NIU College of Business
Online Master of Accountancy
Launch a career in accounting and prepare for CPA licensure without an undergraduate degree in accounting.
Designed for working professionals and career changers who hold bachelor's degrees outside of accounting, NIU’s AACSB-accredited online Master of Accountancy (MAC) prepares you to sit for the CPA exam in Illinois and most other states.* Our flexible eight-week courses will build your expertise in financial reporting, taxation, auditing and accounting information systems. In as few as two years, you’ll be ready to begin your accounting career.
*Out-of-state students will have a master's degree that fulfills the requirements to take exams in most states. Check your state's requirements for details.
“I'm not a traditional student anymore and couldn't leave my full-time job, so the online Master of Accountancy program at NIU was perfect for me.”Alyssa McHugh MAC Student
Careers After NIU's Online MAC
Our graduates pass the CPA exam at a rate exceeding the national and state rates. You’ll learn from dedicated faculty with real-world experience as you gain the skills needed to succeed in roles such as accountant, auditor, financial analyst and tax associate. With access to NIU’s accountancy career fairs, you’ll have opportunities to build connections with Chicago-area recruiters before you graduate.
For more information on curriculum, course descriptions and program FAQs, visit the Department of Accountancy's Master of Accountancy page.
MAC or MAS?
The online MAC is for students whose undergraduate degree is in a field other than accounting. If you already hold an accounting degree, NIU's Master of Accounting Science (MAS) is the program built for you.
Admission Requirements for NIU's Online Master of Accountancy
You can apply if you hold a bachelor's degree in any area other than accounting and have an overall undergraduate GPA of at least 2.75 (or at least 3.20 in 15 or more hours of graduate coursework). International students must also submit TOEFL or IELTS scores.
For full admission requirements and details on how to apply, visit the Department of Accountancy's Master of Accountancy page.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The MAC is designed for students with a non-accounting undergraduate degree. If you already hold an accounting degree, the Master of Accounting Science (MAS) is NIU's hybrid (online and in-person) program built for you.
The 33-hour cohort program starts in the fall and spring.
Five prerequisite subjects are required before beginning the Master of Accountancy program:
- Financial Accounting
- Managerial Accounting
- Finance
- Economics
- Statistics
If you have previously completed coursework in any of these areas, your courses may satisfy the corresponding prerequisites. If you have not completed one or more of these subjects, NIU offers self-paced online business modules that can fulfill each prerequisite. The modules are $200 each.
We encourage you to apply to the program before completing any additional prerequisite coursework. Once your application and transcripts have been reviewed, you can determine which prerequisites, if any, you still need to complete. with your job search and career goals.
Request More Information
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Connect With an Online Student Success Specialist
They'll guide you every step of the way.
Mackenzie Gattman
mgattman@niu.edu
815-753-5697
Meet with Mackenzie
