Master of Professional Accountancy

• Program Overview
• Program Learning Outcomes
• Degree-Seeking Admission
• Non-Degree-Seeking Admission
• Curriculum

The Master of Professional Accountancy (MPAcc) program develops an in-depth competency in accounting skills and practices within each student’s chosen concentration: public accounting, internal audit, fraud examination and forensic accounting, or taxation.

By providing a quality graduate-level curriculum, we prepare you for the intense, demanding requirements and expectations of the accounting profession. Courses in the MPAcc program are research based, writing intensive, leadership and teamwork oriented. No thesis is necessary. Students may participate in a service-learning course or an internship to expose them to professional practice.

Mission Statement and Program Learning Outcomes

The pursuit of excellence in teaching and learning is the department’s primary purpose. Intellectual contributions in accounting and related fields that enhance teaching and learning and contribute to scholarship through both applied research and other avenues of professional development are secondary though fundamental to the mission of the department. Service to MSU Denver, the accounting profession, the community, and society in general is a secondary albeit fundamental component of the MSU Denver Accounting Department’s mission. The department is committed to ethical values, continuous improvement, and mutual respect within a diverse campus community.

Upon completion of the program, MPAcc students will be able to demonstrate:

• Ethical awareness where ethical issues can be analyzed and ethical decisions can be made in an accounting-related setting.
• Effective communication skills where written and oral tasks are accomplished in a professional manner.
• The critical thinking and decision-making skills necessary for success in a professional setting.
• Effective leadership skills and an ability to operate well in a team-based work environment.
• A sound understanding of accounting regulation and fraud awareness in practice.

 

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MPAcc Program Admission Options
Degree Seeking Admission Policies and Procedures

Options to Obtain the MPAcc Degree: Students who intend to complete the MPAcc degree may enter the program at one of two levels: as a post-bachelor’s student known as the 4+1 Program or as a current MSU Denver undergraduate student known as the 3+2 Program.

1. Admission Policy for the 4+1 Program: The 4+1 Program is for those students who have obtained a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university or college regardless of area of study. Students must have completed or be in progress of completing the leveling courses prescribed during their initial advising session prior to entry into the program. Admission is competitive and designed to identify those applicants who have the ability, interest, and maturity to manage the rigors of the MPAcc program as well as potential for future professional growth. The MPAcc program coordinator, in consultation with the MPAcc admissions committee, will consider all aspects of an applicant’s background.

Leveling courses may be necessary before beginning the MPAcc program. Please contact the MPAcc coordinator for a detailed plan of study.

Acceptance to the MPAcc program does not guarantee enrollment in all MPAcc courses. Students are expected to complete any prerequisite courses for graduate courses as needed.

2. Admission Policy for the 3+2 Program: Students in this program earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree at graduation. Current matriculating MSU Denver undergraduate students may apply to the 3+2 Program after completing at least 75 credits and during or after the completion of Intermediate Accounting I (ACC 3510) and Income Taxation (ACC 3090). 3+2 students must also take the GMAT exam and official scores need to be submitted before application deadline.

Once admitted, a student may enroll in undergraduate and graduate courses provided prerequisites have been completed for the courses.

Benefits of the 3+2 Program: Until they accumulate 132 credit hours, 3+2 students will be classified as undergraduates for financial aid and Colorado Opportunity Fund purposes (COF applies to courses numbered 1000, 2000,3000, and 4000 only). Students in the 3+2 Program are allowed to take graduate-level coursework while classified as an undergraduate, subject to prerequisite completion. Upon successful completion of all requirements for both degrees, students will receive both a bachelor’s degree and a Master of Professional Accountancy degree during commencement.

Options to Fulfill Admissions Requirements

We offer a variety of methods for entry to the MPAcc program. Students choose from the options listed below. Only one category has to be satisfied in order to be accepted to the program.

