Get the Answers You Need to Launch Your Accounting Career

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Zoë Dybdahl, Associate Director of the Masters in Professional Accountancy (MPAc) program at UC Davis, hosted an insightful Ask Me Anything session that addressed questions during our live session on Instagram.

From program structure and career opportunities to application requirements and financial support, the AMA covered a wide range of questions for anyone interested in this accelerated nine-month STEM-designated degree.

How long is the MPAc program?

The MPAc program is an accelerated, nine-month degree designed to prepare students for success in the accounting field. Students will take four four-unit classes each quarter. The curriculum covers a range of topics, including:

• Accounting
• Information systems
• Managerial accounting
• Financial accounting
• Auditing
• Ethics

The program emphasizes hands-on learning and incorporates the latest tools and technologies used by accounting firms. As a STEM program, MPAc ensures that students gain practical experience and are equipped with the skills necessary to thrive in the workforce after graduation.

What classes should I take as an undergrad?

Any major is acceptable! Our four prerequisites are: Intro to Financial Accounting, Intro to Managerial Accounting, Statistics, and Business Law. Other than that, you can study whatever you're interested in.

How do I know if I'm eligible to apply? 

To be eligible for the MPAc degree you must have two things: 

1. A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in any major. For international candidates, your degree must be equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree.
2. Completion of the program's four prerequisite courses.

Note: UC Davis does not allow duplicate graduate degrees

Would you recommend a gap year to improve a resume? Or is a UC Davis undergraduate degree enough?

When deciding whether to take a gap year, it depends on your individual situation. In the MPAc admissions process, we evaluate applicants holistically, considering academic readiness, personal qualities and professionalism. If you only have an undergraduate degree, ask yourself:

• Are you demonstrating indicators of success?
• Have you engaged in activities during your undergrad that highlight your professionalism, such as volunteer work or club involvement?
• Do you have relevant part-time experience that provided transferable skills?
• Have you worked on relevant academic projects?

If you can answer yes to these questions, you may be a competitive candidate.

Who hires MPAc graduates?

The MPAc program provides exposure to a range of firms, from boutique to Big Four. One of the program's strengths is its strong network of industry partners in the Northern California market, which helps students connect with leading accounting firms. As a result, the majority of MPAc graduates secure positions at Big Four accounting firms.

I have never been to UC Davis! Do you offer tours?

If you're interested in visiting Gallagher Hall on the UC Davis campus, we offer a few great options.

First, we provide tours, which typically include an information session, a tour of Gallagher Hall (our home on campus), and, weather permitting, a walking tour of nearby campus areas. This is a great way to get a feel for student life.

Another option is class visits, which we highly recommend. These visits give you the opportunity to experience what it's like to be an MPAc student, meet our faculty and sit in on a real class. You can find information about these events and more on the Graduate School of Management calendar. 

Is financial aid available? 

We offer several options to help reduce the cost of graduate school for our students. The first is scholarship funding, which is merit-based. When you submit your MPAc application, you'll automatically be considered for scholarships—no additional application is needed. Historically, 100 percent of our MPAc students receive some level of scholarship funding to help offset tuition costs.

The second option is teaching assistantships (TAs), which are student employment opportunities available during the admissions process. TAs work specifically with undergraduate accounting courses on campus and make up over half of the MPAc student body.

What is a good undergrad GPA?

We recommend a 3.0 GPA or above.

What career services do you offer?

Our approach to Career Services is comprehensive and begins before students even set foot on campus. During the summer onboarding process, MPAc students participate in various assignments, such as refining résumés and cover letters, to ensure they are well-prepared. Online sessions, including firm networking and professional development workshops, help students start their journey on the right foot.

Once on campus in September, students take part in our Career Builder Boot Camp—an intensive, career-focused program featuring workshops, faculty engagements and essential skill-building sessions to set them up for success.

Do many MPAc students go on to take the CPA exam?

It is common for MPAc students to begin taking the CPA exam while in the program, though it is not a requirement. Many highly motivated students start the process during their second quarter, while others begin earlier or wait until after graduation. The timeline is flexible and depends on individual preferences.

The MPAc program provides strong preparation for the exam, equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed for success.

What do I need to apply?

In your MPAc application, you will need to submit the application form, which includes a section on the four prerequisite courses. You will also upload a copy of your résumé and a personal statement. Additionally, you must provide unofficial transcripts from all institutions where you have earned academic credit.

If applicable, you will need to self-report your GMAT or GRE scores, as well as TOEFL or IELTS scores. Waivers are available for both exams.

You are also required to submit two professional recommendations.

Optional components include an additional essay to provide background information or other factors you want the admissions committee to consider, as well as an optional section for listing awards and honors.

How soon do I know if I am accepted or not?

We typically have decisions posted within two to three weeks from a listed application deadline for the round you applied in.

What does a cohort program mean?

The MPAc program follows a cohort model, meaning you will start the program, take all your classes, participate in events and graduate with the same group of peers. You and your 45 new classmates will share every course, creating a close-knit learning environment.

This cohort structure is essential in fostering strong relationships and a sense of community among students. It also provides valuable academic support, as classmates can form study groups and collaborate throughout the program.

Should I take additional units at community college or enroll in a master's program?

If you're approaching graduation and deciding between pursuing a graduate degree like MPAc or completing additional units at a community college, the choice ultimately depends on your goals. However, we can share what has made MPAc the preferred option for many students.

When considering a community college path, you’ll need to take responsibility for identifying and assembling the necessary accounting courses, which can be challenging depending on the institution. Your undergraduate major and existing accounting coursework will also play a significant role in this decision.

Beyond academics, one key factor students highlight in choosing MPAc is the mentorship and career services support. The program provides structured guidance, networking opportunities and professional development that can be crucial in launching a successful career in accounting.

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Do I need accounting experience to apply? 

No, the program is designed for full-time students, whether they have an accounting background or not. 

Are classes offered online? 

All of our classes are in person. Everything is based out of Gallagher Hall, our home on campus. Classes are held Monday-Thursday. MPAc students will have one class a day and each class is typically four hours long. It is super convenient that all classes are in Gallagher Hall because the space also features a student lounge, study rooms students can book for either independent space or groups and a relaxing great room/lobby. Students can come in early, study and eat lunch in the lounge, go to class, and then go work on a team project in a study room.

How do I know which classes at my school are accepted as pre-reqs?

Assist.org is a helpful website where you can compare UC Davis courses to the equivalent courses at other California colleges.

Where can I go for more information?

Ready to explore the MPAc program? Reach out to us at gsm-mpac-admissions@ucdavis.edu. Thank you so much for joining us!