Master of Professional Accountancy Curriculum

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Master of Professional Accountancy Curriculum

University of California, Riverside’s (UCR’s) STEM-designated Master of Professional Accountancy (MPAc) program educates candidates with the technical knowledge, judgment, evidential reasoning, ethical skills, and executive presence that are the key to a successful accounting career.

UCR’s MPAc program offers two track options for candidates at the time of admission. Internship option (Mgt 298I) is available for both Track 1 and Track 2.

Track One: Candidates with a degree or major in accounting will take 48 units and typically complete the program in nine months.

Track Two: Candidates without an accounting background will be placed on Track Two and required to complete two prerequisite courses for a total of 56 units. Track Two candidates typically extend their studies to the following year, completing the program in 15 months (fall, winter, spring, fall).

MPAc Program Requirements

Track One

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Candidates who with an academic accounting background are typically placed on Track One at the time of admission. Track One candidates should have taken the following prerequisite courses or their equivalents:

Financial Accounting Principles and Practices
Auditing and Assurance

Track Two

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Candidates who have little to no background in accounting are required to take prerequisite courses to help reduce knowledge gaps and ensure success in the MPAc program and beyond in their accounting career.

Prerequisite Courses (4-8 units depending on prior background – each course is comprised of 4 units):

MGT 400A: Financial Accounting Principles and Practices
MGT 400E: Auditing and Assurance

Required Courses

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Candidates will take the following required courses for a total of 24 units:

MGT 225: Professional Accounting and Auditing Research
MGT 229: Accounting Ethics and Professional Responsibilities
MGT 240B: Advanced Taxation
MGT 245: Financial Statement Analysis
MGT 278A: Auditing and Assurance Services: Theory and Practice
MGT 278B: Information Technology Auditing and Assurance

Electives

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A total of 24 units of elective units are needed.

For additional electives, candidates may consult with their advisors; however, the following elective courses are recommended to help prepare candidates for the CPA exam.

MGT 204: Cost & Management Accounting
MGT 226: Fraud & Forensics Accounting
MGT 240A: Taxation
MGT 241: Accounting Systems & Control
MGT 245: Financial Statement Analysis
MGT 277: Advanced Financial Accounting
MGT 278C: Internal Auditing

Restricted Electives: Must pick two (8 units) from the list below:

• MGT 226: Fraud & Forensics Auditing
• MGT 277: Advanced Financial Accounting
• MGT 278C: Internal Auditing

Choose three additional electives (12 units) from below. Candidates may consult with their advisors
however, the following elective courses are recommended to help prepare candidates for the CPA
exam.

MGT 204: Cost & Management Accounting
MGT 226: Fraud & Forensics Accounting
MGT 240A: Taxation
MGT 241: Accounting Systems & Control
MGT 245: Financial Statement Analysis
MGT 277: Advanced Financial Accounting
MGT 278C: Internal Auditing

*If you choose to do an internship (298I), that would be in addition to your required coursework.
Elective selections should be discussed with the Graduate Student Success Center.

Comprehensive Exam

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MPAc candidates must pass a comprehensive examination given at the end of all coursework to receive the degree.

The exam covers all required courses and includes integrated questions relevant to the field and to the CPA exam.

Gain a Competitive Edge

An MPAc from UCR will equip you with the variety of skills businesses today are looking for. Boost your competitiveness as a job candidate and prepare for a successful business management career.

Professor Talking to students on computer

Critical Skills Gained

UCR MPAc candidates will gain a technical competence in one of the three following areas with a strong command of one:

Auditing and Assurance
Cost and Managerial Accounting
Accounting Information Systems
Tax

Other relevant competencies gained from the program are:

Ability to use accounting software and tools
Professional integrity and ethical reasoning
Communication and presentation
Global perspectives and cultural competencies

Female student in UCR Student Success Center auditorium

Rigorous Stem-Designated Program

Our Master of Professional Accountancy is a STEM-designated degree program.

With a STEM-designated graduate business degree, you are demonstrating to employers that you possess the combination of technical skills and business acumen necessary to add significant value to their organization.

For international students, a STEM designation enables a graduate student to work in the United States for up to three years of Optional Practical Training (OPT) upon graduation.

Grad students at Anderson Hall, UCR School of Business

Access to Coursera to Enhance Skills and Competitiveness

To set our MPAc students apart in a competitive tech market, we offer access to Coursera at significantly discounted rates.

This allows you to earn certifications and mini-credentials from Google, IBM, Meta, and more.

You will be able to enhance your knowledge and fill in skills gaps in areas such as quantitative analysis, data analytics software, project/product management.

Additional Information and Resources

ADMISSION

MPAC CLASS PROFILE

CAREER DEVELOPMENT

FINANCING YOUR PROGRAM

CONNECT WITH GRAD STUDENT AMBASSADORS

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

UCR GENERAL CATALOG

MILITARY BENEFITS

Connect with an AGSM Ambassador today!

Our Graduate Student Ambassadors constitute a distinguished group of business student leaders who are eager to serve as guides for prospective students. Connect with an ambassador from your program today to learn more.

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Master of Professional Accountancy Curriculum