Master of Professional Accountancy

Why an MPA?

The Augustana University Master of Professional Accountancy (MPA) Program will prepare students to enter the accounting field as Certified Professional Accountants (CPAs) and qualified business leaders.

  • In addition to coursework, high-impact internship experiences with industry leaders give students an edge.
  • Graduates will enter a growing career field, as demand for CPAs and auditors is rising, according to a Bureau of Labor Statistics forecast.
  • This program meets the requirements of the CPA licensing exam in South Dakota and most other states.
  • Augustana CPA exam pass rates exceed state and national averages.
MPA at AU

Course Descriptions

Tuition & Fees

Faculty

Contacts


 

Latest News

Meghan Harold ‘22, of Parker, South Dakota, is triple majoring in accounting, business and finance, and plans to graduate from the Augustana Master of Professional Accountancy (MPA) Program in December. In part due to connections at Augustana University, the Air Force veteran was able to land an internship at Ernst & Young, LLP this summer in Cleveland, Ohio.

Highlights

Angela Olson MPA Program

Why choose the Augustana University Master of Professional Accountancy (MPA) Program?

  • At the end of five years, students graduate with two degrees — a bachelor’s and master’s degree and hold the 150 credits required to sit for the CPA exam.
  • Through applied learning, working in teams and a combination of technical accounting skills with broader business knowledge, students achieve skills sought by employers.
  • The accounting faculty have spent time in the industry, bringing first-hand experience to the classroom.
  • Students have interned at a variety of organizations — many of which have led to full-time employment opportunities.

This 3+2 degree means students spend the first three years in undergraduate classes, transition to some graduate-level courses in year four and finish the fifth year with all graduate classes.

For those who already have a bachelor’s degree, the MPA can be completed in 1.5 years, starting in the fall.

Augustana MPA students have the opportunity to:

  • Apply theories of accounting to real-world experiences
  • Develop in-depth knowledge of current issues within the accounting industry
  • Critically analyze the codifications for the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) code
  • Effectively write business communications and present to peers 
  • Demonstrate advanced skills in critical thinking by solving unstructured problems
  • Work with emerging accounting technologies and topics
  • Network with professionals from premier accounting firms at the Meet the Firms event each fall on campus

STEM & Technology in Accounting

The demand for STEM-based, analytical accountancy has been driven by employers and the CPA exam.

  • The CPA exam changes in January 2024 to have a greater focus on a CPA's ability to analyze accounting data and use new technologies.
  • This emphasis on new technologies better reflects that this demand is being met through courses and with specific course elements.
  • The MPA program’s classification as a STEM program allows international students to receive an extra two years of work experience through their student visa.

    FAQs

    KPMG Intern