Master of Accountancy (M.Acy.) Major in Accounting (Professional Accounting and Reporting Concentration)

Program Overview

The Master of Accountancy (M.Acy.) degree with a major in Accounting is designed to broaden the educational experience of individuals preparing for a career in the public accounting profession. Students explore the social, ethical, and environmental effects of accounting information on those who rely on it for their decision making needs. The M.Acy. program can be used to satisfy the 150-hour education requirement for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam in Texas.

Application Requirements

The items listed below are required for admission consideration for applicable semesters of entry during the current academic year. Submission instructions, additional details, and changes to admission requirements for semesters other than the current academic year can be found on The Graduate College's website. International students should review the International Admission Documents page for additional requirements.

  • completed online application
  • $55 nonrefundable application fee

          or

  • $90 nonrefundable application fee for applications with international credentials
  • baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university
  • official transcripts from each institution where course credit was granted
  • a competitive GPA in the last 60 hours of undergraduate course work (plus any completed graduate courses)
  • Before applying to the program, applicants must have completed either: a minimum of ACC 3305 and ACC 3313 with a grade of "B" or better and at least 6 additional hours of upper level accounting courses from the following for a total of 12 upper level accounting hours: ACC 3314, ACC 3323, ACC 3365, ACC 3385, ACC 4313, ACC 3308 OR, a minimum of ACC 3313 and ACC 3314 with a grade of "B" or better and at least 6 additional hours of upper level accounting courses from the following for a total of 12 upper level accounting hours: ACC 3323, ACC 3365, ACC 3385, ACC 4313, ACC 3308.
  • Texas State undergraduate accounting majors with at least an overall 3.2 GPA and a 3.4 GPA in upper-level accounting courses who earn an “A” the first time taking ACC 3313 and a “B” or better in one additional upper level accounting course may apply to the graduate program before completing additional upper level accounting courses.
  • resume/CV detailing work experience, extracurricular and community activities, and honors and achievements
  • two forms of recommendation from persons best able to assess the student’s ability to succeed in graduate school
  • responses to specific essay questions
  • official GMAT/GRE (general test only) not required for applicants with a last-60-hours GPA of 3.5 or higher. If the last-60-hours GPA falls below the minimum requirement of 3.5, the official GMAT or GRE (general test only) with competitive scores will be required in order to be considered. The Graduate College will notify applicants via email should this occur.
    • A GRE or GMAT waiver and essay waiver may be available for Texas State accounting undergraduate applicants who have:
      • earned a minimum of a 3.2 GPA or higher in the last 60 hours of undergraduate course work, and
      • earned a minimum of a 3.0 GPA or higher in upper-level accounting courses, and
      • provided at least two reference forms from Texas State faculty

TOEFL, PTE, or IELTS Scores

Non-native English speakers who do not qualify for an English proficiency waiver:

  • official TOEFL iBT scores required with a 78 overall and minimum individual module scores of
    • 19 listening
    • 19 reading
    • 19 speaking
    • 18 writing
  • official PTE scores required with a 52 overall
  • official IELTS (academic) scores required with a 6.5 overall and minimum individual module scores of 6.0

This program does not offer admission if the scores above are not met.

Degree Requirements

The Master of Accountancy (M.Acy.) degree with a major in Accounting concentration in Professional Accouting and Reporting requires 30 semester credit hours.

Students who do not have the appropriate background course work may be required to complete leveling or prerequisite courses.

Any student enrolled in a graduate degree program in the McCoy College of Business Administration can earn no more than two grades of "C" or lower. Even if the grade of "C" or lower was replaced with a higher grade as a result of repeating the course, the original grade counts as a “strike” under this policy. Upon earning the third "C" (or lower), the student is automatically placed on academic suspension and permanently dismissed from their degree program without any possibility of readmission to their program or another degree program in McCoy College. The 3 "C" Policy takes precedent over probationary status. So, if a student earns a third "C" they are automatically dismissed from their program permanently; even if probation does not occur. 

