Frequently Asked Questions
MASTER OF ACCOUNTANCY - UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSE
Why should I apply to the MAcc program?
UT's MAcc program is nationally recognized for its excellence. It is ranked 16th in the nation by the CPA Personnel Report's 23rd Annual Survey of Accounting Professors and is regularly ranked in the top 25 by the Public Accounting Report's Annual Survey of Accounting Professors. Each year, approximately 90 percent of our MAcc students have accepted job offers before they graduate from the program. Furthermore, the coursework ensures that MAcc students meet all the CPA educational requirements for most states.
How long does it take to complete the MAcc program?
The 10-month MAcc program spans fall and spring semesters and the first session of summer school.
What is involved in applying for the MAcc program?
Candidates must complete two applications: to the University of Tennessee Graduate School and to the University of Tennessee Department of Accounting and Information Management.
The Graduate School online application can be found at www.applyweb.com/apply/utg/ and must be accompanied by a $60 application fee paid by debit or credit card. Non-UT students also must include transcripts. (Transcripts are automatically handled for UT students.)
The Department of Accounting and Information Management online application can be found at http://bus.utk.edu/aim/apply.htm. The application must be accompanied by an essay, resume, and two letters of recommendation. The admissions committee will also conduct on-campus interviews with non-UT students.
When is the application deadline?
The application deadline is March 1 (February 1 for international students), although applications from qualified non-international students will be accepted after this date if space is available.
What should my GMAT score and undergraduate GPA be?
The average GMAT score is 590 and the average GPA is a 3.6 (overall). Therefore, some individual GMAT scores and GPAs are higher and some are lower. Please keep in mind that the admissions committee also takes into account an accounting specific GPA for accounting courses taken above the introductory accounting principles level.
Admissions are not based solely on GPA and GMAT scores. The admissions committee considers all components of the application package.
What is the normal course load?
MAcc students complete four courses in the fall, four courses in the spring, and two courses during the first session of summer school for a total of 30 credit hours. Classes end by June 30.
What courses do students take in the MAcc program?
Tax Concentration
- Financial Reporting Research and Contemporary Issues
- Governmental, Not for Profit, and Managerial Accounting
- Tax Research, Accounting Practice, and Procedures
- Tax Strategy and Entity Taxation
- Corporate Taxation and Reorganizations
- Taxation of Partnerships and S Corporations
- Consolidations
- Financial Statement Analysis/Business Law
- Marketplace Simulation
- Multi-Jurisdictional Tax Planning and Policy
Audit Concentration
- Financial Reporting Research and Contemporary Issues
- Professional Standards
- Governmental, Not for Profit, and Managerial Accounting
- Tax Strategy and Entity Taxation
- Seminar in Business Risk and Assurance Methodology
- Systems Audit Security and Controls
- Consolidations
- Financial Statement Analysis/Business Law
- Marketplace Simulation
- Enterprise Resource Planning Systems
What are the admission requirements for the MAcc program?
Students must complete the following prerequisites (or comparable courses for non-UT applicants):
- Accounting 301 Introductory Financial Reporting
- Accounting 311 Financial Reporting and Analysis
- Accounting 321 Cost Management
- Accounting 411 Financial, Compliance and Operational Auditing
- Accounting 414* Advanced Financial Reporting
- Accounting 431 Federal Income Taxation
- Info. Mgmt.341 Business Process Analysis
*This course is not required for applicants from other accounting programs that do not have a comparable course.
Must I have an undergraduate degree in accounting to get into the MAcc program?
Not necessarily. University of Tennessee students who want to take the MAcc prerequisite courses must be seeking an
undergraduate degree in accounting. However, students may
enter UT’s MAcc program if they have completed comparable prerequisite courses at another college/university.
Can I take MAcc courses without being admitted to the program?
Generally, students must be admitted and enrolled in the MAcc program to take MAcc classes. However, some MAcc courses are available to University of Tennessee students who are enrolled in other UT graduate programs, such as the MBA.
What is the cost of the program?
Approximate tuition and fees:
In-state students:
Tuition-$11,100; MAcc fee-$3,000; University fees-$1,200
Out-of-state students:
Tuition-$31,500; MAcc fee-$3,000; University fees-$1,700
What kind of financial support is available for MAcc students?
Departmental Scholarships
The Department of Accounting and Information Management
awards scholarships on the basis of academic achievement and
professional promise.
Teaching or Research Assistantships
Assistantships provide a full-tuition waiver and a $5,100 stipend, paid over the course of the program, in return for teaching or research service. The assistantship, however, does not waive the
$3,000 MAcc fee and university fees.
Students awarded assistantships serve as teaching or research assistants to a faculty member or as assistants on special departmental academic projects.
The Tennessee Society of CPAs (TSCPA)
The TSCPA also provides MAcc scholarships to students who are residents of Tennessee and plan to enter the MAcc program.
How do I apply for graduate assistantships and scholarships?
To apply for financial assistance, simply check the appropriate boxes on your MAcc application. The number of scholarships and assistantships is limited. Therefore, applications are evaluated as they are received. Information about the TSCPA scholarship is available from the department in the spring semester before the program begins.