Seattle University

What you'll study

The MARS curriculum builds advanced technical competence in financial and managerial accounting while integrating audit, taxation, accounting information systems and professional ethics. Core topics typically include advanced financial accounting and reporting, contemporary auditing and assurance, federal taxation of individuals and entities, accounting information systems and data analytics, managerial cost and decision-making, and fraud examination. Many students also take courses in business law, corporate governance, ethics in accounting, and elective seminars on specialised areas such as international accounting, nonprofit accounting, or accounting for technology firms.

The programme is structured to provide both a coherent core of accounting knowledge and flexibility to pursue electives or practicum experiences. Coursework emphasises applied skills—case analyses, software tools used in practice, exam-style problem sets and team projects—designed to prepare students for professional practice and for licensure requirements that often call for 150 semester credit hours.

Entry requirements

• Academic background: A completed bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Applicants with an undergraduate degree in accounting or a related business discipline will find direct alignment; applicants from other fields may be considered and could be advised to take prerequisite accounting courses.
• Transcripts: Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended are required.
• Standardised tests: The programme may consider GMAT or GRE scores where required, although waivers are commonly available for applicants with substantial work experience or strong academic records; check the school’s application guidance for current policy.
• Professional materials: A current résumé, a statement of purpose outlining career goals and fit with the programme, and letters of recommendation are typically required.
• English language proficiency: International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through accepted tests or approved waivers if their prior education was in English.

Career prospects

Graduates from MARS commonly move into roles in public accounting firms (audit, tax, advisory), corporate accounting and finance (staff accountant, financial analyst, accounting manager, controller track), and specialised practice areas such as forensic accounting or valuation. The programme is also suited to those aiming to meet academic credit requirements for professional exams such as the CPA; alumni find positions at large national and regional firms, in government and regulatory agencies, and in privately held companies across sectors including technology, healthcare and nonprofit organisations.

Career services and employer recruiting at Seattle University support internships and full-time placements. The practicum-style coursework, emphasis on technical tools and professional ethics, and local employer connections help graduates transition into client-facing and leadership roles in accounting and related services.

Why study at Seattle University

• Albers School of Business and Economics: The programme is housed in a business school with a long-standing accounting faculty and curricular focus on applied learning and professional readiness.
• Professional preparation: Coursework is designed to align with licensure pathways and to provide the technical foundation needed for the CPA exam and other certifications.
• Jesuit values and ethics: The curriculum emphasises ethical decision-making, social responsibility and the public interest—an important complement to technical accounting training.
• Industry connections: Seattle’s strong professional services and corporate sectors provide a pipeline for internships and employment; students benefit from employer engagement, alumni networks and recruiting relationships with regional and national firms.
• Flexible delivery: Options for full-time and part-time study, including evening classes, support working professionals and recent graduates with different scheduling needs.