Course Requirements

Required Courses
ACC 5316Advanced Accounting3
ACC 5323Accounting Data Analytics3
ACC 5366Business Entity Taxation3
ACC 5389Corporate Governance and Ethics3
Prescribed Elective
Choose 3 hours from the following:3
Professional Accounting Research
Tax Research
Choose 15 hours from the following:15
Accounting Electives
Auditing
Financial Statement Reporting and Analysis
Professional Accounting Research
IT Auditing
Tax Research
Regulation and Professionalism
Cost and Managerial Accounting Theory
Special Studies in Accounting
Internship in Accounting
Fraud Examination
Business Information Consulting
Partnership Taxation
Tax Practice, Procedures, Audits and Controversy
Internship in Accounting
International Accounting
Mergers, Acquisitions, and Consolidations Taxation
Sustainability Reporting
Business Electives
The Employment Relationship
Legal Issues in International Business
Legal Issues of Sustainability and Responsibility
Database Management Systems
Information Security & Assurance
Accounting Information Systems and Controls
Business Telecommunications
Agile Project Management For Business Professionals
E-Commerce: Strategies, Technologies, and Applications
Data Warehousing
Enterprise Resource Planning and Business Intelligence
International Economics
Emerging Market Economies
Investment Analysis
Portfolio Theory and Capital Markets
International Investments and Financial Management
Real Estate Investment
Organizational Change Management
Process Improvement Management in Organizations
Seminar in Management
New Venture Management
Cross-Cultural Management
Supply Chain Management
Managing Business Creativity
Seminar in Human Resource Management
New Venture Launch
Managerial Data Analysis
Managing the Communication Process
Graduate Business Internship
Marketing Research Methods
International Marketing
Integrated Marketing Communications
Services Marketing
Independent Study in Marketing
Optimization for Business Analytics
Statistical Methods for Business
Forecasting and Simulation
Analytics
Topics in Data Analytics
Total Hours30

Courses for CPA Eligibility

All graduates will have the 30 upper-level accounting hours and ethics course required to sit for the CPA Exam in Texas; however, graduates may still need 24 hours of related business course work. To be eligible to sit for the CPA exam in Texas, the candidate must have 24 hours of upper level business courses. The 24 hours may be completed at a community college or university, at the undergraduate or graduate level. There is a limit of 6 hours in any one area (i.e., management, economics, business law, etc.). Additionally, business statistics and communication may be used to meet this requirement. For further information, please consult with the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy http://www.tsbpa.state.tx.us/.

Comprehensive Examination Requirement

The MAcy program requires satisfactory completion of a comprehensive portfolio that documents abilities acquired during the program.  These abilities include: analytical and critical thinking skills to apply accounting knowledge; use of information technology, data analytics, and other analytical methods to evaluate accounting issues, form judgments, and communicate; and conceptualizing a complex issue into a coherent, informative, and persuasive written or oral statement.  The portfolio is evaluated in its entirety and no partial credit is given. Detailed instructions and requirements for completing the portfolio are available on the MAcy Canvas site.  Students who do not successfully complete the portfolio within the required timeline will be dismissed from the program.

Master's level courses in Accounting: ACC

Courses Offered

Accounting (ACC)

ACC 5315. Selected Topics in Financial Accounting.

The study of specialized financial accounting topics, existing and prospective, necessary for an advanced understanding of financial reporting. Topics include: pensions and post-retirement benefits, deferred taxes, derivatives, share-based payments, interim and segment reporting and emerging issues of the Emerging Issues Task Force. Prerequisite: ACC 3314 with a grade of “B” or better.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

ACC 5316. Advanced Accounting.

A study of accounting for business combinations and consolidated financial statements. Additional selected topics may include accounting for multinational operations, interim reporting, SEC reporting, partnership and governmental and not-forprofit accounting. Prerequisite: ACC 3313 with a grade of “B” or better.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

ACC 5320. Auditing.

A study of the underlying theory of external financial auditing including professional ethics, auditing standards and procedures, and the role of auditor’s judgment. (Suggested for CPA eligibility). Prerequisite: ACC 4313 with a grade of “B” or better. Corequisite: ACC 3314 with a grade of "B" or better.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

ACC 5323. Accounting Data Analytics.

