Two businesspeople calculating numbers as accountants.

Accountancy

Gain specialized training in accounting and related fields for those who wish to prepare for a career in public accounting and meet the 150-hour requirement to sit for the CPA exam in South Dakota.

Become an Expert in Your Field

As a Master of Accountancy student at USD, you will prepare for a career in public accounting. Here you will find a program that emphasizes decision making, problem solving, understanding the role of business in society, developing leadership ability and social responsibility, analytical and critical thinking skills. You will receive in-depth training in accounting, finance and related subjects so you can pursue a career in accounting, auditing, tax, financial planning, management consulting and more.

Get connected with the top employers in the region and across the globe as you tap into the robust accounting employer and alumni networks at USD. Employers routinely recruit on-campus and accounting students have among the highest career placement rates among Beacom School of Business students.


Degrees & Offerings

Master of Accountancy (MAcc)

Master's
  Vermillion Main Campus and Online

Gain specialized training in accounting and related fields for those who wish to prepare for a career in public accounting and meet the 150-hour educational requirement to sit for the CPA exam in most states, requirements vary by state. The flexible 100% online option is ideal for professionals to advance their career while remaining in the workplace.

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Master of Accountancy: Accounting Analytics (MAcc)

Master's
  Vermillion Main Campus and Online

The accounting analytics specialization meets the growing market demand for graduates with the ability to utilize and analyze data to strengthen accounting decision-making processes.  In addition to the foundational accounting coursework, you will explore data-centric accounting theories and principles.

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Master of Accountancy: Leadership (MAcc)

Master's
  Vermillion Main Campus and Online

Many of our successful graduates aspire to become partners in CPA firms and controllers and CFOs in companies. The leadership specialization will add interpersonal skill development to the technical field of accounting and will provide you with additional depth in the areas of communication, team building and strategic planning to be leaders in CPA firms and companies in the private sector.

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Master of Accountancy: Business Management (MAcc)

Master's
  Vermillion Main Campus and Online

Several of our successful graduates aspire to work in consulting or management advisory services areas. The business management specialization adds fundamentals in business planning and strategy, as well as the legal, economic, and social dynamics that affect business decisions. This exposure to business functional areas will help prepare you for the much-needed positions in this field.

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Master of Accountancy: Finance (MAcc)

Master's
  Vermillion Main Campus and Online

It is common for graduates working in public accounting firms to specialize in the financial industry. Many also aspire to grow into C-level positions (CFO) within their firms. The finance specialization provides additional knowledge in the areas of corporate finance, investments, and financial institutions. This knowledge will help you understand the decision-making process of financial managers and specialize in the finance industry within CPA firm clientele.

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Accelerated Bachelor of Business Administration/Master of Accountancy (BBA/MAcc)

Master's
  Vermillion Main Campus and Online

Accounting majors meeting requirements for entry into the MAcc program may opt to complete both the BBA and MAcc concurrently. Students who pursue this fast-track option will be awarded their undergraduate and graduate degrees simultaneously, upon completion of the two programs.

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Concurrent Master of Accountancy / Juris Doctor (MAcc/J.D.)

Master's
  Vermillion Main Campus

A concurrent program with the USD School of Law in which students earn both degrees concurrently in three years.

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Program Details

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Graduate Admissions

Known for Excellence

With qualities like small class sizes, specialized programs and incredible student opportunities, USD is not your typical university. What makes us unique is what makes your education exceptional.

Departments & FACILITIES

Explore the departments, facilities and centers that contribute to your education in accounting and finance. Our faculty are experts in their fields, bringing practical experience working in different business, finance, marketing or accounting firms.
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Accounting and Finance

Accounting and finance are among the most needed skill sets in the business world. The Division of Accounting and Finance prepares students through hands-on-experience in and out of the classroom so they can lead successful financial careers in any field.

Faculty & Staff

Get to know the faculty and staff in the Division of Accounting & Finance. Our faculty are experts in their field, contributing research and scholarship in financial accounting, cost accounting, forensic accounting, taxes, audits and more.
Bio Image for Faculty Member Erin Cornelsen

Erin Cornelsen

Instructor

Specialty

Accounting
Bio Image for Faculty Member Karen Davies

Karen Davies

Instructor in Accounting

Specialty

Accounting
Bio Image for Faculty Member Derek Franken

Derek Franken

Instructor

Specialty

Accounting
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The Program You Want, Where You Want It

Whether you are a recent graduate looking to continue your education on USD's main campus in Vermillion or a working professional who values the convenience and flexibility of online options, you can rest easy knowing that you are getting a world-class education. You will enjoy access to the same, expert faculty members wherever you are taking classes.

 

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Gain Real-World Experience

The Theta Upsilon Chapter of Beta Alpha Psi is the national scholastic and accounting fraternity. The primary objective is to encourage and give recognition to scholastic and professional excellence in the field of accounting.


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World-Class Program, World-Class Connections

As an accounting student at the Beacom School of Business, you will be invited to attend a variety of networking events, including the South Dakota CPA Showcase, Meet the Firms speed networking event and weekly presentations by accounting firms as part of our engaged student organizations. 

 

Not only will you have access to recruiters and alumni at the big 4 accounting firms (Deloitte, KPMG, Ernst & Young, PwC), you will meet top employers at local and regional levels.


Surprisingly Affordable

USD offers low tuition rates for in-state and out-of-state students, as well as scholarships, financial aid and employment opportunities to help make your education even more affordable.

Undergraduate Tuition & Costs

Learn more about tuition and fees for undergraduate students and see how your out-of-pocket costs at USD compare to those at other colleges and universities. Visit the Undergraduate Tuition & Costs Detailed page for program specific costs and fees. 

Financial Aid

Navigating options for how to pay for college can be challenging, but you are not alone. The Office of Financial Aid will work with you and your family to explore how you can make your college education even more affordable.

Scholarships

USD awards nearly $9.5 million in scholarships each year. View our scholarships to see which ones you may qualify for and how you can apply.



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