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 endorsed by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA).

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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

From Our Alumni

Justine Fry

Duquesne's MAcc program delivers high-quality instruction, which has enhanced my overall educational experience. The faculty is dedicated to preparing us for the CPA exam and our careers in accounting."

Justine Fry M.S.'25, Staff Accountant, Simon Lever Business Advisors & CPAs

Preparation for Professional Accounting Certification

Propel your career to new heights with over $220K increased earning potential with optional professional certification. Your M.S. in Accountancy 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-Endorsed Program

Duquesne is recognized as an endorsed school of internal auditing by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). Internal Auditing Education Partnership Program (IAEP) endorsed programs require a rigorous application process and monitoring by the Internal Audit Foundation and volunteers.

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.

Curriculum

View the 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 endorsed by 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.

Accreditation

The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) awarded Duquesne's undergraduate and graduate Schools of Business its full accreditation. The AACSB accreditation is recognized as a global mark of distinction. Less than 6 percent of the world's more than 1,200 business schools have passed the rigorous review necessary to earn the honor.

Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)

Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) Accredited Logo

Learning Outcomes

Upon graduation, M.S. in Accountancy learners will have acquired: 
  1. Technical and Analytical Skills
    Demonstrate the technical and analytical knowledge and skills required to attain professional certifications such as the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) certifications. Learners will be able to:
    • Utilize state-of-the art data analytics tools and techniques to perform accounting, audit, and tax analyses.
    • Employ advanced audit tools, including artificial intelligence, to conduct an audit and fraud investigation.

  2. Accounting Theory and Practice
    Demonstrate knowledge of accounting theory and practice required to attain professional certifications such as the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) certifications. Learners will be able to: 
    • Recognize, evaluate, and categorize the various elements of financial fraud.
    • Construct an audit plan and conduct an internal audit of a company. 
    • Interpret and construct financial reports in compliance with standards and regulations in various domains, including corporations, small businesses, and government entities.
    • Perform situation assessments and apply appropriate internal governance and risk management methods.

  3. Leadership and Communication Skills
    Demonstrate the communication skills that are expected for a successful career in the accounting/auditing profession. Learners will be able to: 
    • Demonstrate effective documentation skills related to areas including compliance, audit & control, fraud examination, and tax reporting.
    • Lead professionals and clients through complex accounting-related reporting and compliance issues.

  4. Ethical Responsibility
    Demonstrate a thorough understanding and appreciation for the ethical duties and responsibilities of the accounting profession. Learners will be able to: 
    • Identify legal and ethical issues in the areas of financial reporting, auditing and tax reporting, and will be prepared to act consistently within the ethical principles articulated by the accounting profession.