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eginning this summer, Carroll College is offering its very first graduate program. The Master of Accountancy (MACC) is an innovative master’s program designed to meet the needs of traditional and non-traditional students through a combination of online and in-person instruction. As is the case with Carroll’s well-regarded undergraduate accounting program, the master’s program focuses on developing well-prepared, high-quality, ethical accountants who are committed to the highest standards of performance in a dynamic and complex field.
By making the degree accessible to both full and part-time students, as well as those who are already professionals in their communities, Carroll is providing a comprehensive program that is flexible for students in various geographic locations. The program is structured to allow students to study and take the various sections of the CPA exam as they complete the relevant courses in the program. Full-time students are able to complete the degree in one year with ninety percent of the classes conducted online.
“The market and need for strong certified public accountants cannot be understated. As an internationally recognized and respected credential, high-quality CPAs are in heavy demand in the workforce in both the state of Montana and throughout the nation,” said Dr. Ashley Hope, assistant professor of accounting at Carroll College. “CPAs, as trusted business advisors, will be needed to meet the challenge of an increasingly dynamic and complex business environment. The Carroll College Masters of Accountancy aims to provide students in the program with the opportunity and encouragement to achieve this credential,” continued Hope.
According to data from the Montana Department of Labor & Industry, in Montana alone, 3,140 accountants were employed in 2016 at an average wage of $65,000 a year.
“I’m excited for the opportunities that our new Master of Accountancy program will offer for Carroll students and their future employers,” said Dr. Belle Marie, professor of accounting at Carroll College. “I’m grateful for the support from regional accounting firms and the Carroll community in establishing the MACC, and I’m looking forward to working with students and colleagues in the program,” said Marie.
Working in partnership with Carroll College, Helena, Montana-based Anderson ZurMuehlen and Wipfi LLP were instrumental in providing monetary support to help launch the program.
“Anderson ZurMuehlen is pleased to continue our support of Carroll College through the Master of Accountancy program. The firm has a long history with Carroll and we are thrilled to see a master’s program offered to Carroll students."
"We currently have 12 full-time staff and two interns from Carroll and look forward to hiring more graduates from this program,” said Maggie (O’Malley) Long, ‘93, HR Talent and Development Specialist, Anderson ZurMuehlen & Co. P.C.
“The Carroll College accounting department has been strong historically in preparing students for the accounting profession and we are excited to see Carroll taking the next step of investing in these students through the Masters of Accountancy program. This program will provide further knowledge and training that will benefit the Carroll accounting graduates throughout their careers,” said Nate McCarthy, CPA, Partner, Wipfi LLP.
Learn more about the Master of Accountancy program at Carroll College