We turn accountants into problem solvers
As business processes move toward automation, employers need accounting professionals with curious minds who can lead companies into the future. In Iowa’s in-person MAc program, you’ll learn to embrace ambiguity, ask probing questions, and leverage new technology. Build your critical thinking muscle while earning the additional semester hours you need to take the CPA exam in our two-year program for non-accounting majors. Choose one of four unique tracks to add focus to your degree: Financial Accounting/Auditing, Managerial Accounting, Business Analytics, or Tax.
Ace the CPA
All states require 150 semester hours for CPA licensure. In general, you’ll earn 120 hours getting your undergraduate degree. Numbers-savvy students leverage the additional 30 hours required for CPA licensure into a master’s degree. This advanced curriculum will get you perfectly prepped to pass the test and set you up for a successful career in auditing, forensic accounting, financial advising, tax, and more.
#1
CPA pass rate for Iowa public universities
NASBA, 2019
Become a data-driven communicator
Data analytics is transforming the quality of audit evidence and fraud detection capabilities. Clients are getting more sophisticated with their data practices, which raises the bar for you. Our program includes two analytics courses that will not only prepare you to decipher the data, but also to clearly communicate your findings to leadership.
97%
Employed after graduation
Among 2022-2023 grads
Excellence comes standard
As an accounting student at Tippie, you’ll find yourself surrounded by great thinkers. To date, seven of our faculty members have received the AAA Outstanding Educator award, the most of any university. The most recently available data show that Iowa accounting grads boasted an 91% CPA section pass rate—that's 37 percentage points above the national average. It's also 11 points higher than the next-best performing public university in the state, and more than 10 points higher than the Big Ten average.
#13
CPA pass rate for large U.S. programs
NASBA, 2019
What a difference a master’s makes
A masters of accounting isn't simply an investment in advanced skills—it’s a significant boost to your earning potential. By how much? On average, $22,000 per year, according to a Georgetown University analysis of salary data collected by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Not only that, Tippie has one of the best pass rates in the region. The most recently available data show our MAc grads had a 91% CPA section pass rate—ranking Tippie #13 in the nation. To put that in context, the pass rate across all candidates nationwide, regardless of degree, was 58.6%.
$69,239
Average starting salary
Among 2022-2023 grads
Choose your track
We offer four specializations to set you up for success.
Iowa Ledger
Iowa Ledger is an annual publication for alumni and friends of the Department of Accounting.
Top
Public University for Writing in the Disciplines
U.S. News & World Report
Accounting Writing & Communications Program
You read that right. The nation’s top writing university has a dedicated program just for you.