1. Index Score: Index score is comprised of GPA and GMAT exam score

• Index. The index is calculated using the formula [(200 x GPA) + GMAT score]. The GPA used to calculate the index score is the higher of: (1) the graduating GPA from all courses completed in the highest awarded degree, or (2) the GPA from the last 60 semester hours completed.
  • A calculated index score of 1200 or more qualifies a student for automatic admission to the program.
  • Index scores between 1000 and 1199 qualify students’ applications for consideration for admission.
  • An index score below 1000 will disqualify the application for consideration for admission.
• GMAT. The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) score must be submitted for review. Scores may be requested from GMAC for up to 10 years at gmac.org. The GRE, high GPA, or professional experience cannot be substituted for a GMAT score.
• GPA. No minimum GPA is required; however, past experience indicates that a 3.0 GPA, or better, in the highest degree awarded is the common threshold for successful master’s students.

Or, Options Not Requiring a GMAT Score

2. Professional Licensure or Examination (such as CPA) and GPA

• Professional licensure/examination. Official proof of having successfully passed the CPA or equivalent professional exam must be submitted for review.
• GPA. Past experience indicates that a 3.0 GPA, or better, is the common threshold for successful master’s students.

All applications in this category will be reviewed by the graduate admissions committee.

3. Earned Graduate Degree (master’s degree or higher, degree-subject will be reviewed) and GPA

• Graduate Degree. Official proof of having successfully completed a graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution must be submitted for review.
• GPA. Past experience indicates that a 3.0 GPA, or better, is the common threshold for successful master’s students.

All applications in this category will be reviewed by the graduate admissions committee.

Required Documentation For All Applicants Regardless of Method of Entry or Index Score:

1. An official application to Metropolitan State University of Denver and application fee.
2. Official transcripts from all previous colleges or universities attended
   1. Must be sent directly to MSU Denver from the issuing institution(s). Transcripts are accepted from students as long as transcripts are delivered/mailed to MSU Denver in the original, sealed envelope from the issuing institution(s).
   2. MSU Denver official transcripts do not need to be requested.
   3. International transcripts must also have an official English translation done by a certified translator (if applicable) and a professional course-by-course evaluation showing equivalency to a U.S. bachelor’s degree or higher. World Education Services or Education Credential Evaluators are recommended professional transcript evaluation service providers. If you prefer to use another company, please contact the admissions office to confirm an evaluation from the service provider will be accepted.
3. Documentation based on your method of admission:
   1. Method 1: Official GMATscore report sent directly from GMAT.
   2. Method 2: Official proof of licensure or examination sent directly from the issuing institution, organization, etc.
   3. Method 3: See section B, above, regarding transcripts.

4. Personal Statement Essay. This well-developed essay should help the admissions committee evaluate your readiness and capability for graduate education. The personal statement essay is a critical part of your admission application and will be the basis for evaluation of your writing skills, capacity for self-awareness, and personal growth. The maximum length of the essay should be no more than five pages (12 point font, double spaced, title page does not count towards page limit). This is not short answer.

   Your essay should address: (a) the significant factors influencing your decision to pursue a Master of Professional Accountancy degree; (b) your personal philosophy, values, and professional experiences; (c) your career plans and focus in the field of accounting; (d) your strengths, unique characteristics, and leadership experiences that are relevant to the accounting profession; (e) a time you were given critical feedback and your reaction; (f) why you believe the MSU Denver’s MPAcc program is best suited for your educational and professional goals and; (g) how you will manage the rigorous demands of graduate education.

   Optional: Is there anything else you would like the Admissions Committee to know about you?

   While some personal information is required in the essay (e.g., your strengths), you should be judicious in the use of self-disclosure. You are not expected to disclose intimate details of your life; however, if you choose to do so, you should do so only briefly and make it clear how the issue has been resolved so that you may now succeed in the program and the profession. The Accounting Department will not provide feedback on your personal statement prior to submission.

   Please note: Your writing and critical thinking skills are being evaluated in terms of readiness for graduate-level work. Be sure to include all required elements in an academic essay, using academic sources if appropriate and follow APA style. Here is a website that may be useful as you prepare your essay: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/section/2/10/.

5. Current Detailed Resume. Please include work experience with start and end dates (month and year) for each position held, title, name of employer, a description of your specific duties, and indicate full-time or part time. Brevity is not necessary.
    
6. Three references. Do not submit reference letters. Provide names and contact information for individuals who can offer evidence of your abilities to complete graduate-level coursework For example, individuals who can address your abilities in decision-making, critical reasoning, ethics and communications should be considered.

