What are the admission requirements for the Augustana Master of Professional Accountancy Program?
The Augustana MPA Program requires a 3.0 cumulative GPA, 3.0 accounting course GPA and 90 hours of completed credit hours.
Prerequisite courses include:
- Principles of Accounting I & II
- Intermediate Accounting I, II & III
- Income Taxation
- Management Information Systems
- Business Law I
Transcripts are required to apply.
Do I need a bachelor’s degree in accounting to apply to the Augustana Master of Professional Accountancy Program?
No. A bachelor’s degree in accounting or business is recommended, but not required. The prerequisite courses serve as a foundation for entering the program. Students without a bachelor’s degree in accounting or business may need additional coursework if they plan to pursue CPA licensure.
How long is the Augustana Master of Professional Accountancy Program?
The Augustana MPA Program is designed as a 4+1 track — students spend the first three years in undergraduate work, transition to some graduate-level courses in year four and finish year five with all graduate classes. Most students complete their bachelor’s and master’s degree in 4.5 years.
For students who already have a bachelor’s degree, the MPA can be completed in one year, starting in the fall.
When should students apply to the Augustana MPA Program?
Applications are reviewed monthly for admission. Applications are given preference if received by March 15 for fall admittance and Oct. 15 for spring admittance.
Does the Augustana MPA Program accept transfer credits?
Augustana may accept up to nine semester hours of eligible graduate credit from another accredited institution.
Students must:
- provide an official transcript;
- receive approval from the program director;
- indicate credits have not been utilized in earning an undergraduate degree; and,
- show that a grade of B- or better was earned for the credits and the credits are not outdated (more than seven years old).
Is financial aid available for Augustana MPA students?
Financial aid is available for full-time MPA students. For more information, contact the Office of Financial Aid.
Will completing the Augustana MPA Program make me a certified public accountant?
No. Students must still pass the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Examination and meet the education, experience and licensing requirements of the jurisdiction where they seek licensure.
Does the Augustana MPA Program include an internship or other hands-on learning opportunities?
Yes. An internship is required for the Augustana MPA program. Accounting faculty and Student Success Center have many connections in the accounting industry to help students obtain an internship. Some internships may lead to full-time positions after graduation. Opportunities to volunteer for the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program, nonprofits and new business start-ups are also available.
Students also complete real-world activities in class, such as mock tax returns, tax and audit memorandums, deep analysis of publicly traded companies’ 10K reports, extensive analysis of governments’ CAFR reports and use of sampling software for audits.
Where do MPA graduates work?
Many Augustana MPA graduates go into public accounting while pursuing CPA certification. Others have taken positions in private accounting and finance, banking and related business roles.
Some employers include:
- Brady Martz
- Eide Bailly
- EY (Ernst & Young)
- First PREMIER Bank
- KPMG
- RSM
- Sanford Health
- South Dakota Division of Banking
- Woltman Group
