Master of Accounting

Graduate Degree

/ Academics / Departments & Programs / Business / Academics Master of Accounting

Degree Overview


Calvin's Master of Accounting (MAcc) program provides comprehensive training in accounting principles that are rooted in a strong Christian ethical framework. You'll gain skills and experience that will greatly expand your career potential.

The MAcc program is well-suited for anyone who wants to sharpen and broaden their knowledge of the topics and tools of the accounting profession. It's also a good fit for those wanting to begin or advance their career in accounting in the public or private sector. Our streamlined admissions process eliminates the need for standardized testing.

The Master of Accounting program is currently offered on-campus and is now accepting applications.

Program Distinctives

Flexible schedule - Calvin's Master of Accounting program adapts to your busy schedule. You can start in fall or spring, and choose to earn your degree in nine months of full-time classes or part-time at your own pace. No GMAT required.
Expert faculty - You'll learn not only from business faculty with deep experience in accounting, but from seasoned Calvin accounting alumni who will guide and support you.
Ethical foundation - Your learning draws on a Christian perspective that emphasizes service and justice. Your Calvin education will prepare you to uphold the highest ethical standards in your field.

Degree Information

Graduate Degree
  • Overview

    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.

  • Admission

    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. 

          APPLY NOW      

    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:

  • Advising

    Program course requirements:

    • Advanced Accounting (4 credit hours)
    • Advanced Auditing (3)
    • Business Analytics (4)
    • Business Enterprise Systems (4)
    • Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination (3)
    • Ethics in Accounting (2)
    • Government Accounting and Reporting (2)
    • Not-for-profit Accounting (2)
    • Principles of Auditing (4)
    • Taxation (4)

    Total credit hours: 32

  • Careers

    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
  • Faculty and Staff

    Mittie Den Herder's staff picture
    Mittie Den Herder

    Adjunct Instructor

    Full profile

    Scott Rush's staff picture
    Scott Rush

    Associate Professor

    Full profile

    Debra Snyder's staff picture
    Debra Snyder

    Professor

    Full profile

    Dongye Song's staff picture
    Dongye Song

    Assistant Professor

    Full profile

    Jason Stansbury's staff picture
    Jason Stansbury

    Professor

    Full profile

    Marilyn Stansbury's staff picture
    Marilyn Stansbury

    Professor
    MAcc Program Director

    Full profile

    Olivia Van Dyken's staff picture
    Olivia Van Dyken

    Adjunct Instructor

    Full profile

    April Van Putten's staff picture
    April Van Putten

    Adjunct Instructor

    Full profile

    Emeriti

    Julie Voskuil's staff picture
    Julie Voskuil

    Professor Emeritus

    Full profile

Advisor

Marilyn Stansbury's staff picture
Marilyn Stansbury

EXPERIENCE Business AT CALVIN

PLAY VIDEO

Pie chart showing the amount of household debt accumulated by percentages of the graduating student body
Family income distribution for students applying for financial aid.

You can afford a Calvin education.

You’ve heard a lot about the high cost of a university education. But a Calvin education is much more affordable than you think. Most Calvin students pay far below the sticker price—and graduate with less debt than you might expect.

Explore affordability at Calvin »

U.S. News & World Report ranks Calvin as a Best Midwest Regional University for 2022.

A reputation for excellence.

There’s a reason Calvin gets top marks from U.S. News & World Report, The Princeton Review, and more. Calvin graduates are in demand at grad schools, med schools, and careers in every field.

Discover the Calvin advantage »

SOCIAL MEDIA

The latest sights & sounds | #calvinuniversity

Female student wading in Plaster Creek, examining a sample of water, holding it up to the sky.

ACADEMIC OPTIONS

With over 100 majors and programs, you’re bound to find something you love.

Browse by category

× CLOSE DRAWER
A dramatic view looking up at the Calvin's Crossing bridge, with a perfect blue sky overhead.

Apply to Calvin

It all starts here! We accept applications on a rolling basis throughout the year. All completed applications receive equal consideration.

Start your journey × CLOSE DRAWER
A female and male student walking side by side down the Calvin's Crossing bridge, conversing with each other.

Visit Calvin

Find the visit option that works best for you and get a taste for life at Calvin!

Browse Visit Options Launch the virtual tour × CLOSE DRAWER
Students huddled around, lighting sparklers with a beautiful evening sky behind them.

Request Info

Learn why Calvin’s dedication to faith and discovery have earned it the rank of #3 among regional Midwest universities.

Loading...
× CLOSE DRAWER
Graduates in their robes, tossing their caps high into the air, laughing.

Costs & Financial Aid

Families from all economic backgrounds—many just like yours—are making Calvin work. Scholarships, grants and loans are the tools that make Calvin possible.

Explore financial aid & Scholarships How much does Calvin cost? × CLOSE DRAWER
Top