Accounting (MAcc) at University of Southern California

Programme overview

The Master of Accounting prepares graduates for careers in public accounting, industry and government. It uses a case analysis approach that builds analytical ability, teamwork and professional communication.

Faculty: USC Marshall School of Business | Department: Leventhal School of Accounting | Duration: 45 units (30 units with an undergraduate accounting degree or equivalent) | Intake: Summer or fall | Study mode: full-time | Location: Los Angeles, CA, United States

What you will study

The degree has 15 units of fundamentals, a 12-unit core (including Advanced Enterprise Systems and Technologies, Financial Statement Analysis and Professional Responsibilities in Accounting) and an 18-unit track in Professional Accountancy, Data and Analytics or Strategic Finance, plus electives.

Career pathways

Public accounting, industry and government.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

An undergraduate accounting or business major is not necessary and work experience is not required. Summer admits begin with the 8-week, 15-unit ACCT 525 Intensive Accounting Principles and Practices; fall admits generally hold a bachelor's degree in accounting and are waived from it. USC BS in Accounting students may qualify for a further 6-unit waiver (24 units total).

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Master of Accounting: students can start in the summer (Summer Intensive Program, mid-June to mid-August) or the fall; all students graduate at the end of the spring semester in mid-May.

Master of Accounting (MAcc): application opens August 7, 2026; international applicants and priority deadline January 10, 2027; domestic non-accounting majors (summer start) April 1, 2027; domestic accounting majors (fall start) May 1, 2027; application fee $120.

Public Diplomacy (MPD): application deadline January 15, 2027; the USC Graduate Admission Application opens October 1, 2026.

Online Executive Master of Health Administration: application fee $105.

Apply through the official page: https://admission.usc.edu/

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