General Information:
What makes the Rady Master of Professional Accountancy (MPAc) unique?
The Rady faculty are ranked among the top in the world, they are leading experts in their field, both academically and professionally. As a student in the MPAc program, you will learn from cutting edge-research as well as from current and former senior executives from industry and global accounting giants.
Faculty and staff are with you every step of the way, providing individual career support, academic advising, as well as tutoring and extracurricular options to expand your experience outside the classroom. You can also expect hands on experience with major firms within the capstone project. As a student, you have the flexibility to take electives in the program across the Rady Campus. Students in our program have up to 40% of the electives from other Rady programs in finance, data, leadership, and industry focus (e.g. energy). We are constantly evaluating our curriculum, based on marketplace changes and industry feedback.
How long will it take me to complete the MPAc program?
The Master of Professional Accountancy program is designed as a full-time, 9-month immersive program. Currently, there is no part-time, evening or weekend format available in the MPAc program. The curriculum consists of seven 4-unit core courses, two 1-unit professional seminars, and 20 units from a set of elective courses. This program is comprised of 40% electives which allows you to customize your program to support your career and academic goals.
Will I be getting hands on experience in the MPAc program?
Yes, the capstone projects is a requirement for all students and will provide you with real world experience working on a company project. This is a key differentiator for Rady, where all of our students graduate with hands on experience, working on real business problems. Accountants build trust and confidence in capital markets all over world. You will be asked to support decision-makers as they navigate complex business demands of a growing number of stakeholders. The capstone will allow you to work with an industry or professional firm sponsor to analyze and address a complex issue facing them. The topics are current and will change with the environment.
Is the Master of Professional Accountancy STEM certified?
Yes, the MPAc degree has been recognized as a STEM designated field of study. Students who complete the MPAc degree will have the opportunity to qualify for an additional two-year STEM extension of their post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) work permission. The Rady School MPAc degree is one of only 24% of specialized masters programs in the U.S. to earn STEM designation. Students take several classes that focus on managerial decision making using new technologies and approaches with the use of machine learning and artificial intelligence.
Students who complete the MPAc degree will now have the opportunity to qualify for an additional two-year STEM extension of their post-completion OPT work permission. The Rady School MPAc degree is now one of only 24% of specialized masters programs in the U.S. to earn STEM designation.
Will I receive personalized academic advising?
Yes, each student will receive personalized support from their academic advisor. Your MPAc advisor will be guiding you throughout your entire program.
What are housing options for graduate students?
Graduate students at UC San Diego have a variety of housing options, including on-campus and off-campus accommodations. Visit the UC San Diego HDH Graduate and Family Housing webpage for on-campus housing information. On-campus housing is limited; students wishing to live on-campus are encourage to submit a housing application as soon as they receive an admissions offer. All on-campus housing is managed by UC San Diego Housing Dining Hospitality (HDH); the Rady School is unable to answer on-campus housing related questions or request prioritization of housing applications.
Please visit the UC San Diego off-campus housing webpage for more information about off-campus accommodation options.
How can I learn more about the Rady MPAc program?
Careers:
What unique opportunities are available with an MPAc degree?
MPAc students are given opportunities to engage with employers, to attain leadership opportunities, and to secure unique internships - all before the start of the program, and as early as their Junior year as an undergraduate. In the past they have had the opportunity to visit EY, Deloitte, PwC, BDO, Moss Adams, RSM, Grant Thornton, HCVT, and White Nelson Diehl Evans in the Bay Area and Orange County during the Summer and exclusively network with campus recruiters, partners, and alumni.
In addition, MPAc students receive access to recruitment events, such as Meet the Firms and employer information sessions. They are also given personalized introductions to Rady MPAc’s network of campus recruiters and alumni. They have access to a list of more than 200 job opportunities and more than 100 interview slots available.
What companies do graduates of the MPAc program work for?
For what kind of jobs are graduates of the MPAc program hired?
Audit Associate, Tax Associate, Staff Associate, Assurance Staff, Audit Staff, Tax Staff, Junior Accountant, Staff Associate -Japan Business Services (JBS), Analyst, Research Assistant, Equity Research Analyst, and Compliance Associate
Will I have career support before and after my program?
The firm recruiting process starts before the MPAc program even begins, so make sure to apply early.
Eligibility
Do I need an accounting background to apply to the program?
What does the graduate admissions committee look for in an applicant?
I am a Junior at a UC school, can I apply early?
Application:
When will applicants be notified of the admission decision?
Will I be interviewed as part of the application process?
How can I receive financial support?
Is an admission enrollment deposit required?
Is English proficiency required for international applicants?
In order to meet the waiver eligibility, applicants must have completed studies as a full-time student at a recognized institution of higher learning in the United States (or other English-speaking country such as Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, or Canada with the exception of Québec) for at least one full academic year while maintaining a “B average before entering UC San Diego. These applicants are automatically exempt from the TOEFL/IELTS/PTE requirement. If this is the case, simply leave the TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE sections of the online application blank.