-3202
Email: MPAcc Program