The Master of Accountancy (MAC) is designed to provide graduate students who have an undergraduate degree in a discipline other than accounting with a set of courses focused on the foundational areas within the accountancy discipline, enhancing students’ understanding of the role of accounting in business and other organizations. The MAC degree is designed to prepare candidates for a professional accountancy career and qualify them to sit for the Certified Public Accountant examination in Illinois.
The MAC program is a part-time cohort program with students admitted only in the fall semester. Guaranteed admission into the program is available for University Honors students who have successfully completed a non-accountancy undergraduate degree from NIU, subject to capacity.
Check departmental information for additional requirements.
Master of Accountancy Learning Goals and Objectives
The NIU Master of Accountancy program provides advanced study in accounting for graduate students who have an undergraduate degree in a discipline other than accounting.
Learning Goal 1: Our students will apply accounting concepts and technology to solve problems.
Learning Objective 1: Our students will demonstrate appropriate knowledge of technical accounting concepts.
Learning Objective 2: Our students will develop critical thinking skills necessary to solve problems.
Learning Objective 3: Our students will support conclusions using appropriate research and authoritative pronouncements.
Learning Goal 2: Our students will demonstrate awareness of ethical issues in business and accounting.
Learning Objective 4: Our students will articulate relevant codes of conduct and professional standards.
Admission
Admission to the Master of Accountancy program is competitive. At minimum, applicants must meet the admission requirements of the NIU Graduate School.
At the discretion of the respective program directors, candidates may be required to come in for an interview or to submit additional materials deemed important in assessing potential for success in graduate business studies. Students interested in the degree should apply no later than the Graduate School fall admission deadline.
To successfully complete the MAC program, a student must have a cumulative GPA of 3.00 in degree courses. All courses must be completed at NIU within six calendar years of starting.
Students are required to complete a minimum of 36 semester hours of course work beyond the required pre-requisites and the baccalaureate degree. The total credits accepted in transfer from other institutions may not exceed 9 semester hours. Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.00 in all graduate course work completed in the MAC program.
A two-course Principles of Accounting sequence and general business courses in finance, statistics, and economics will be included in a student’s program of study unless she or he has earned a C or better in corresponding undergraduate courses or a B or better in equivalent graduate courses. The general business course requirements may be met by completing courses at a university, community college, or select online providers.
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