This course introduces students to the process of making decisions using data-driven techniques. Specifically, this course emphasizes question formulation, hypothesis development, data analysis, model building, and model testing using business case studies. Prerequisite: ACC 3313 and ACC 3323 both with grades of "D" or better.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

ACC 5340. Individual Income Tax.

A study of the tax concepts and issues involved in an individual’s employment and personal life, and in sole proprietorships, property transactions, tax administration and tax practice. Regulatory and ethical issues are incorporated into the discussion. This course may not count as an elective in any master's program in the McCoy College of Business. Prerequisite: ACC 3313 with a grade of “B” or better.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

ACC 5350. Professional Accounting Research.

This course provides a study of the sources of authoritative standards in financial accounting. The course develops procedures for identifying the applicable accounting issues, locating appropriate authority, and communicating the results of professional research. Corequisite: ACC 3314 with a grade of “B” or better.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

ACC 5352. Financial Statement Reporting and Analysis.

A study of financial statement reporting and analysis. Use of tools and skills will be used to analyze and interpret financial reports for assessing financial performance of firms to facilitate investment, lending, and other financial decisions in a variety of business contexts. Prerequisite: ACC 3305 or ACC 5361 either with a grade of "B" or better.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

ACC 5355. IT Auditing.

A study of the IT audit: The process of collecting and evaluating evidence of IT system practices and operations. The course develops understanding of the procedures to test whether the systems are safeguarding assets, maintaining data security and operating effectively and efficiently. Prerequisite: ACC 3305 with a grade of "B" or better.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

ACC 5357. Regulation and Professionalism.

This course will cover the professional and legal responsibilities and liabilities of the accounting profession and tax preparers; the commercial law applicable to business transactions; and the legal structure of business organizations. It will also provide a basic overview of corporate and partnership taxation, focusing on current topics and developments. Prerequisites: ACC 3313 and [ACC 4328 or ACC 3308] both with a grade of "B" or better.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

ACC 5361. Accounting Analysis for Managerial Decision Making.

Use of accounting information for improving managerial decision making. Emphasis is on understanding the practice of business management, budgeting, cost behavior, and operational, internal, and management control. Prerequisite: B A 5352 with a grade of "C" or better.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

ACC 5362. Cost and Managerial Accounting Theory.

A study of recent developments and topics in the area of cost and managerial accounting. Includes a discussion of quantitative techniques and their applicability to accounting problems. Prerequisites: ACC 3365 or ACC 5361 either with a grade of “B” or better.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

ACC 5366. Business Entity Taxation.

Federal income tax provisions affecting business decisions, with an emphasis on C Corporations, Limited Liability Companies, and Partnerships. An introduction to the choice, formation, organization, operation and distribution rules or the preceding business entities. Prerequisite: ACC 3313 and [ACC 4328 or ACC 3308] both with grades of "B" or better.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

ACC 5369. Special Studies in Accounting.

Directed study and research on selected accounting topics, including the development of accounting thought and research in; advanced tax topics, international accounting, professional ethics and managerial and financial accounting. Courses will be offered as independent instruction. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

ACC 5370. Internship in Accounting.

Experiential learning during which the students work in accounting. This work experience may be in public, industry, or governmental accounting units. The student is immersed in a variety of intensive work assignments with increasing levels of responsibility. Students taking ACC 5370 for credit may not take ACC 5680 for credit. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

3 Credit Hours. 0 Lecture Contact Hours. 20 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing
Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit

ACC 5372. Tax Research.

An examination of the sources of tax authority, which include its primary sources (legislative, judicial, and administrative), as well as secondary sources. The course also develops procedures for identifying the applicable tax issues, locating appropriate tax authority, and communicating the results of tax research. Prerequisite: ACC 4328 or ACC 3308 with a grade of "B" or better. Corequisite: ACC 3314 with a grade of "B" or better.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

ACC 5373. Fraud Examination.

