Emory University’s Goizueta Business School is pleased to announce that the Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) program will officially be renamed the Master of Accounting (MAcc). Effective January 1, 2025, this change reflects the program’s alignment with industry standards and more clearly conveys the broad range of career opportunities available to graduates.
The decision to rename the program stems from feedback gathered from students, alumni, faculty, and employers. Many found the term “professional” in the previous title confusing, often associating the acronym MPA with Master of Public Accounting.
“For years, our MPA acronym was misunderstood as standing for Master of Public Accounting, which did not reflect the program’s diversity of career paths,” said Jeff Byrne, faculty director of the Master of Professional Accounting program. “While our program consistently ranks in the top 10 for first-time CPA exam pass rates, it prepares students for far more than public accounting.”
We equip students with cutting-edge skills in areas like machine learning, sustainability, firm fundamentals and mispricing, and strategic cost management. It’s about developing the skill set to move ahead of the pack toward those highly sought-after positions.
Jeff Byrne, Director, Master of Professional Accounting
In addition to building a comprehensive accounting skill set, the program offers flexibility, positioning graduates for success in investment banking, security analysis, consulting, corporate finance, corporate accounting, entrepreneurial ventures, public accounting, and more. Further, the curriculum emphasizes strategic thinking and leadership development, preparing students to succeed in high-impact roles that require not only accounting skills but also critical thinking and business insight.
in the Master of Accounting program
“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/MAcc.
“In addition to gaining essential auditing skills, I’m learning how to think strategically and develop the leadership qualities needed to excel as a consulting executive or chief financial officer. This program is not just preparing me for today’s accounting challenges but positioning me for high-impact roles in the future,” says Jackson Osberg 25BBA/MAcc.
Ranked among the top 20 accounting programs by U.S. News & World Report, the program’s innovative curriculum allows Goizueta students in the school’s bachelor of business administration (BBA) program to earn both their undergraduate and graduate degrees in as little as zero to two extra semesters, with eight graduate hours double-counting toward undergraduate requirements. Students can choose any undergraduate business concentration and tailor their graduate coursework to align with their career interests, pursuing top credentials such as the U.S. Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), and Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
“Our graduates enjoy a 99% employment rate within three months of graduation,” Byrne added. “Our alumni are placed at top firms like Bain & Company, Deloitte, EY, KPMG, PwC, and McKinsey & Company, with a wide range of career paths in public accounting, corporate finance, consulting, and investment banking.”
Goizueta’s Master of Accounting program is home to world-renowned innovators, teachers, and researchers. Since the establishment of the joint BBA/Master of Accounting degree in 2014, program faculty have been recognized as expert leaders in their fields, extraordinary teachers, and dedicated mentors.
To learn more about the Master of Accounting program, visit our website or contact Jeff Byrne, director of the Master of Accounting program.
