This is the first version of the 2026–27 General Catalog. Please check back regularly for changes. The final edition and the historical PDF will be published during the fall semester.
The Master of Accountancy (MAc) is a nonthesis program. Coursework focuses on the conceptual and economic foundations of accounting with applications to current and emerging problems of professional practice. MAc students also have the opportunity to acquire expertise in one of four subprogram areas: financial accounting and auditing, business analytics, taxation, and managerial accounting.
Graduate students in accounting are subject to the probation and dismissal rules of the Graduate College and are governed by the Iowa MBA program and master’s honor code.
Programs designed to lead to professional licensure are subject to federal regulations regarding informational disclosures. Please see Professional Licensure Disclosures by Program for further information.
Learning Outcomes
The MAc program develops and enhances accounting skills with a particular focus on research, analysis, interpretation, and the use of technology while emphasizing the problem-solving and communications skills necessary for professional success.
To develop these skills, students should be able to:
identify a problem in an unstructured setting;
consider the goals of the decision-maker(s), identify an appropriate solution methodology, and develop possible decision options;
know how to obtain, assess, and organize information to evaluate the decision options;
utilize the appropriate data analytics, management tools, and information technologies to evaluate options;
include qualitative issues—strategic, social, and ethical—when picking the option to execute; and
communicate the solution in an effective manner.
The Master of Accountancy requires 30 s.h. beyond the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA). The program permits students to specialize in accounting subprograms according to their interests and objectives. It builds on the technical skills acquired in the undergraduate program, broadens students' perspectives on the role of accounting in organizations and decision-making, and further develops written and oral communication skills. The 30 s.h. required for the MAc must include at least 12 s.h. in graduate-level accounting courses and at least 21 s.h. in courses numbered 5000 or above. Some work for the subprogram areas is cross-disciplinary, with courses from other departments as well as accounting.
Students from a variety of academic backgrounds enter the MAc program. Those who enter with an undergraduate degree in accounting can expect to complete the degree in 12 months. Those who enter with the University of Iowa undergraduate degree in the corporate accounting subprogram typically require three semesters to complete the MAc. Those who enter with a non-accounting undergraduate degree typically require four semesters to complete the MAc. Study plans are adjusted to reflect each student's particular academic background; see the section titled "Students Without Undergraduate Accounting Degrees."
The Master of Accountancy requires the following coursework. Students complete the requirements for their chosen subprogram or for the general program.
Students fulfill the remainder of the 30 s.h. with elective UI courses numbered 3000 and above
General Program
Students who do not wish to pursue a subprogram must complete 30 s.h. beyond the BBA. At least 15 s.h. must be earned in graduate-level accounting courses and at least 21 s.h. must be earned in courses numbered 5000 or above.
Total of 9 s.h. from UI courses numbered 3000 and above
Students Without Undergraduate Accounting Degrees
Coursework for students who enter the program with a non-accounting bachelor's degree is determined by each student's background and interest area. In addition to meeting the core program requirements for the MAc, students typically take a combination of undergraduate and MBA courses to remove academic deficiencies in quantitative methods, business, and accounting. Students with a bachelor's degree in another area of business typically are required to take 45–51 s.h. in order to complete the MAc program. Those with degrees outside of business and with no accounting courses typically are required to take 57–60 s.h.
MAc/JD
MAc students have an opportunity to pursue a combined Juris Doctor degree. Students who are interested in pursuing a combined MAc/JD degree should consult with the academic advisors in each program.
Separate application to each degree program is required. Applicants must be admitted to each program before they may be admitted to the combined program.
For information about the JD degree, see Juris Doctor, JD (College of Law) in the catalog.
Graduate education prepares students with advanced knowledge and skills in specialized fields. At the University of Iowa, the Graduate College advocates for student-centered graduate education and supports equitable application of rules and policies across graduate programs.
Graduate student applicants must meet admission requirements for both the Graduate College and the program to which they have applied. University of Iowa graduate admission requirements are published by the Graduate College and on the Graduate Admissions website.
Financial Support
Graduate students might be eligible for financial support. Several contingencies apply, including degree program and award type, satisfactory progress toward degree, satisfactory completion of all duties related to an appointment, and availability of funding. Graduate students should inquire directly with their program for more information about funding availability. The Graduate Student Employment Standards govern the employment relationship between the University of Iowa and all graduate teaching and research assistants in all matters except wages, which are covered by an existing collective bargaining agreement or the conditions of an applicable federal grant.
Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate College; see the Manual of Rules and Regulations on the Graduate College website.
Application criteria includes an online application; a résumé (include information about employment, education, extracurricular activities, and community involvement); a statement of purpose (250–500 words); academic transcripts (unofficial transcripts may be submitted with an application; official transcripts will be required for admission); earned bachelor’s degree from a U.S. college or university with a minimum grade-point average of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale; or have earned an equivalent from another country; and TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo scores for international students (may be waived; see application website for details).
Visit the MAc Admissions page on the Tippie College of Business website for full admission details.
100% of graduating students in the 2024–25 academic year reported that they found permanent employment or were accepted to graduate school.
The Tippie Graduate Career Services team offers multiple resources to help students in their career development journey. Visit Graduate Career Services on the Tippie College of Business website for details.
Sample Plans of Study
Sample plans represent one way to complete a program of study. Actual course selection and sequence will vary and should be discussed with an academic advisor. For additional sample plans, see MyUI.
