On Campus

Accounting MAC (Master of Accounting)

Elevate your professional standing with Creighton University’s AACSB-accredited Master of Accounting (MAC) program. Designed for future leaders, the program blends rigorous technical theory with the ethical foundation needed to excel in today’s complex financial landscape. Whether you are aiming for a role in a "Big Four" firm or corporate leadership, you will gain a competitive edge through a curriculum tailored to your goals.

  • CPA exam readiness: Receive a customized educational roadmap specifically designed to meet the requirements and knowledge base to pass the CPA exam.
  • Top-tier ranking: Earn your degree from a program ranked in the top 25% nationally, ensuring your resume stands out to elite global employers.
  • High-demand expertise: Align yourself with a field projected to grow 11.5%, entering a market where 42% of employers prioritize hiring MAC graduates.
  • Professional advancement: Unlock specialized career paths in auditing, taxation and consulting.
  • Accredited excellence: Benefit from elite instruction validated by the AACSB, the gold standard of business and accounting accreditation. 

Program Details: Goals and Curriculum

Specialized 30-credit pathway for CPA readiness and professional leadership.

The Master of Accounting (MAC) at Creighton University is a focused, non-thesis graduate program built for students who want an individualized and intensive education. Our primary objective is to prepare you for the rigors of the CPA certification and high-level professional practice.

Degree Requirements

  • Total credits: Complete 30 credit hours of graduate-level coursework.
  • Core curriculum: Build advanced expertise through coursework in managerial accounting, financial accounting, auditing, taxation, ethics and contemporary issues shaping the accounting profession. 

Advanced Core Curriculum 

Master the complexities of the field through our high-level core courses:

  • Advanced managerial accounting: Master strategic cost management and internal decision-making.
  • Advanced financial accounting: Dive deep into complex reporting standards and consolidated entities.
  • Advanced auditing: Explore sophisticated risk assessment and internal control environments.
  • Advanced taxation: Navigate intricate tax laws for individuals and corporate entities.
  • Current issues in the accounting profession: Stay ahead of emerging trends and regulatory shifts.
  • Research and analysis of ethical issues: Develop the moral framework and analytical skills essential for the accounting profession.
  • Analytics and emerging technologies: Prepare for a rapidly evolving profession with curriculum and programming that keeps pace with latest practices.

Expert Faculty Mentorship

Our respected faculty are more than instructors; they are dedicated mentors. They strive to help you:

  • Strengthen technical skills required for the modern marketplace.
  • Expand your knowledge beyond foundational accounting principles.
  • Achieve your career goals through personalized support and industry expertise. 

Admission Requirements

Take the next step toward your master’s degree.

To be considered for admission to the Master of Accounting (MAC) program, please complete the online application and meet the following criteria to ensure you are prepared for the rigorous curriculum:

Application Essentials

  • Academic standing: 3.0 GPA or higher in bachelor’s degree.
  • Official transcripts: Transcripts from all educational institutions.
  • Professional documentation: Current resume or curriculum vitae.

Prerequisite Coursework

Applicants must provide proof of completed coursework in the following foundational areas:

  • External financial reporting issues
  • Managerial accounting for decision-making
  • Principles of taxation
  • Auditing and accounting information systems

Personal and Professional Endorsements

  • Personal statement: Submit a 300–500 word essay explaining your interest in Creighton and your specific career goals.
  • Letters of recommendation: Submit two professional or academic letters from individuals who can vouch for your potential (excluding friends or family).
  • GMAT scores: Provide a GMAT score, if required based on your specific academic background.

International Applicant Requirements

Creighton proudly welcomes international students and supports F-1 visas upon admission. International candidates must also:

  • Meet all English language proficiency requirements.
  • Complete a Certification of Available Finances Form through the Global Engagement Office. 

When to Apply

Plan your start: key enrollment milestones for the current academic year.

Staying on track with your application is the first step toward your Master’s degree. Review the enrollment deadlines below to ensure you’re ready for your preferred start term.

On-Campus Program Timeline 

Start Classes InApply By
JanuaryDecember 15
JuneMay 1
AugustJuly 15

Ready to Begin?

  • Early submission: We recommend submitting your materials well before the deadline to ensure ample time for transcript processing and faculty review.
  • Admissions support: Contact our team for personalized, one-on-one help with deadlines, documentation, portal questions and maximizing your application's competitiveness. 

Master of Accounting Careers

  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
  • Senior auditor
  • Tax consultant
  • Forensic accountant
  • Finanical analyst
  • Assurance manager
  • Corporate accountant
  • Financial reporting manager
  • Internal auditor
  • Controller
  • Chief Financial Officer (CFO) 

Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics

Multiply Your Credentials

Stand out in a data-driven marketplace by pairing your accounting expertise with high-demand technical skills. Creighton's Master of Accounting (MAC) program offers a unique opportunity to enhance your degree with a Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics.  

