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Apr 19, 2024
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2021-2022 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) - MPA
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 Return to: Degrees, Programs & Certificates
30 credits
Overview
The Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) Program awards graduates an MPA degree. The MPA curriculum is designed to allow current WSU students, recent graduates, and accounting practitioners the means to concurrently earn their MPA while also sitting for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam. Upon completion of the MPA, the student will meet all the educational requirements necessary for CPA licensure in the State of Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin. Students from other states should consult with their state licensing board to ensure all requirements will be met.
The MPA program is designed to accommodate recent graduates and current practitioners as they simultaneously meet the educational requirements necessary for CPA licensure while also taking the CPA exam. The MPA program can be completed through a hybrid approach with face-to-face classes supplemented by online material or it can be completed exclusively online. The ability to attend live meetings, either face-to-face or synchronously, affords the learner the ability to gain additional insight by live interaction with other students and doctorally-qualified faculty. Alternatively, a student can complete the program asynchronously providing flexibility which may be appealing for adult learners balancing multiple responsibilities such as family, work, and school. To accomplish this, the program incorporates a commercial CPA exam preparatory program into the curriculum, supplementing the instructor’s resources.
Additionally, CPA designated courses are offered in concentrated eight-week blocks, allowing the student to focus on one section of the CPA exam at a time. At the completion of the eight-week period, students will be encouraged to sit for the corresponding section of the CPA exam.
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Program Highlights
- Earn the Master of Professional Accounting in as few as one year (includes summer) or attend as a part-time student.
- Earn the Master of Professional Accounting from an AACSB accredited university.
- Only MNSCU Master of Accounting program that can be completed online.
- Start the Master of Accounting program during your senior year of studies.
- Only AACSB Master of Professional Accounting Program in Minnesota.
- The program is designed to help prepare motivated students to sit for the CPA Exam.
- Students are encouraged to sit for the CPA exam currently with the program. After completing designated courses, the student is encouraged to sit for the corresponding section of the CPA exam.
- Students have the option of completing the program through blended online and face-to-face learning or may complete the program entirely online to accommodate working professionals.
- All MPA courses will be taught by doctorally-qualified faculty.
Learning Outcomes
- Assess the repercussions of economic events by applying accounting standards and concepts.
- Demonstrate ethical decision-making in complex situations throughout various environments.
- Demonstrate the technical application and conceptual understanding of accounting standards and concepts.
- Exhibit the ability to communicate technical financial information in a concise and professional manner.
- Demonstrate effective collaboration skills.
Regular Standing vs. Advanced Standing
Students have two options for completing the MPA program. Students may be designated as either Regular Standing or Advanced Standing and may proceed at a full-time or a part-time pace.
Regular Standing classification applies to students who have previously earned a bachelor’s degree and meet the admission requirements. The required undergraduate coursework includes Business Law, Intermediate Accounting I and II, Cost Accounting, Federal Individual Taxation, Accounting Information Systems, and Auditing. Regular Standing students complete a total of 30 credits to earn the MPA degree.
Advanced Standing classification is reserved for current undergraduate students who would like to take the two co-listed courses during their senior year. Completion of the co-listed course at the graduate level will not be applied toward the Winona State University 120 credit hour undergraduate degree requirement. Once the student is awarded a bachelor’s degree, they will complete the remaining 22 credits needed to earn the MPA.
Regular Standing
Admission Requirements
- Baccalaureate degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Must have completed undergraduate coursework in the following courses with a minimum of a C. Must include coursework in Business Law, Cost Accounting, Intermediate Financial Accounting, Principles of Taxation, Auditing, and Accounting Information Systems.
- Resume
- Statement of Professional Goals
- Official transcripts from all educational institutions attended
- GMAT score may be required (see policy below)
- GMAT Waiver Form (if applicable)
- Applicants whose first language is not English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
Admission Process
- Admission to the School of Graduate Studies
- Submit the following information to the Accounting Department:
- Application for Admission to the Master of Professional Accounting Program.
- Resume
- Statement of Professional Goals
- Transcripts of past education with GPA of 3.0 or greater on a 4.0 scale
- An acceptable GMAT score may be required (see policy below)
- GMAT Waiver Form (if applicable)
GMAT Policy (GMAT waiver form must be submitted if any of the following apply):
- Work Experience Exception: GMAT is waived if the applicant has relevant work experience (including relevant internship experience), a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA, and a bachelor’s or higher degree from a U.S. institution.
- Prior Graduate Degree
- Successfully passed at least one section of the CPA Exam
- CMA certification
Advanced Standing
Admission Requirements
- Current undergraduate student with at least 90 credits completed, with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
- To enroll in 600-level courses the student must meet the admission requirements for Regular Standing
Admission Process
- Admission to the School of Graduate Studies
- Submit the following information to the Accounting Department:
- Application for Admission to the Master of Professional Accounting Program
- Resume
- Statement of Professional Goals
- Transcripts of past education with GPA of 3.0 or greater on a 4.0 scale
- Appropriate GMAT score or waiver must be submitted prior to admission for Regular Standing
- Evidence of degree must be submitted prior to admission for Regular Standing
Graduate Special Students (Non-Degree Seeking)
A student who has completed a baccalaureate degree from an accredited university and who wishes to enroll in graduate courses but does not intend to pursue a graduate degree at Winona State, may register as a graduate special student. Prospective graduate special students must complete a Graduate Special application form to be admitted to the university. Admission as a graduate special student does not constitute admission to a graduate degree program.
A graduate special student who later wishes to enter a graduate degree program at Winona State must meet all requirements for admission to graduate study and complete an Application for Admission to Graduate Study and an application for the particular program in which they wish to major. A maximum of 12 semester graduate credits earned as a graduate special student may be accepted into a degree program upon recommendation of the major department.
Coursework and Structure
Each course will be offered one semester per year. During each the Fall and Spring semesters, three courses will be offered. The 500-level courses are co-listed with the undergraduate curriculum and are 16 weeks in duration. The 600-level courses offered during the Fall and Spring semesters are each eight-week courses. These four courses are CPA designated courses.
Once the student completes the course, they are strongly encouraged to sit for the corresponding section of the CPA exam. The summer courses consist of two six-week courses. The structure of the program permits students to begin the program during any semester. The structure of the program is as follows:
* Students who have completed Business Entity Taxation and/or Advanced Financial Accounting for undergraduate credits, should see Accounting Department Chair for appropriate graduate-level courses to avoid content duplication.
Course Requirements (30 credits)
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