Master of Accounting
Prepare for CPA Certification
The Master of Accounting at UNM Anderson offers flexible pathways whether you are an experienced accounting student or new to the field. The curriculum blends core courses in financial reporting, auditing, taxation and data analytics with electives in areas like forensic accounting, fraud examination, and tax preparation.
Designed to support CPA readiness and real-world application, MACCT prepares you to excel in today's dynamic and highly regulated financial landscape.
Master of Accounting Snapshot
- 18+-month program with in-person, weekday evening classes or primarily online for Advanced track
- Advanced track for students with accounting backgrounds and professional track for students without accounting backgrounds
- Supports public, private or governmental accounting careers
- Prepares students for CPA examination through courses aligned with CPA evaluation topics
- Provides employer connections in courses, affiliations through advisory boards, on-campus employer recruitment, and annual career and internship fair
- Leadership, community engagement and professional development opportunities in the Beta Alpha Psi and MAFIA student organizations
- One of 196 schools in the world with AACSB Accounting specialized accreditation
- Gold Military Friendly® School, VIQTORY, 2025-2026
Master of Accounting Curriculum
Learn about the MACCT curriculum
MACCT Salaries*
$84,198Average salary of graduates employed in field
$82,442Average salary at graduation
*Based on 2023 data
Top MACCT Occupations
| Occupation | Average Salary |
|---|
| Staff Accountant | $79,000 |
| Senior Accountant | $101,000 |
| Senior Auditor | $104,000 |
| Financial Analyst | $93,000 |
| Tax Accountant | $87,000 |
Sources: Lightcast, Glassdoor
Top Employers
- Sandia National Laboratories
- Moss Adams
- REDW
- KPMG
- University of New Mexico
"The MACCT program is fantastic. The curriculum, professors and resources offered paved my success to becoming a CPA. Additionally, the job opportunities that Anderson brings to their students are extraordinary. I cannot think of a better program. Thanks to Anderson, I began my career at PricewaterhouseCoopers in Denver."
Deisy Ruiz
MACCT 2019
Senior Accountant, Mission Hills Hospitality
MACCT FAQs
Do MACCT students graduate with the CPA certification?
No, MACCT students do not graduate with the CPA certification. However, the curriculum in the program directly aligns with the four sections of the CPA exam, so that you can study for the exam while pursuing your master's degree.
What does the CPA certification require?
The CPA certification in New Mexico requires the following:
- Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university with at least 150 earned hours which includes at least 30 hours of accounting coursework
- Pass all four parts of the CPA exam with a minimum grade of 75
- One year of experience verified by an active, licensed CPA
- Completion of the AICPA ethics exam
- Be of good moral character
- Be at least 18 years of age
For more information, visit the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy website.
How can a MACCT degree help me as a business owner?
Earning a Master of Accounting can help you understand the tax documentation implications for owning a business, as well as how to file your own documents. Additionally, it helps establish the foundation for managing your finances, depreciating assets, and expenses such as payroll.
Can I attend online as a professional track student?
Professional track students have fewer online attendance options compared to advanced track students. However, as you progress through the curriculum, you will have more online options available.
4+1 Accounting Program
The 4+1 Accounting Program enables UNM students to begin MACCT studies early, guaranteeing admission upon completion of the undergraduate degree and reducing the graduate degree's cost. Students admitted to this program will gain early admission to the MACCT, take graduate level courses in their senior year, earn a bachelor's degree and finish the MACCT degree one year later.
Suggested Timeline
- For the first three years of university studies, you will pursue your bachelor's degree requirements, maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- During the second semester of the third year of academic work, you will apply for admission to the MACCT program in the Anderson School.
- In the fourth year of academic work, you will begin the first year of the MACCT program, completing up to 9 credits while completing the remaining requirements for your bachelor's degree.
- In the fifth year of study, you will complete the remaining 21 credit hours in the MACCT program.
Accounting Scholarships
Deloitte Foundation Accounting Scholars Program
Scholarship Information | Scholarship Application
PCAOB Scholars Program
Scholarship Information | Scholarship Application
Admission Requirements
The Anderson School of Management uses a holistic admissions process. We consider many factors, including GPA, work experience, program alignment, prerequisite coursework, and test scores to make an admission decision. All applicants are required to demonstrate proof of an earned bachelor's degree prior to applying.
Questions?
Contact andersongrad@unm.edu.
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