Two businesspeople calculating numbers as accountants.

Professional Accountancy

Gain specialized training in accounting and related fields for those who wish to prepare for a career in public accounting and meet the 150-hour requirement to sit for the CPA exam in South Dakota.

Become an Expert in Your Field

As a Master of Professional Accountancy student at USD, you will prepare for a career in public accounting. Here you will find a program that emphasizes decision making, problem solving, understanding the role of business in society, developing leadership ability and social responsibility, analytical and critical thinking skills. You will receive in-depth training in accounting, finance and related subjects so you can pursue a career in accounting, auditing, tax, financial planning, management consulting and more.

Get connected with the top employers in the region and across the globe as you tap into the robust accounting employer and alumni networks at USD. Employers routinely recruit on-campus and accounting students have among the highest career placement rates among Beacom School of Business students.


Degrees & Offerings

Professional Accountancy (MPA)

Master's
  Vermillion Main Campus and Online

Gain specialized training in accounting and related fields for those who wish to prepare for a career in public accounting and meet the 150-hour educational requirement to sit for the CPA exam in most states, requirements vary by state. The flexible 100% online option is ideal for professionals to advance their career while remaining in the workplace.

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Professional Accountancy: Accounting Analytics (MPA)

Master's
  Vermillion Main Campus and Online

This specialization meets the growing market demand for graduates with the ability to utilize and analyze data to strengthen accounting decision-making processes.  In addition to the foundational accounting coursework, this program explores data-centric accounting theories and principles.

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Joint Bachelor of Business Administration / Professional Accountancy Fast-Track Option (BBA/MPA)

Master's
  Vermillion Main Campus and Online

Accounting majors meeting requirements for entry into the MPA program may opt to complete both the BBA and MPA concurrently. Students who pursue this fast-track option will be awarded their undergraduate and graduate degrees simultaneously, upon completion of the two programs.

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Joint Master of Professional Accountancy / Juris Doctor (MPA/J.D.)

Master's
  Vermillion Main Campus

A joint program with the USD School of Law in which students earn both degrees concurrently in three years.

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Program Details

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Graduate Admissions

Known for Excellence

With qualities like small class sizes, specialized programs and incredible student opportunities, USD is not your typical university. What makes us unique is what makes your education exceptional.

Departments & FACILITIES

Explore the departments, facilities and centers that contribute to your education in accounting and finance. Our faculty are experts in their fields, bringing practical experience working in different business, finance, marketing or accounting firms.
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Accounting & Finance

Accounting and finance are among the most needed skill sets in the business world. The Division of Accounting and Finance prepares students through hands-on-experience in and out of the classroom so they can lead successful financial careers in any field.

Faculty & Staff

Get to know the faculty and staff in the Division of Accounting & Finance. Our faculty are experts in their field, contributing research and scholarship in financial accounting, cost accounting, forensic accounting, taxes, audits and more.
Bio Image for Faculty Member Srinivasan Ragothaman

Srinivasan Ragothaman

Bio Image for Faculty Member Erin Cornelsen

Erin Cornelsen

Instructor
Bio Image for Faculty Member Karen Davies

Karen Davies

Instructor in Accounting
Bio Image for Faculty Member Derek Franken

Derek Franken

Instructor
Bio Image for Faculty Member Maria Leach

Maria Leach

Associate Professor
Graduate student working on laptop access online application

The Program You Want, Where You Want It

Whether you are a recent graduate looking to continue your education on USD's main campus in Vermillion or a working professional who values the convenience and flexibility of online options, you can rest easy knowing that you are getting a world-class education. You will enjoy access to the same, expert faculty members wherever you are taking classes.

 

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Gain Real-World Experience

The Theta Upsilon Chapter of Beta Alpha Psi is the national scholastic and professional accounting fraternity. The primary objective is to encourage and give recognition to scholastic and professional excellence in the field of accounting.


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Students Attending a Networking Event.

World-Class Program, World-Class Connections

As an accounting student at the Beacom School of Business, you will be invited to attend a variety of networking events, including the South Dakota CPA Showcase, Meet the Firms speed networking event and weekly presentations by accounting firms as part of our engaged student organizations. 

 

Not only will you have access to recruiters and alumni at the big 4 accounting firms (Deloitte, KPMG, Ernst & Young, PwC), you will meet top employers at local and regional levels.

Surprisingly Affordable

Whether you’ve recently completed your undergraduate degree, or you want to kick your career up a notch, graduate school is the next logical step. The good news is there is funding for both online and on-campus students to get you through your program. 
GA (Resident*)
Resident or WRGP
Online
Non-Resident
Tuition (1 cr.)
180.3
340.15
470.45
654.05
GAF Fee (1 cr.)
55.3
55.3
0
55.3
Total

More About Tuition & Fees

Tuition rates are subject to change and may vary depending on the program or department. Visit the Graduate Tuition & Costs page for more information.

* Graduate Assistant (GA) rates are available for resident, non-resident and online students.

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