Northern Illinois University (NIU) Online Master of Accountancy

Northern Illinois University offers a fully online Master of Accountancy (MAC) degree program through the College of Business that can be completed in two years. This cohort-based program is offered part-time only and is designed for working professionals who hold a bachelor’s degree in a field other than accountancy. Advanced study in accounting leads to learning competencies surrounding technical accounting concepts, critical thinking skills for problem-solving, the use of research to support conclusions, and the codes of conduct and professional standards underlying ethical issues in business and accounting.

The MAC curriculum prepares graduates for a professional career in accounting, qualifying them to take the Certified Public Accountant exam through the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (AICPA). The curriculum meets the requirements in Illinois and most other states. Core courses focus on accounting information systems, financial reporting, taxation, assurance services, managerial accounting, and accounting research.

Master of Accountancy graduates may pursue accounting careers in business and industry, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and educational organizations. Job titles may include Financial Manager, Bank Examiner, Budget Analyst, Financial Controller, Accountant, Chief Financial Officer (CEO), Auditor, Senior Accountant, Corporate Controller, Accounting Manager, Financial Analyst, or Tax Accountant.

Although the graduate school requires a minimum GPA of 2.75 or higher, the College of Business seeks candidates with a GPA of 3.0 or above. The GMAT is optional but may be submitted supplementally to strengthen the application if the GPA does not accurately reflect academic ability. Admission is competitive, and applicants must demonstrate a high probability of success in the program. Application materials include unofficial transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a career goal statement, and a statement of purpose. A resume or CV is optional.

Prerequisites to the program include the courses Financial Principles of Accounting, Managerial Principles of Accounting, Finance, Statistics, and Economics. If these requirements were not fulfilled in the undergraduate sequence or graduate study, students will need to complete them at NIU, another university, a community college, or through an approved online provider. Program start dates land in the summer, fall, and spring. However, cohorts only begin in the summer and fall, and spring start is only allowed to complete prerequisite courses the student still needs to complete.

MAC courses are delivered asynchronously through the Blackboard online Learning Management System (LMS). Course components may include case studies, discussion boards, recorded lectures, readings, assignments, and assessments. Faculty and peers may collaborate through web conferencing, chat, and email. The Blackboard LMS allows students to view syllabi, lectures, course materials, resources, and assignments, as well as submit coursework, and take assessments. Online students can receive writing services at the University Writing Center and can access academic advising, financial aid counseling, library services, disability resources, career counseling, technical support, and online faculty office hours.

Courses for the online Master of Accountancy program include Accounting Information Systems; Financial Reporting I-II; Principles of Taxation; Assurance Services; Managerial Accounting Analysis and Decision-Making; Advanced Financial Reporting; Advanced Issues in Taxation; and Accounting Research. Students then choose two electives: Financial Statement Auditing; Data Analytics and Decision-Making in Accounting; and Seminar in Accounting.

Northern Illinois University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and is located in DeKalb, Illinois. The online MAC program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).