  • Double certification: By utilizing your four elective courses for business analytics training, you can earn both your MAC and Business Intelligence and Analytics (BIA) certificate simultaneously.
  • In-demand skills: Modern accounting firms prioritize candidates who can bridge the gap between financial reporting and data analytics.
  • Streamlined path: This specialized track allows you to gain a distinct competitive advantage without adding extra time to your degree. 
Image
A graduate student analyzes financial data across multiple monitors in a state-of-the-art analytics lab.
In a survey of employers, 42% plan to hire Master of Accounting graduates
#2 first-time CPA pass rate nationally among large programs (NASBA)
11.5% projected growth for Master of Accounting grads over the next decade - Economic Modeling Specialist International (EMS)

"Creighton’s MAC program shaped me in unexpected ways. The curriculum challenged me academically while emphasizing reflection and meaningful learning. Creighton gave me more than an education. It gave me clarity, confidence and a deeper understanding of who I am and the future I want to build."

Samantha Manhart

BSBA’25 Accounting

MAC’26

Samantha Manhart

Tuition, Cost and Financial Aid

Creighton is committed to helping you understand the cost of your education and explore options for financing your degree.

Tuition and fees vary by program and are reviewed annually. View graduate program costs for current tuition rates, fees and estimated cost of attendance.

Financial aid options may include scholarships, federal student loans and other funding opportunities, depending on your program and eligibility. Learn how to apply for financial aid and explore available resources.

Have questions? Email or call our financial aid team at 402.280.2731 for personalized assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I earn a Master of Accounting degree?

A Master of Accounting can deepen your expertise in areas such as auditing, taxation and financial reporting; expand career opportunities and help prepare you for professional certifications such as the CPA.

How long does a Master of Accounting take?

The program takes 12 months for standard full-time graduate students. Current Creighton undergraduate business students can finish both their bachelor's and master's degrees in just four years through the accelerated track. 

Does this program help prepare students for the CPA exam?

Yes. Creighton's Master of Accounting program is designed to help you meet CPA educational requirements and prepare for professional accounting certifications. Through personalized advising, you can tailor your coursework to meet the requirements of the jurisdiction where you plan to pursue licensure.

What career opportunities are available with a Master of Accounting?

Graduates pursue careers as CPAs, auditors, tax consultants, forensic accountants, internal auditors, controllers and financial reporting professionals. The degree also provides a strong foundation for leadership roles in public accounting, business and government.

Can I complete the program while working full time?

Creighton's Master of Accounting program offers an individualized plan of study that can be tailored to your goals and schedule. You work closely with faculty advisors to design a path that supports your professional and educational objectives.

Accreditation

The Heider College of Business at Creighton holds dual accreditation from AACSB International, the global hallmark of excellence. Since 1949, we have remained in an elite tier of business education—one of only 2% of institutions worldwide to earn AACSB accreditation for both business and accounting.

  • Elite distinction: As an original charter institution for accounting accreditation, we represent the highest standard of academic achievement.
  • National rankings: Our undergraduate and graduate programs consistently rank in the top third of all AACSB-accredited schools by U.S. News & World Report.
  • Leadership excellence: AACSB has specifically recognized the college for its innovative initiatives in leadership development.
  • Quality assured: Our commitment to continuous improvement is validated through a rigorous peer-review process, ensuring your degree carries global prestige. 
Image
AACSB Accredited Logo

Pathways to Professional Licensure

Earning your CPA license is a comprehensive two-step process requiring both education and supervised experience. At Creighton University’s Heider College of Business, we provide the strategic roadmap you need to navigate these requirements across the country.

CPA Educational Excellence

  • Nebraska certification: Our accounting programs fully meet all statutory and regulatory education requirements to sit for the CPA exam in the State of Nebraska.
  • National flexibility: Through personalized advising, we help you meet the specific educational benchmarks for the remaining 54 U.S. jurisdictions.
  • Proactive planning: If your target state requires specific coursework beyond the traditional exam requirements, our advisors will help you integrate those expectations into your plan of study.

Licensure and Experience

  • Tiered licensure: Following the successful completion of the Uniform CPA Examination, licensure depends on meeting specific supervised experience hours.
  • Jurisdictional compliance: Because every jurisdiction has different stipulations for experience, our faculty works one-on-one with you to ensure your career path aligns with state-specific goals.  

Let's Take the Next Steps Together

Close Sidebar