Augustana University

What you'll study

The programme builds on core accounting principles and advances students' understanding of financial reporting, assurance, tax, and managerial decision‑making. Core topics typically include advanced financial accounting and reporting, auditing and assurance services, federal taxation, managerial and cost accounting, and accounting information systems. Many students also study business law, ethics in accounting, and data analytics for accounting to reflect contemporary practice.

Programme structure emphasises applied learning through casework, research methods, and a capstone or practicum. Typical modules and learning activities include:

• Advanced Financial Reporting: consolidations, business combinations and reporting issues for complex entities.
• Auditing and Assurance: professional standards, audit planning and execution, and reporting.
• Taxation: advanced federal taxation topics affecting individuals and entities, tax research and compliance.
• Managerial Accounting and Decision Making: costing systems, budgeting, performance measurement and strategic decision tools.
• Accounting Information Systems and Data Analytics: systems design, controls, and use of analytics in audit and financial analysis.
• Ethics, Governance and Professional Responsibility: ethical frameworks, corporate governance and regulatory environment.
• Capstone/Practicum or Research Project: an integrative piece that applies technical skills to a real or simulated client problem.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree. Preference is usually given to candidates with an undergraduate major or substantial coursework in accounting or a closely related business discipline. Typical admissions requirements include:

• A completed undergraduate degree from an accredited institution.
• Evidence of prior accounting coursework (for example, introductory and intermediate financial accounting, managerial accounting, and principles of taxation); applicants without a full accounting background may be asked to complete prerequisite coursework.
• A competitive undergraduate GPA; specific thresholds vary by application cycle.
• Supporting materials such as a personal statement, academic transcripts and letters of recommendation; some applicants may be invited for an interview.

Standardised tests (such as the GMAT or GRE) are sometimes considered but many programmes offer either waivers or do not require them depending on prior academic performance and professional experience. International applicants should also demonstrate English language proficiency in line with the university’s requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue a range of careers across public accounting firms, industry, government and the nonprofit sector. The degree provides advanced technical preparation for roles such as:

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and other professional accounting certifications.
• External auditor and assurance specialist at regional and national accounting firms.
• Corporate accountant, financial reporting analyst or controller within businesses and organisations.
• Tax consultant, compliance specialist or advisory roles in tax practices.
• Forensic accountant, internal auditor or risk and compliance analyst.
• Management roles involving financial planning, budgeting and strategic decision support.

The programme’s practical emphasis, accounting technical training and opportunities for internships or practicum projects help graduates meet educational requirements for licensure and transition into professional roles in the regional market and beyond.

Why study at Augustana University

Augustana University offers a small‑cohort learning environment where students can work closely with faculty who have both academic and applied accounting experience. The university’s liberal arts foundation supports development of communication, critical thinking and ethical reasoning alongside technical competence. Students benefit from career services, networking with local and regional employers, and opportunities for internships in the nearby business community.

Faculty mentorship, an emphasis on experiential learning and preparatory coursework aimed at professional licensure make Augustana’s programme suitable for students seeking a focused, career‑oriented master’s in accounting that balances theory with practical skill development.