Master of Accounting

The Master of Accounting program at Calvin University is an excellent way to build your career, develop analytical and technical skills, and prepare to influence the accounting profession as an important decision maker.

What you'll discover at Calvin

Courses taught from a Christian perspective.
Professors with public accounting and/or industry experience.
Education that prepares you to uphold the highest ethical standards in your field.

Key Facts

Courses: 32 credit hours (10 courses)
Program length: 9 months (full-time)
Financial assistance: available for qualified recipients
Start date: Fall or spring semester

Grants and Scholarships

Applicants completing their undergraduate degree at Calvin may also be eligible for donor-sponsored scholarships. Contact the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid by phone (616-526-6134) or email for details.

Program Director: M. Stansbury

The master of accounting (MAcc) degree is designed to be completed in nine months or less, with flexible start dates of fall or spring. Students may also complete the program part-time. The program is well suited for students wanting to sharpen and broaden their knowledge of accounting topics and tools used in the accounting profession. It is also a good fit for those wanting to begin or advance their career in accounting in the public or private sector.

Students may apply to the MAcc program following successful completion of ACCT 301 or its equivalent. A cumulative grade point of average of at least a 3.0 is required to be admitted into this program.

Program Requirements

• ACCT 320 - Principles of Auditing
• ACCT 410 - Advanced Accounting
• ACCT 445 - Business Analytics
• ACCT 501 - Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination
• ACCT 508 - Taxation
• ACCT 512 - Not-for-Profit Accounting
• ACCT 514 - Government Accounting and Reporting
• ACCT 521 - Advanced Auditing
• ACCT 562 - Ethics in Accounting
• INFO 301 - Business Enterprise Systems OR completion of a concentration (or equivalent) in data analytics, information technology, or a related field

Total Semester Hours: 32

General prerequisites

Note for international applicants: additional information for international applicants is below. International applicants should read through the general application process and then scroll down for more details specifically pertaining to them.

All applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree and completion of the following undergraduate courses:

• Intermediate Accounting I and II
• Cost Accounting
• Accounting Systems
• Business Law
• Corporate Finance

Application process

All application materials should be submitted online through the Calvin application process. 

Click here to apply.

Admission Checklist

1. Online application for Admission: Completion and timely submission of an online application. Applicants must list their personal email address on the application.

2. Official transcript(s): Submission of official transcripts from all higher education institutions attended. Transcripts are considered official only when they bear the issuing institution’s seal and arrive with the seal intact. If you are a current Calvin student, we will obtain your transcript on your behalf for free.

   Note: Prerequisites for the MAcc courses must have been completed within the last five years preceding the application due date. Also, at the application due date, an undergraduate cumulative grade point average (GPA) or accounting major GPA of 3.0 is required.

3. Resume: Submission of a professional resume.
4. Recommendation letters: Two letters of recommendation. At least one of the recommenders should be someone who can attest to the applicant’s academic abilities. For graduates of Calvin’s BSA program, no more than one letter of recommendation will be accepted from a Calvin business faculty member.
5. Proof of qualifying work experience or internship: Applicants must have completed at least 160 hours of professional experience at an accounting firm, company, governmental entity, or not-for-profit organization at which the applicant was exposed to accounting and/or financial situations and tasks. A written statement from the applicant’s supervisor(s) or other official, appropriate employer representative must clearly state the applicant’s job title at the time the work was performed, a description of the work performed, the total number of hours the applicant worked at the employer’s location, the physical location at which the applicant worked, and the title of the supervisor or other employer representative responsible for signing the statement. Proof of professional work experience will be evaluated by the MAcc Graduate Admissions Committee.
6. Personal statement: Submission of a personal statement. The statement should include a description of at least two experiences that have impacted the applicant and helped define personal and career goals. The statement should also include an explanation of why the applicant is seeking admission to a Christian college for completion of a Master of Accounting degree, and how obtaining a MAcc from Calvin University will assist the applicant in reaching his/her goals.

International Applicants

International applicants are welcome to apply to Calvin’s MAcc program. International applicants should refer to the application criteria and details in the "Admissions" section above. In addition, they should consider the following criteria before applying.

Financial commitment

As part of the application process, international students must show the ability to meet a certain level of financial commitment in order to be admitted to the MAcc program. A Declaration of Finance form along with supporting documents must be submitted to the MAcc program to verify this information. You may also have a sponsor submit a Affidavit of Room & Board form on your behalf. These forms will be uploaded when completing the online application.

TOEFL and IELTS scores

The minimum TOEFL score for regular admission is 550 (213 on the computerized version or 80 on the internet based test).

The TOEFL code number for Calvin is 1095.

The IELTS results are also accepted by the University with a minimum score of 6.5.

The IELTS code number for Calvin is 1095.

Scores submitted to the MAcc program must be original or certified copies.

Helpful links and resources

International applicants may find these resources useful in planning their experience at Calvin:

• The Community Dining meal plan
• Parking rules and regulations
• Housing options
• Neighborhood living options

Use your degree to thrive as a(n):

• Financial Analyst
• Auditing Specialist
• Tax Consultant
• Forensic Accountant
• Corporate Controller
• Internal Auditor
• Financial Manager
• Management Accountant
• Government Accountant