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Master of Accounting 3+1 Program Pathway

A 3+1 Program Pathway is available for Loyola's Master of Accounting (MAcc) program. This pathway lets you earn both a business undergraduate degree and a Master of Accounting (MAcc) in just four years.

Here’s how it works:

  • Accelerated Pace: Complete your undergraduate degree coursework during your first three years.
  • FourthYear Graduate-Level Classes: Complete your the Master of Accounting program during your fourth year at Loyola.
  • Same Sellinger Curriculum: Complete the same undergrad and grad courses as our traditional programs, just faster!

Undergraduate Degree Credits
Number of needed undergraduate credits may be reduced with AP, dual enrollment, or other transferred credits.

First Year

30-39 credits

Second Year

30-45 credits

Third Year

36 credits

Graduate Degree Credits

Fourth Year

30 credit MAcc program

Through the 3+1 pathway you will:

  • Save time and money: Complete two degrees—a bachelor's and a Master's—in just four years for the cost of a typical Loyola undergraduate degree.
  • Position yourself for success: Enter the workforce with a graduate degree, and the opportunity to sit for some or all of the CPA exam during the fourth year.
  • Receive personalized advising: Your dedicated program advisor will ensure that you stay on track to meet program requirements for both degrees.
  • Increased your earnings potential:  Data from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) shows that the average starting salary for graduates with a master’s degree in accounting is significantly higher than graduates with a bachelor's degree.

Admission

Students who are admitted to Loyola University are automatically considered for entry into the accelerated dual-degree program in accounting, and those who meet the qualifications will be invited into the program during their first year. Students can indicate their interest in the program on the common application. Any intended major is eligible for the program, though business majors will have certain advantages in terms of CPA licensure.

Licensure Disclosure

Continuation

Accepted students must meet the following requirements in order to continue in the accelerated 3+1 accounting program:

  • Be prepared to take a full load--typically 18 credit hours--each semester in order to remain on track with the program’s curricular requirements.
  • Maintain a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0.
  • Meet the continuation standards of the MAcc program once beginning graduate work.
  • Demonstrate commitment to and progress towards completion of the program.

Year/Semester

Course Name

1st Fall


 

 

 

 

Introductory Language I

Effective Writing

Microeconomic Principles

Business Statistics

Financial Accounting

1st Spring


 

 

 

 

 

Introductory Language II

Encountering the Past

The Art of Reading

Macroeconomic Principles

Managerial Accounting

Data Analytics & Info Systems

1st Summer


 

Free elective 1

Free elective 2

2nd Fall


 

 

 

 

 

Intermediate Language I

Intermediate Accounting I

Cost Accounting

Management

Calculus

Foundations in Philosophy

2nd Spring


 

 

 

 

 

Intermediate Language II

Intermediate Accounting II

Auditing of Accounting Info Systems

Financial Management

Marketing

Theology Matters

2nd Summer


 

 

Free elective 3

Free elective 4

Free Elective 5/Likely AC 499, Accounting Internship

3rd Fall


 

 

 

 

 

Intermediate Accounting III

Taxation of Business Entities

Commercial Law

Upper-level History or English

Upper-level Philosophy or Theology

Supply Chain & Ops Management

3rd Spring


 

 

 

 

 

Ethics

Advanced Accounting

Auditing

Strategic Management

Natural Science

Fine Arts

4th Fall

Audit Analytics

Advanced Finance

MAcc Elective 1

4th Spring

Ethics for Accounting Professionals

SEC Reporting

MAcc Elective 2

4th Summer

Advanced Financial Accounting

Professional Communications

Seminar in Accounting Practice

MAcc Elective 3

 

Students in our 3+1 program pathway in accounting pay the undergraduate tuition rate for four years of study. Students who require additional time beyond four years will be charged the per credit rate for the MAcc program.

Loyola merit scholarships will continue to be awarded for the 4th year graduate degree portion of the accelerated dual degree program. They will not be awarded beyond the 4th year for any student that requires additional time to complete the program. Please note that any other institutional aid (i.e. Loyola Grant, non-need based grants, etc.) awarded does not carry over to the graduate portion of the 3+1 program pathway.

Course overload fees are waived during the fall and spring semesters for students in the accelerated dual degree program in accounting.

Some summer courses may be required to earn the accelerated graduate degree and are offered at no cost to students in the 3+1 program pathway.

MAcc 3+1 program pathway students have access to Loyola residential housing options and meal plans for both the undergraduate and graduate portion of their accelerated program.

RSM has a long and very successful relationship with Loyola - supporting its programs, its faculty and staff, and its students. Over the years, we have recruited many of our most successful professionals from Loyola’s undergraduate and graduate programs. As a Loyola alumnus myself, I’m always proud when another Loyola student or alumnus joins the Firm.
While earning a Masters will almost certainly qualify a student to earn his or her CPA license, the true benefit such programs provide comes from a truly increased depth of knowledge.
As chair of the Accounting Advisory Board and a future employer of accounting students, I’m excited this new program will offer a clear path to completion of the 150-hour requirement, in addition to building a pipeline of very qualified CPAs for years to come.
The new MAcc curriculum is focused on developing deeper technical, communication and decision making skills, providing graduates crucial tools for successful careers in public accounting and beyond.