Masters in Accounting

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Application Fee: $50

Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their bachelor's degree.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: Overall band score of  6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
• TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.

Standardized Test Requirements

• GRE (Graduate Record Examinations): Minimum score of 290 required.
• GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test): Minimum score of 450 required.

The University of Central Arkansas (UCA) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities for international students to help make higher education affordable and accessible. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement, supporting talented students from around the world as they pursue their degrees.

Merit-Based Scholarships: UCA provides competitive merit scholarships specifically for international students, awarded based on academic achievements such as high school GPA, standardized test scores, and other accomplishments. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are renewable each year, provided students maintain satisfactory academic performance.

International Student Scholarship: The university offers dedicated scholarships for international students, including awards that cover partial tuition fees. These scholarships aim to attract high-performing students globally and promote diversity on campus.

Program-Specific Scholarships: Some colleges and departments within UCA provide scholarships for international students pursuing specific fields of study, such as business, education, health sciences, or the arts. Prospective students are encouraged to inquire about scholarships related to their major.

A Master of Accountancy (MAcc) from the University of Central Arkansas (UCA) is designed to provide the advanced knowledge and skills necessary for a successful career in the accounting profession. This program helps graduates meet the 150 credit hours typically required for CPA licensure, equipping them with a comprehensive understanding of financial reporting, auditing, taxation, and business strategy. The MAcc from UCA prepares individuals for leadership roles and enables them to adapt to the evolving demands of the global business environment.

Certified Public Accountant (CPA): This is a primary career goal for many MAcc graduates. CPAs provide a wide range of services, including auditing financial statements, preparing tax returns, providing financial planning advice, and consulting for individuals and businesses in public accounting firms.

Auditor (Internal or External): Auditors examine an organization's financial records and internal controls to ensure accuracy, compliance with regulations, and efficiency. External auditors work for independent firms, while internal auditors are employed directly by organizations to improve their operations and mitigate risks.

Tax Accountant/Consultant: Specializing in tax laws and regulations, these professionals prepare and review tax returns for individuals and corporations, provide tax planning strategies, and advise clients on minimizing tax liabilities while ensuring compliance. They can work in public accounting, corporations, or government agencies.

Financial Analyst: While distinct from pure accounting, an MAcc provides a strong foundation for financial analysis roles. Graduates can analyze financial data, market trends, and investment opportunities to provide insights and recommendations for businesses, guiding strategic financial decisions.

Forensic Accountant: These "detectives" of the financial world investigate financial discrepancies, fraud, and other financial crimes. They analyze complex financial data, conduct audits, and often provide expert witness testimony in legal proceedings. This role is in high demand across law enforcement, consulting firms, and corporations.

Corporate Controller: The corporate controller oversees all accounting and financial functions within a company, including financial reporting, budgeting, accounts payable and receivable, and internal controls. They ensure the accuracy of financial statements and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Management Accountant (Cost Accountant/Managerial Accountant): Management accountants work internally within organizations to analyze financial data for strategic decision-making, budgeting, forecasting, and cost control. They provide insights to help management improve efficiency and profitability.

Government Accountant/Auditor: Opportunities exist in various government agencies (federal, state, and local) where accountants manage public funds, prepare financial statements, conduct audits, and ensure compliance with governmental accounting standards and regulations. This can include roles at the IRS or state audit offices.

Financial Manager: With experience, an MAcc graduate can advance to a financial manager role, directing the financial activities of an organization. This includes managing budgets, tracking revenues and spending, selecting investments, and overseeing the long-term financial health and growth of the company.

Data Analyst (with Accounting Focus): As accounting increasingly relies on technology and large datasets, MAcc graduates with an understanding of data analytics (potentially enhanced by UCA's Data Analytics certificate option) are well-positioned to leverage their analytical skills to extract meaningful insights from financial and operational data, informing business decisions and improving efficiency.