Accountancy

Accounting Excellence Based in Ethical Leadership — Expand your career opportunities and maximize your earning potential with Duquesne University's Master of Science in Accountancy (MAcc). Our degree is distinct among auditing and accounting programs in Pennsylvania and equips accounting professionals to become expert analysts and ethical business leaders. The program is accredited by AACSB International and the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA).

View the Curriculum Guide.

Apply Request Info

Competitive Accounting Curriculum


The MAcc program provides competitive curriculum built on the cornerstones of small classes, hands-on learning, ethical problem-solving, and individualized attention from faculty and mentors. The program also contains a breadth of courses in areas like forensic accounting, auditing, financial reporting, and information systems. 

Flexible Program

The program starts in the fall semester and can be completed in one year with daytime and evening courses or in two years with evening courses. Duquesne University's proximity to downtown Pittsburgh is convenient for working professionals taking evening courses. 

Dr. Amy Yurko, associate professor of Accounting on how a Master of Science in Accountancy from Duquesne University prepares you for a rewarding career.

Program Information

Expand your career opportunities and maximize your earning potential with Duquesne University's Master of Science in Accountancy (MAcc). Our degree is distinct among auditing and accounting programs in Pennsylvania and equips accounting professionals to become expert analysts and ethical business leaders.

Program Type

Major

Degree

Master's

School

Palumbo-Donahue School of Business

More in this Program

Hear from Our Students

Professor points at screen and a laptop sits on desk

"Duquesne's MAcc program focuses on preparation for the CPA exam. In addition, the small class sizes and interaction with professors and executives in Pittsburgh made the decision to pursue a MAcc a no-brainer for me."

Sean Bogosta MAcc 2015, Senior Consultant, EY People Advisory Services

Preparation for Professional Accounting Certification

Propel your career to new heights with over $220K increased earning potential with optional professional certification. Your MAcc degree can be combined with your undergraduate degree to meet the 150 academic credits required for Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensure in Pennsylvania and many other states.* You can also pursue Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), and Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) licensures.

Graduates of Duquesne University's Master of Science in Accountancy program excel on certification exams, with pass rates exceeding state and national averages for the CPA exam. In addition to professional licensures, you will join an alumni network with international Big Four accounting firms, national and regional CPA firms, corporations, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations.

*CPA exam criteria varies by state. Visit National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) to learn more. 

IIA-Accredited Program

Duquesne is recognized as a certified school of internal auditing by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). Of the 30+ USA-based schools on the global certification list, Duquesne's Palumbo-Donahue School of Business-under which the MAcc offers a degree in auditing-is currently the only IIA-certified graduate accounting program in the state of Pennsylvania.

Course Descriptions

View Course Descriptions
The 30-credit Master of Science in Accountancy consists of 24 credits of required courses and 6 credits of electives. The program is accredited by AACSB International and the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA).
  • ACCT 801 Fraud Examination (3 credits)
  • ACCT 802 Internal Audit (3 credits)
  • ACCT 804 SEC Reporting (3 credits)
  • ACCT 805 Business Analytics for Decision Making (3 credits)
  • ACCT 806 Information Technology Governance, Risk, & Compliance (3 credits)
  • ACCT 811 Advanced Financial Reporting (3 credits)
  • ACCT 812 Non-profit and Governmental Accounting (3 credits)
  • ACCT 817 Contemporary Topics in Financial Reporting (3 credits)
  • Elective One (3 credits)
  • Elective Two (3 credits)
Discuss elective options with your Student Success Coach.

Beta Alpha Psi

Beta Alpha Psi is the premier national honorary accounting fraternity. Less than 5% of The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International accredited schools eligible for membership have achieved active status. The fraternity sponsors professional growth and development programs, as well as community and University service activities.

Certification/Licensure

Certification is highly recommended in the accounting profession. Many certifications exist that offer credentialing in specific areas of expertise within accounting. Our MAcc will help prepare you for the licensure exams listed below: Research shows that CPAs earning potential is $220K to $1.2M more than non-CPAs depending on when they earn their CPA and the size of firm for which they work - Journal of Accountancy.

Anyone interested in becoming a public accountant must become licensed by passing the CPA. The American Institute of CPAs governs the Uniform CPA exam to ensure appropriate licensing and professionalism in this discipline.
The Institute of Management Accountants is dedicated to re-balancing the accountancy profession by educating society regarding the business-building role of management accountants and finance professionals working inside organizations.
The CIA is administered by the Institute of Internal Auditors and is globally accepted by employers as the premier certification for professionalism and competence in the area of internal auditing practices.
The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners is an anti-fraud organization committed to reducing fraud around the globe and promoting the integrity of its members. The exam seeks to identify expertise in prevention, detection, and deterrence of fraud, a skill that is increasingly sought after by employers across all industries.
The CISA is a global standard for information systems auditing professionals. The exam identifies technical expertise in the area of IS auditing, control and security.