Foster School of Business – University of Washington - Master of Professional Accounting

University of Washington Master of Professional Accounting Program Structure

The Foster School’s Master of Professional Accounting is a specialized 9-month, 3-quarter program running from late September through mid-June. MPAcc students complete all 10 courses as a cohort throughout autumn, and spring quarters and earn a total of 46 credits throughout the program. The winter quarter is designed for students to go to work at an internship, generally at a regional or large accounting firm.

Curriculum

The curriculum is reviewed yearly with the MPAcc Advisory Board, made up of professionals currently practicing at Seattle’s large and small public accounting firms. Classes topics include Accounting Regulation, Advanced Cases in Assurance Services, Advanced Financial Analysis, Data Analytics, Advanced Cases in Accounting. Advisory, Business, Law and Ethics, Professional Accounting Communication, and Codification Research. Emphasis is placed on using business intelligence solutions such as data visualization, data analytics, and robotic process automation throughout all classes.

Class Profile

The 2021 class consists of 54 students, 55% female and 10% from outside the US. Most students come directly out of undergraduate studies at colleges across the country and are pursuing the masters as a fifth year.

Career Statistics

An estimated 90% of MPAcc students are employed within three months of graduation. The average starting salary is around $60,000 with an additional bonus upon passage of the CPA exams, typically $5,000.

Tuition, Scholarships, and Financial Aid

The cost of annual tuition for 2020/2021 is $21,999 for residents and $27,300 for non-residents.

The average scholarship award is approximately $3,000. Both merit and need-based scholarships are awarded though those with financial need according to FAFSA are given priority.

U.S. students can also apply for Stafford loans by demonstrating need according to FAFSA.

Admissions

Admission to the Foster School of Business Master of Professional Accounting is for Autumn quarter only. We offer admission to those who we believe have the highest potential for achievement in the accounting profession. We select prospective students based on their academic achievements, their ability to communicate effectively, and their record of personal accomplishments. Prospective students must additionally have well-developed language and reasoning skills.

The online application includes:

– 3 references
– 2 required essays
– resume
– transcripts from all colleges attended
– TOEFL score of 92 for non-domestic students that attended college outside of United States.
– $85 application fee

Work or internship experience in an accounting-related position is preferred but not required for admission. Once the application has been received, the candidate may receive an in person or online interview.

The GMAT is required only for students on an international student visa and recommended for all students who have a low GPA (below 3.0).  For the class of 2021, the average admitted student undergraduate GPA was 3.69 and the average accounting GPA was 3.58.

Application Deadlines

Applications must be submitted through the UW’s online portal by the following dates:

• International applicants – January 15

Domestic (U.S. citizens, permanent residents) – February 15