Admission with Conditions

The department may admit students on a conditional basis. These conditions may include, but are not limited to, instances when index scores are below the minimum for automatic admission. Applicants who will be completing their undergraduate degree or prerequisite coursework at another institution of higher education need to have all official transcripts sent to the college by the application deadline. If, due to the timing of application deadlines, official transcripts related to completion of this work are not yet available, applicants must sign the Acknowledgement form related to conditions under which they would be enrolling. Submission of a final, complete transcript is required prior to registration for a subsequent semester in the MPAcc program. It is the student’s responsibility to provide this information by the expected date.

Consultation with MPAcc Program Coordinator

All students accepted for admission to the program must have an advising session with the coordinator to develop a plan of study.

International Students

Additional documentation is required. Please visit the International Student Admissions Page, msudenver.edu/admissions/apply/masters/internationalgraduateapplicants/.

1. Graduate application and $70 nonrefundable application fee
2. Proof of English language proficiency (have achieved a minimum TOEFL score of 540 or a score of 76 on the internet version of the TOEFEL)
3. Financial support documentation
4. Official university transcripts showing equivalency to a U.S. bachelor’s or higher degree
5. Passport that indudes current visa, 1-94 and 1-20

Non-Degree-Seeking Admission Policies and Procedures

Non-degree-seeking status is for those students who wish to take some courses but have no intention of completing the MPAcc degree. Non-degree-seeking students are limited to 9 credits of graduate coursework.

Enrollment as a non-degree-seeking student is limited to the following categories:

1. Individuals who have completed a bachelor’s degree at a regionally accredited institution and whose cumulative undergraduate GPA or whose GPA from the last 60 hours completed is 3.0 or higher will be considered on a space available basis. Applicants need not have taken the GMAT test.

• A GPA below a 3.0 will not be considered for admissions within this category; however, a student could apply using the index score method under degree-seeking options.

2. Individuals who are currently admitted to a graduate program at another regionally accredited university who wish to take a limited number of classes at Metropolitan State University of Denver will be considered on a space available basis.
    
3. Individuals who have completed a bachelor’s degree at a regionally accredited institution, have passed an approved professional examination, and who wish to take graduate accounting courses for professional reasons will be considered on a space available basis.

Applicants in these categories must submit the following:

• An official application to Metropolitan State University of Denver and application fee
• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended
• Current detailed resume
• For category 2, official proof of admission to a graduate program
• For category 3, official proof of successful completion of the professional exam

Important Information for Non-Degree-Seeking Students

• Leveling courses may be necessary before beginning the MPAcc program. Please contact the MPAcc coordinator for a detailed plan of study.
• Graduate tuition applies for all graduate courses taken as a non-degree-seeking student.
• Students admitted as non-degree-seeking are not eligible for graduate-level financial aid.
• Students are held responsible, both academically and financially, for any class in which they enroll. Failure to withdraw from any class, regardless of attendance, results in a grade of “F.” Students remain liable for tuition and fees.
• All grading policies for degree-seeking students also apply to non-degree-seeking students.
• Non-degree-seeking students must comply with prerequisite rules.
• Students who were previously enrolled in, or who have previously been denied admission to, the MPAcc program at MSU Denver are not eligible for non-degree-seeking status.
• Non-degree-seeking students are limited to taking a maximum of 9 graduate credit hours. Registration holds will be placed on students’ accounts each semester to facilitate monitoring of credit hours.
• Non-degree-seeking students can change their status by fully complying with the degree-seeking admission requirements and submitting another application and fee.

 

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Curriculum

This program includes a set of core, required courses in accounting and a concentration in of one of four areas within the discipline. ln consultation with the MPAcc coordinator, students choose an area of concentration in public accounting, fraud examination and forensic accounting, intemal auditing, or taxation. Each concentration develops the student’s competency in that area while continuing to focus on the core attributes developed in the required courses. Each concentration requires a minimwn of 18 semester hours.

	Requirement	Semester Hours
	Accounting Core	12
	Concentration	18
	Total (minimum) hours for MPAcc	30