This fall, an exceptionally large class joins the Master of Professional Accounting program at Emory University’s Goizueta Business School. The class consists of a record 40 new students, up from 24 in the spring of 2023. The program director, Jeff Byrne, credits this growth to recent changes that have broadened career horizons for students. “I think we’ve really seen a lot of growth because now we have a wide variety of pathways that students can choose from,” says Byrne.
The Master of Professional Accounting program is designed for students currently enrolled in Goizueta’s undergraduate BBA program. This dual degree enables students to earn both their undergraduate and masters degrees in as little as four to five years, leveraging up to eight credit hours that count toward both degrees. With a curriculum integrating cutting-edge technologies like data analytics and blockchain, the degree prepares graduates for diverse careers, from public accounting to corporate executive roles.
Redefining Accounting Education
The Masters of Professional Accounting program underwent a significant redesign to address evolving student interests and declining enrollments, a trend seen nationwide.* Initially focused solely on public accounting, the program now offers diverse pathways that align with various career goals, including consulting, investment banking, corporate finance, and entrepreneurship.
Byrne explains, “The goal was to move away from being a lockstep program designed specifically for public accounting. Now we offer students diverse ways that they could use an accounting background in future careers.” New courses, such as Strategic Cost Management, were introduced to equip students with skills applicable to leadership roles, enabling them to leverage their accounting background in a broader range of professions. “We added more classes to help students not just prepare for public accounting, but for the wide variety of careers they can succeed in with an accounting degree,” says Byrne.
A Larger, More Engaged Class
The newest class of 40 new students is a testament to the changes in the program and the community surrounding it. While most students still aim to pursue CPA credentials, there’s growing interest in fields like information systems and control, corporate accounting, and finance. Around 70% of students plan to take the CPA exam, but not necessarily to work in public accounting. “I chose to apply to the program because I have trust in Goizueta’s ability to mold me into an entrepreneur that is able to mitigate financial risks within my business,” says Elijah Bou 25BBA/MPA.
Students are staying longer in the program with the introduction of new classes of interest. “Accounting is a broader field than many realize. As someone pursuing a niche in the industry, transaction tax, the customizability of the program will prove invaluable to my career,” says Ellie Long 25BBA/MPA. This extended engagement reflects the program’s ability to cater to diverse career paths. It allows students to deepen their expertise in specific areas, making them more competitive in the job market. The program fosters a more committed and well-prepared cohort of future accounting professionals by offering tailored courses and flexible pathways.
Fostering a Sense of Community
The Master of Professional Accounting program has significantly enhanced its community and engagement efforts. The program has been expanding information sessions to include faculty panels and student meet-and-greets, and it is organizing more social events for students to bond with each other and faculty. This has further strengthened the sense of belonging and commitment among students. “The mix of the courses and the community has been kind of the secret sauce that’s been helping the program to really grow,” says Byrne.
Learn more about the MPA program.
*Wall Street Journal: “Accounting Graduates Drop By Highest Percentage in Years” Oct 12, 2023; “Why No One’s Going Into Accounting” Oct 6, 2023
