Master of Accounting 4+1 Program Pathway
A 4+1 Program Pathway is available for Loyola's Master of Accounting (MAcc) program. This full-time program offers relevant, high-quality coursework that’ll have you ready to sit for the CPA exam and take your career to the next level.
Through the 4+1 Program Pathway, you'll complete your bachelor's degree and the Master of Accounting in just five years. MAcc courses during your senior year can be completed online, making it a perfect fit for any schedule. Once you graduate with your bachelor's degree you will dive right into the full-time Master of Accounting program.
Program Comparison: 4+1 vs. Traditional MAcc
| Term | 4+1 number of courses | Traditional MACC number of courses |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Year | 1-2 | None |
| Summer | 0-3 | 3-4 or None |
| Fall | 2-3 | 3-4 |
| Spring | 2-3 | 3-4 |
| Summer | 0-3 | None or 3-4 |
More about the Master of Accounting
Through the 4+1 pathway you will:
- Save Time and Money: Save up to $7,000 in tuition costs while taking advantage of a more cost-effective path to the 150-hour CPA requirement
- Ease Yourself In: Start with one or two graduate-level courses in your senior year that count towards both degrees. Students may also be able to take sections of the CPA exam during their graduate year, under much more favorable conditions than those who take the exam while working full-time.
- Gain A Competitive Edge: Gain specialized skills to increase your career path options.
- Optimize Career Advancement: Gain access to higher-level positions, meaning a faster ROI of your time and money. Not to mention, you'll be joining the unrivaled Sellinger network that will be there to guide you throughout your career.
- Increase Earnings Potential: The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) salary survey 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.
Eligibility Requirements
- Rising 91³Ô¹ÏÍø junior who expects to graduate the following May.
- Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher strongly preferred.
Fast Track Admission
The Master of Accounting 4+1 Program Pathway utilizes Loyola's Fast Track Application process which means an easier application process and a discount on remaining graduate-level coursework.
Fast Track Benefits
- Application fee is waived
- Essay is waived
- One letter of recommendation is waived
- 15% tuition discount on remaining coursework
Priority Deadline for application to the 4+1 Program Pathway is June 1 after your junior year.
4+1 FAQs
If I plan to pursue the 4+1 what start term should I choose on my application?
For the 4+1 your MAcc start term should be same as the Fall of your senior year.
If I don't qualify for the fast track admission, can I still apply for the 4+1?
No, applicants must meet the fast track admission requirements in order to apply for the 4+1.
At what point are my transcripts requested from Registrar and attached to my application?
Once an online application form is submitted, the Office of Graduate Admission will pull 91³Ô¹ÏÍø transcripts from the Office of the Registrar and attach them to the application file.
Robert J. Callens, ’81, Partner, RSM US LLP
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.
John Peter Krahel, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Accounting
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.
Christine Aspell, BBA & Partner, KPMG LLP
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.
Bob Jirsa, BA ’77, Partner, RSM US LLP
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.
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