An introduction to the theory and techniques used to prevent, detect, and solve occupational and financial fraud and corruption schemes. Includes forensic accounting procedures, interviewing techniques, rules of evidence, documentary evidence gathering, report writing and other aspects of litigation support. Prerequisite: ACC 3305 or ACC 3313 with a grade of "B" or better.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

ACC 5375. Business Information Consulting.

Integrative capstone for the MSAIT program using principles and concepts applied through the analysis and presentation of case studies dealing with current issues or emerging trends in the fields of accounting and information technology for the accounting professionals serving as consultants. Prerequisite: ACC 3305 with a "B" or better.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

ACC 5377. Partnership Taxation.

A comprehensive study of the tax implications of conducting a business as a partnership or as a limited liability company. Life-cycle analysis and tax planning considerations are emphasized. Prerequisite: ACC 4328 or ACC 3308 or ACC 5366 with a grade of "B" or better.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

ACC 5378. Tax Practice, Procedures, Audits and Controversy.

This course focuses on the procedural aspects of tax planning and tax return preparation. Coverage includes IRS enforcement tools and corresponding taxpayer rights, audits and appeals, civil and criminal penalties, and statutory relief provisions. Professional standards and ethical considerations in tax practice are emphasized. Prerequisites: ACC 3314 and [ACC 4328 or ACC 3308] both with a grade of "B" or better.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

ACC 5389. Corporate Governance and Ethics.

A study of the corporate governance and ethical issues in accounting, including ethical reasoning, integrity, objectivity, independence, core values and professional issues. Prerequisite: ACC 3313 with a grade of "B" or better. Corequisite: ACC 4313 with a grade of "C" or better.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

ACC 5390A. International Accounting.

A study of the impact of international business activity on accounting standard setting. This course investigates the development of international accounting standards and compares those standards to US standards. Students taking ACC 4390A for credit may not take ACC 5390A for credit. (MULT) Prerequisite: ACC 3313 with a grade of "B" or better.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing|Multicultural Content|Topics
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

ACC 5390F. Mergers, Acquisitions, and Consolidations Taxation.

This course on mergers, acquisitions and consolidations will examine the tax ramifications and corporate strategies considerations of buying, selling and combining different companies; the onsolidated tax return consequences of those affiliated groups; and the residual outcomes and tax attributes that result from corporate divisions. Prerequisite: ACC 5366 with a grade of "C" or better.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing|Topics
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

ACC 5390G. Sustainability Reporting.

This course on sustainability reporting strategies will examine analytical methods and reporting techniques used by for-profit and non-profit companies to support sustainable operations.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing|Topics
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

ACC 5390I. Regulation and Professionalism.

This course will cover the professional and legal responsibilities and liabilities of the accounting profession and tax preparers; the commercial law applicable to business transactions; and the legal structure of business organizations.  It will also provide a basic overview of corporate and partnership taxation, focusing on current topics and developments. Prerequisite: ACC 3314 and ACC 4328 both with grades of "B" or better.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing|Topics
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

ACC 5390K. Oil and Gas Taxation.

This course provides an introduction to US federal income taxation of domestic oil and gas operations and transactions. The course examines taxation associated with the operational life-cycle of oil and gas operations including exploration, development, production and abandonment. Certain international tax aspects will be considered. Prerequisite: ACC 4328 with a grade of "B" or better.

3 Credit Hours. 45 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing|Topics
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

ACC 5390L. Exploring Accounting Oversight in Washington, D.C..

This course offers an immersive learning experience in Washington, D.C. The course bridges classroom theory with real-world practice, providing a holistic understanding of the regulatory landscape through exploration of the key institutions shaping the accounting profession. The core of the course consists of guided visits to these institutions. Prerequisite: ACC 4313 with a grade of "C" or better.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing|Topics
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

ACC 5680. Internship in Accounting.

This internship involves experiential learning over one entire semester during which the students work in accounting. This work experience may be in public, industry, or governmental accounting units. The student is immersed in a variety of intensive work assignments with increasing levels of responsibility. Students taking ACC 5370 for credit may not take ACC 5680 for credit. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

6 Credit Hours. 0 Lecture Contact Hours. 40 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit