Master in Professional Accounting

About

The Master of Professional Accounting Program (MPAcc) is an innovative graduate degree program that attracts top-notch accounting students from across Canada and internationally. Created by visionary academics in response to the demand for applied, competency-based training, the program actively involves students through the use of business cases, skills workshops, and other contemporary educational techniques.

Throughout two summer terms, students will complete a comprehensive graduate-level accounting program that acts as a proven alternative route for students who are seeking the CPA designation in Canada. We are proud to have a strong history of first-time pass rates from our MPAcc graduates on the Common Final Evaluation (CFE). The program also gives students an opportunity to develop an appreciation for the academic research process and academe as a career choice.

CPA Accredited

Currently, students enrolled in the MPAcc program will undertake an alternative route that covers the first five modules of the CPA PEP program. As of October 2017, we are in the final stages of receiving full accreditation from CPA Canada to now also deliver Capstone 2 as part of our master’s program. We plan to provide our first Capstone 2 course in the summer of 2018.

CPA Competency Map

The MPAcc program has based its success around the core competencies outlined in the CPA Competency Map. These skills have been divided into two types of competencies:

Technical Competency Areas Enabling Competency Areas

These two areas work together to create a professional level embodied by the CPA designation.

Admission Requirements

The Edwards MPAcc admissions team assesses applicants on a composite basis for admission purposes. We look at a variety of factors when making admission decisions including undergraduate degree, grade point average, experience in the accounting field, and reference letters. An interview may be required.

4 Year Undergraduate Degree

Applicants must have a four-year undergraduate degree from a recognized university. Applicants must demonstrate their ability to pursue advanced study with a minimum 70% overall average in the last two years of undergraduate studies. Unofficial transcripts from all post-secondary institutions that you have attended must be uploaded to your application. Transcripts from the University of Saskatchewan do not need to be uploaded but are required from all other institutions you have attended. For countries where degree certificates are issued, they must also be uploaded. If accepted, an official transcript of your academic record is to be sent directly from each institution attended.

• Adequate preparation in Canadian Accounting principles as demonstrated by successful completion of the appropriate university-level prerequisites courses as designated by the Canadian Institute of Chartered Professional Accountants for entrance into their Professional Education Program.
  • For a detailed list, please refer to www.CPAWSB.ca

Students who have at least four months of work experience as an articling student or in a similar position will be given preference. Work experience provides a practical framework that enhances the student's ability to understand and critically assess the subject matter considered in the MPAcc program.

Supplemental Application Form

The Supplemental Application Form gives us background information on which courses you have completed and what work experience you have or plan on obtaining before MPAcc begins. Download it here.

Letters of Reference

The Edwards MPAcc requires you to submit 3 confidential letters of recommendation, from professors or others acquainted sufficiently with your training and experience to express an opinion on your ability to undertake graduate training. Two of these must be academic references and one professional. Reference requests must be completed by December 15th.

Contact your referees and ask them to provide a reference for you for the Edwards MPAcc program, and obtain an up to date email address. You will then fill out your referee’s complete information on the online application form, and enter their current email address. Once your application is completed, your referee’s will be sent a link where they can fill out an online form for your reference letter.

Resume

Outline your previous work education and work experience (if applicable), so the selection committee can have a good understanding of your background.

Proof of English Proficiency

Proof of English proficiency may be required for international applicants and for applicants whose first language is not English. See the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Academic Information and Policies for more information.

The Edwards School of Business develops business professionals to build nations. The Edwards School of Business creates opportunities for dynamic learning and critical thinking. We are grounded in our values of authenticity and integrity. We embrace the teacher-scholar model and deliver our mission through faculty with strong academic and professional expertise. Our culture celebrates diversity and embraces pluralism. We engage our stakeholders to build value in their communities.

While over the years the name of business programming has changed what has not changed is a total commitment to an excellent educational experience for students. Over the past nearly 100 years as we have grown from a small program linked to the professional accounting community to a comprehensive Business School we listened to you! You told us that business education must have deep functional roots in core disciplines of accounting and finance, marketing and management, human resources, and strategy.