Master accounting, master your career: 4 reasons to choose the W. P. Carey MACC

When I applied to the W. P. Carey Master of Accountancy (MACC) program, I was thinking about the CPA exam and nothing more. The MACC program has helped me realize that it takes more than a CPA license to set yourself apart in the accounting profession — that separation occurs when you combine CPA licensure with applied preparation in advanced, relevant accounting topics. Below are four reasons I believe the MACC experience equips students to set themselves apart in their careers.

4. Diverse, useful exposure.

The MACC curriculum does a phenomenal job of exposing students to diverse facets of accounting, many of which are unknown to students with freshly minted undergraduate degrees. Forensics, sustainability accounting, and accounting research are only three of the many subjects included in the MACC, all with direct relevance to the accounting profession. You’ll master a broad range of accounting topics and figure out which areas of accounting interest you most, while also gaining the skills and knowledge you need to become a CPA.

3. Return on effort.

Return on investment is a selling point for many grad programs — but the ROI of the W. P. Carey MACC really comes down to how much effort you put into capitalizing on the many learning opportunities available to you here. Optional learning sessions integrate classroom learning with what is currently happening in the accounting profession, and can give you an edge over other graduates.

In addition, faculty members from the W. P. Carey School of Accountancy are eager to offer guidance, and can provide you with resources to explore subjects on your own. The more effort you put into the program, the more short- and long-term benefits you’ll receive.

2. Fantastic networking opportunities.

There’s a reason nearly 90 percent of MACC graduates are employed within 90 days of graduation. Offering one of the oldest accounting master’s in the country, the W. P. Carey School of Accountancy has spent the past 50+ years connecting with, learning from, and impressing top accounting firms across the country.

And the curriculum is influenced by the School of Accountancy Professional Advisory Board — made up of a cross-section of the profession’s leaders in public accounting, government, and industry. You’ll have a number of opportunities to hear and gain knowledge from these leaders, while growing a network of valuable contacts in the accounting profession.

1. Relevance.

Business and accounting environments are changing at unprecedented rates. Every week there are headlines about new legislation or standards that will affect accountancy in the future. Keeping this in mind, the MACC was built to help students maintain relevance even before entering the accounting profession.

You’ll strengthen your foundational accounting knowledge, while also gaining the skills you need to anticipate and adapt to change. And you’ll become fluent in the cutting-edge topics that will shape our profession moving forward. When everything’s said and done, you’ll have the tools to set yourself apart from other job candidates and position yourself for success in your career.

It all adds up to much more than a degree. Discover lasting value with a MACC from the W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University.