The objective of the Master of Accountancy program is to prepare individuals who have a high level of ability and motivation for successful careers in professional accounting and industry. This nationally recognized program uses active learning methods to engage students in global business planning, practices, and strategies. The program offers students the breadth of a broad business perspective and exposure to cutting-edge management issues. It also provides students with the technical depth required for a career that begins in auditing or taxation. Course work includes a particular focus on the development of analytical skills, communication skills (both oral and written), and research skills.
The Master of Accountancy program is a full-time, weekday program. The nature of the program precludes students from simultaneously working full-time outside of classes. UT’s accounting undergraduate and graduate programs are accredited by AACSB International and are among the first programs in the nation to receive this accreditation.
Admission
Students may begin graduate course work for the MAcc only in the fall semester. The application deadline is March 1 (February 1 for international students), and applications received after that date will be considered as space allows. The program is designed both for students who have completed an accredited baccalaureate degree program with a major in accounting and other areas. Students with an accounting degree from an accredited baccalaureate degree program normally meet the prerequisites for the program. Students with outstanding undergraduate records in areas other than accounting may qualify for the MAcc program by completing prerequisite course work in accounting, information management, and business. The extent of such prerequisite course work will depend on the student’s academic background. This option also may be available to current UT students in non-accounting majors having outstanding academic records. The availability of the “prerequisite option” for non-accounting majors is highly limited and selective, and approval to participate will be at the discretion of the MAcc Admissions Committee and the Undergraduate Programs Office. Such approval will be based on the student’s resume information, academic record, and potential for success in the accounting profession. All prerequisites must be completed prior to the start of graduate course work in the MAcc program. University of Tennessee-Knoxville (UTK) undergraduate students in the accounting major applying to the MAcc program will have the GMAT score submission requirement waived. This GMAT waiver also will apply to students in the prerequisite option who take, at UTK, all of the accounting prerequisites above the principles level prescribed by the MAcc Program Director. MAcc applicants not in either of these categories generally will be required to submit a GMAT score to be considered for admission to the MAcc program. Applicants whose native language is not English must submit results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
The admission decision is based on all factors that make up the total application, with consideration given to factors such as:
- The applicant’s academic record.
- Scores on the GMAT (unless waived), and TOEFL or IELTS for those whose native language is not English.
- Internships and/or work experience and other activities that demonstrate potential for leadership.
- Recommendations from professors and/or work supervisors.
Students will be expected to have a laptop computer for use in the program. Additional details concerning the hardware and software configurations required are posted on the departmental website.
Requirements
A student’s program encompasses a minimum of 30 semester credit hours of graduate course work. Specifically, the student must complete courses in accounting and other areas as indicated below. Each course is 3 semester credit hours of graduate work.
Students take 12 credit hours each semester and 6 credit hours in the first summer session. Depending on the concentration, program requirements are as follows:
Audit and Controls concentration
ACCT 507 , ACCT 508 , ACCT 509 , ACCT 518 , ACCT 522 , ACCT 523 , ACCT 535 , ACCT 593 , INMT 543 , INMT 544 .
Information Management concentration
ACCT 507 , ACCT 508 , ACCT 509 , ACCT 518 , ACCT 522 , ACCT 593 , INMT 540 , INMT 543 , INMT 544 , INMT 548 .
Taxation concentration
ACCT 507 , ACCT 508 , ACCT 509 , ACCT 522 , ACCT 530 , ACCT 531 , ACCT 532 , ACCT 533 , ACCT 539 , ACCT 593 .
Students may modify their program only with approval of the Director of the MAcc program.
Transfer Credits
A maximum of 6 semester credit hours taken at other AACSBI accredited institutions that otherwise conform to the transfer policy of the Graduate Council may be credited toward MAcc requirements.
Other Requirements
To qualify for the degree, a student must maintain a B average (3.0) or above in the 30 semester credit hours comprising the Master of Accountancy program. The student must satisfactorily demonstrate his/her ability to recognize, analyze, and solve accounting policy problems and integrate concepts from the various areas of accounting by passing a comprehensive written examination. This examination is included in the capstone courses (ACCT 509 for the audit and controls concentration; INMT 548 for the information management concentration; and ACCT 539 for the taxation concentration).
