Image of Marist University students looking at financial market statistics on a computer screens.

Master of Science in Professional Accountancy

Menu Display

Master of Science in Professional Accountancy Frequently Asked Questions

Program Overview

What is the Marist Master of Science in Professional Accountancy (MSPAccy)?

The Marist MSPAccy is a graduate accounting program designed to help students earn the additional 30 credits required to meet the 150-hour CPA licensure requirement, while building advanced accounting knowledge and skills.

Who should enroll in the Marist MSPAccy program?

The program is designed primarily for accounting majors or graduates who want to become Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) and advance their careers in public accounting. 

What career outcomes does the MSPAccy program support?

The program prepares graduates for careers in:

  • Public accounting firms
  • Audit, tax, and advisory roles
  • Corporate and financial accounting
  • CPA licensure pathways 
     

The Marist MSPAccy is a graduate accounting program designed to help students earn the additional 30 credits required to meet the 150-hour CPA licensure requirement, while building advanced accounting knowledge and skills.

The program is designed primarily for accounting majors or graduates who want to become Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) and advance their careers in public accounting. 

The program prepares graduates for careers in:

  • Public accounting firms
  • Audit, tax, and advisory roles
  • Corporate and financial accounting
  • CPA licensure pathways 
     

Format, Flexibility, and Timeline

Is the Marist MSPAccy program online?

The program is offered 100% online, providing flexibility for students completing coursework alongside professional commitments. 

How long does it take to complete the MSPAccy?

Students may:

  • Complete the program in as little as 7 months in an accelerated format
  • Finish in under one year to about 1.5–2 years, depending on pacing 

How is the program structured?

The curriculum is designed to align with industry hiring cycles:

  • Up to 60% of credits can be completed before starting full-time work in the fall
  • Remaining coursework can be completed online while employed 

The program is offered 100% online, providing flexibility for students completing coursework alongside professional commitments. 

Students may:

  • Complete the program in as little as 7 months in an accelerated format
  • Finish in under one year to about 1.5–2 years, depending on pacing 

The curriculum is designed to align with industry hiring cycles:

  • Up to 60% of credits can be completed before starting full-time work in the fall
  • Remaining coursework can be completed online while employed 

Curriculum and Learning Experience

What will I learn in the MSPAccy program?

Students take advanced coursework in areas such as:

  • Auditing
  • Accounting information systems
  • Business valuation
  • International accounting standards
  • Analytics and data-driven decision-making 

How many credits are required for the MSPAccy?

The program consists of approximately 30 graduate credits, which contribute toward the 150-credit CPA requirement. 

Does the program include a capstone or applied experience?

Yes. The curriculum includes an accounting research capstone course, designed to integrate and apply advanced accounting concepts. 

Students take advanced coursework in areas such as:

  • Auditing
  • Accounting information systems
  • Business valuation
  • International accounting standards
  • Analytics and data-driven decision-making 

The program consists of approximately 30 graduate credits, which contribute toward the 150-credit CPA requirement. 

Yes. The curriculum includes an accounting research capstone course, designed to integrate and apply advanced accounting concepts. 

Admissions and Requirements

Do I need an undergraduate degree in accounting to apply?

Yes, the program is designed for students with an accounting background and assumes knowledge of U.S. accounting and auditing standards. 

Can applicants from other majors apply?

No, this program is only for students who have completed a bachelor's degree in accounting to meet prerequisite knowledge requirements. 

Is the GMAT required for admission?

The GMAT may be required upon request, but there is no stated minimum score requirement. 

Are there multiple start dates throughout the year?

Yes. The program offers multiple start terms annually with the majority of the program being completed in the summer (18-credits).

Are scholarships or financial aid available?

Yes. Students can access:

  • Merit scholarships
  • Alumni discounts
  • Employer partnership discounts
  • Federal loans and grants (via FAFSA)

Yes, the program is designed for students with an accounting background and assumes knowledge of U.S. accounting and auditing standards. 

No, this program is only for students who have completed a bachelor's degree in accounting to meet prerequisite knowledge requirements. 

The GMAT may be required upon request, but there is no stated minimum score requirement. 

Yes. The program offers multiple start terms annually with the majority of the program being completed in the summer (18-credits).

Yes. Students can access:

  • Merit scholarships
  • Alumni discounts
  • Employer partnership discounts
  • Federal loans and grants (via FAFSA)

CPA Pathway and Outcomes

Does the MSPAccy prepare me for the CPA exam?

Yes. The program is specifically designed to help students meet the 150-credit requirement and build the knowledge needed to pursue CPA licensure. 

How does the program align with accounting job timelines?

The structure allows students to complete a significant portion of coursework before beginning employment, which aligns with accounting firms’ fall hiring cycles. 

What advantages does the MSPAccy offer for career acceleration?

Students benefit from:
•    Accelerated completion options
•    Early entry into the workforce
•    Advanced technical and professional accounting skills
•    Earned master's degree
 
 

Yes. The program is specifically designed to help students meet the 150-credit requirement and build the knowledge needed to pursue CPA licensure. 

The structure allows students to complete a significant portion of coursework before beginning employment, which aligns with accounting firms’ fall hiring cycles. 

Students benefit from:
•    Accelerated completion options
•    Early entry into the workforce
•    Advanced technical and professional accounting skills
•    Earned master's degree