How are graduate accounting classes delivered?
Seven-week courses are offered in a low-residency format, with online classes offered both live and asynchronously on your own schedule, and one in-person residency per semester on our Malvern campus.
Our students find this mix of in-person and online learning offers the opportunity to better collaborate, network with peers, and take advantage of our campus resources.
How long will it take me to earn my master's degree in accounting?
The choice is yours! We provide flexibility for students, many of whom may be using tuition benefits from their employer or financing their studies on their own. You can take up to eight years to complete a degree program, and up to three years to complete a graduate certificate.
If you pursue the program part-time, you can complete it in as little as two to three years. If you study full-time, you can complete it within 12-18 months.
How many credits are required for the Master of Professional Accounting?
The program is 30 credits (18 core credits, 9 elective credits, 3 capstone credits), which, for most students, fulfills remaining credits required for the CPA exam. Depending on your academic and work background, you may have introductory courses waived and therefore take more electives. Schedule a meeting with a program representative for more information.
Does it matter if I don't have an accounting undergraduate degree?
If you are a career changer interested in moving to the accounting field, our flexible program can meet your needs. There are two ways to meet prerequisite knowledge for the program:
Financial Accounting Graduate Certificate and the Management Accounting Graduate Certificate. After completing all courses with a B or better, you can apply to the Master of Professional Accounting program and request a GMAT waiver. Upon acceptance, certificate coursework will transfer. Please apply prior to completion of the second certificate.
- Complete undergraduate accounting courses from a regionally accredited college or university prior to applying. You must have completed, with a grade of B or better, or be enrolled in the following coursework:
- Financial Accounting
- Managerial Accounting
- Intermediate Accounting, I and II
- U.S. Federal Taxation
- Auditing
Can I choose a concentration within the accounting program?
We provide students the opportunity to customize a program that fits their career path through the Financial Accounting and the Management Accounting graduate certificates. Also, there is a concurrent degree option where students can earn a second master’s while using courses to satisfy both programs’ requirements.
Does the accounting program offer any experiential learning opportunities?
Our courses employ experiential learning techniques to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Courses employ current case studies.
Can I transfer credits into the accounting program?
A: A maximum of 10 graduate credits earned at another accredited institution may be applied. Courses must have been completed, with a grade of B or better, within five years prior to the date of enrollment. Up to 15 credits from Penn State nondegree and graduate certificate courses can be applied to a degree program—more information can be found here. Transfer credit approval is granted by the student's academic adviser and division head after an admission offer has been accepted.
What career services are available for accounting students?
We have a Career Services office that provides one-on-one career advancement support, internship guidance, access to career fairs and other career events with local and national companies, as well as an array of other services. An additional perk of being part of the Penn State family is access to career services for life.
Are GMAT or GRE scores required for the Master of Professional Accounting program?
GMAT or GRE results are not required for admission to this program.
What scholarships and funding options are available for accounting graduate students?
There are a variety of scholarships available to half-time and full-time students who meet certain criteria. More information can be found here.
Are there program metrics?
The Graduate School provides metrics on admission data, GMAT/GRE scores, enrollment, student demographics, time to degree, and degree conferral; more information can be found here.
