Dartmouth University

What you'll study

Because Dartmouth does not run a dedicated Master’s in Accounting, there is no single prescribed Dartmouth master’s accounting curriculum. Students who wish to develop advanced accounting knowledge at Dartmouth commonly follow one of two paths: (1) an MBA at the Tuck School of Business with accounting electives and experiential projects, or (2) targeted post‑baccalaureate and graduate‑level accounting courses offered through Dartmouth’s departments and cross‑registration agreements.

• Core accounting and finance topics — financial accounting, managerial accounting, intermediate financial reporting, auditing principles, and taxation.
• Advanced electives — financial statement analysis, accounting for mergers and acquisitions, advanced auditing, forensic accounting, and accounting information systems.
• Quantitative and ethics modules — IFRS vs US GAAP comparisons, professional ethics in accounting, data analytics for accountants, and econometrics or statistical methods relevant to assurance and advisory work.
• Practical experience — consulting projects, internships with firms or non‑profits, case competitions, and practicum courses that mimic audit and advisory engagements.
• Preparation for professional qualifications — study options and exam preparation resources for the CPA and other relevant certifications are often available through courses and career services.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements depend on the route you choose. For the Tuck MBA route, admissions are competitive and typically require an undergraduate degree, strong academic record, GMAT or GRE (waivers in some circumstances), professional experience, letters of recommendation and a personal statement. For graduate‑level accounting classes taken as a visiting student or for post‑baccalaureate study, departments generally expect a relevant undergraduate background (business, economics, or mathematics) or completion of prerequisite introductory accounting and quantitative courses.

• Tuck MBA pathway — bachelor’s degree, several years of professional experience preferred, demonstrable quantitative aptitude, and the standard Tuck application components.
• Post‑baccalaureate/graduate courses — undergraduate transcripts showing appropriate foundations or completion of prerequisites; some courses may require instructor approval.
• International applicants — proof of English proficiency where required, and documentation of degree equivalence.

Career prospects

Graduates who pursue accounting specialisms via Dartmouth pathways typically move into the same careers as those from dedicated accounting master’s programmes, especially when combined with relevant internships or certification study. Common career destinations include:

• Public accounting firms (audit, tax, advisory) at national and global firms.
• Corporate finance and accounting roles — financial reporting, controller, financial planning & analysis (FP&A), and internal audit.
• Consulting and advisory services focusing on transactions, valuation, risk and compliance.
• Forensic accounting, regulatory compliance, and roles in government or non‑profit financial leadership.
• Further academic study or professional certification (CPA, CMA, ACCA) leading to specialist or leadership positions.

Why study at Dartmouth College

Dartmouth College, and particularly the Tuck School of Business, offers a personalised learning environment with small class sizes, close access to faculty, and a collaborative culture that benefits those developing accounting and finance expertise. Students gain access to a strong alumni network, career services with close employer relationships, and experiential learning opportunities such as consulting projects and internships that can be tailored to accounting and related services.

For candidates specifically seeking a terminal professional master’s in accounting, Dartmouth’s strengths are best leveraged in combination with targeted coursework and practical experience; applicants should also consider specialised accounting master’s programmes at institutions that offer a dedicated Master’s in Accounting if they require a direct, concentrated route to CPA qualification.