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University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Master of Professional Accountancy

As the field of accounting grows increasingly complex and educational requirements for taking the CPA exam increase, many students are seeking an advanced accounting education. Perhaps that's your goal, too.

The MPA at Nebraska's School of Accountancy qualifies graduates to apply to sit for the CPA examination in Nebraska.

Our MPA program prepares students to use accounting as an analytical tool for decision making. It also helps students develop a specialized understanding of accounting theory and application.

Students enrolled in the Bachelor's program may enter the MPA program during their senior year. Their first three years of coursework remain identical to the four-year program.

The MPA program is also offered for students with a bachelor's degree. This program entails 36 hours of coursework beyond the baccalaureate degree.

An internship program is available for MPA students. Students interested in participating in an internship program should contact the MPA Adviser immediately after being admitted to the MPA program.

The MPA program works on two levels. Its courses are offered in conjunction with the four-year Bachelor's program, enabling students to earn both the BSBA and MPA degrees in a concentrated program. The MPA program consists of a minimum of 150 hours of semester credit—with 36 of these hours taken in graduate-credit courses. At least 20 hours of credit must be earned in graduate-only coursework (courses with no 400-level counterpart). In addition to the general college requirements, MPA candidates must complete the following course work:

Year 4

Fall Semester:
  • 410 / 810-Auditing
  • 412 / 812-Federal Tax Accounting I
Spring Semester:
  • 404 / 804-Advanced Accounting
  • 408 / 808-Advanced Managerial Accounting

Year 5

Fall Semester:
  • 803-Seminar in Accounting Theory
  • 857-Controllership Managerial Accounting or, 858-Seminar in Managerial Accounting
Spring Semester:
  • 831 Seminar in Auditing
  • Electives**

**At least 20 hours of graduate only courses, of which at least 15 must be earned in accounting. A minimum of 20 hours of graduate credit (800-900) must be earned in accounting. Extensive MPA electives are offered in financial accounting., managerial accounting, auditing, taxation and other subjects.

Financial Aid

Scholarships and Fellowships - All full-time MPA students are eligible for scholarships and fellowships except for students who are known to have a violation of the Student Code of Conduct (see Graduate Studies Bulletin). Scholarship and fellowship awards are based on merit but attempts are made to offer as many awards as possible. In recent years 50 to 100 percent of MPA students have received awards of $2,500 or more. Awards are distributed automatically by the School of Accountancy at the beginning of each academic year. There is no application process.

Teaching/Research Assistantships - A limited number of assistantships are awarded each semester. Students on assistantships are assigned to work with one or two faculty members to assist them in collecting data for research and/or to assist in teaching activities (i.e., grade projects, homework and exams; lead recitation session or reviews for exams; monitor exams; etc.). Compensation is a waiver of tuition and a cash stipend. Students who are awarded assistantships cannot have other employment. Students may apply by sending a resume and cover letter expressing their interest to the Director of the School of Accountancy.

MPA Narrated Presentations

MPA Presentation for Transfer students (Narration)
MPA Presentation for UNL Students (Narration)

Admission Requirements:

When you are ready to apply, some of the items will need to be sent to the Office of Graduate Studies; others will have to be mailed to the Graduate Advising Office in the College of Business Administration.

The following documents should be sent to:

Office of Graduate Studies

University of Nebraska-Lincoln
1100 Seaton Hall
P.O. Box 880619
Lincoln, NE 68588-0619
Phone: (402) 472-2875

a. The Graduate Application form: Online here
b. $45.00 Application fee(check or money order made payable to UNL).
c. Two copies of official Undergraduate transcripts.
d. Two copies of official Graduate transcripts.

International students should also include:

a. Financial resource certification form: available here
b. TOEFL score sent from Educational Testing Service −or− IELTS score (www.ielts.org)

The following documents should be sent to:

Graduate Advising Office

University of Nebraska-Lincoln
CBA 125
P.O.Box 880405
Lincoln, NE 68588-0405
Phone: (402) 472-2338
Fax: (402) 472-5180

a. Three letters of recommendation: Recommendation forms are available here
b. GMAT Score
c. Resume