Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate for applicants into the MAcc program?

The MAcc is a competitive program and we do receive more applications than we have space available. In assessing applicants, we do take a holistic view of the application and go beyond simply looking at an applicant's GPA.

What if I don't have a business or accounting undergraduate degree? What will I need to do to be a successful applicant?

We accept all applicants with undergraduate degrees. Applicants who have not completed a degree that has CPA transfer credits from the CPA preparatory courses will be required to complete these courses prior to applying to the Master of Accounting program.

What opportunities are there to get involved outside of class?

The MAcc is a cohort-based program and you will get to work very closely with all of the students in your cohort. There are also multiple opportunities to get to know students in other years of the program and meet MAcc graduates. Where possible, we actively try to bring in individuals from the business/corporate community into the program. This can range from having recent CPA graduates speak about their career to bringing in experienced industry professionals as part of Capstone 1. We also host regular accounting speaker events for MAcc students and alumni.

Are there internship, co-op placement, or career development services available for the MAcc program?

There are no formal internships or co-op options as part of the Master of Accounting. The expectation is that most students will be employed, or have an upcoming start date, with an accounting firm. However, our Career Services team will support students in their search for short-term, co-op, or full-time positions. The Master's Programs Office will also support students with their job search. While there are resources available for career development, it is up to the student to access the careers team's services and support. It is a combined approach in obtaining field experience between the 2 years of studies.

Is there financial aid available to students attending this program?

Scholarships and financial support are available for students entering the Master of Accounting program. There are also scholarships and awards presented to students during their studies. There are no formal bursaries available to MAcc students, but students would be eligible for University-wide bursary funding.

Is there are a combined program for MAcc and MBA?

Currently, we do not offer a combined MAcc and MBA program. However, MAcc graduates may be eligible for the FastTrack MBA program.

Is the MAcc program more intensive than the CPA PEP?

This may depend on the student's effective learning style. The MAcc requires in-person delivery and collaboration whereas the CPA PEP is generally independently completed via online modules and videos. The MAcc program can be equally as intensive as the CPA PEP. However, the MAcc takes less time to complete. The MAcc requires only 8 months of full-time studies to complete whereas the CPA PEP is distributed over 30 months and usually completed part-time after work and weekends to match the required practical experience. In addition, the MAcc mirrors the CPA PEP program but has 3 additional graduate business courses that is delivered in the span of 8 months which can feel more condensed and intensive. The time spent outside of the classroom while completing the MAcc program is equivalent to completing the CPA PEP. Depending on the student, it will take approximately 20 hours a week.

Does the MAcc include the CFE costs?

No, it does not. Students would need to register directly with CPA WSB (or equivalent). The entrance awards are intended, in part, to offset the cost to students for registered with CPA WSB and for the CFE.

I have already registered for Core 1, how will it affect my application process to the MAcc program?

If you've registered for Core 1 prior to your application to the MAcc program, it will not affect your MAcc application process. If you are admitted into the MAcc, you would not need to continue in Core 1. MAcc students are also required to be registered with CPA WSB (or equivalent elsewhere in Canada) to have their professional experience hours counted and to be allowed to write the CFE. We inform CPA of all MAcc students and that is noted on your CPA student profile. If you have completed courses through the CPA PEP program (such as Core 1), these would not be directly transferable to the MAcc. You would still be required to complete all of the MAcc courses.

Where/how do I complete my CPA preparatory courses?

You can complete the required CPA preparatory courses via CPA PREP. These courses can be completed online. Other post-secondary institutions such as NAIT and Grant MacEwan also offer CPA preparatory courses and are delivered in-class.

WIll taking 4 months off be a problem for my employer?

The course is designed to be delivered during the slowest season of an accounting firm. In designing the program, firms were quite supportive of the summer class schedule and in students being away from work during this time.