Master of Accounting Success Stories
One of the best ways to learn about the accounting field is to speak with business leaders, faculty and alumni. Here is what several of those involved with the Masters of Accounting program have to say.
Students, professionals and potential employees are spending considerable time and effort to determine how students will meet the 150-hour requirement. In my role, I see how important it is for students to develop a solid technical accounting foundation, as well as strong communication, analytical and decision-making skills. With the rapidly changing nature of the accounting profession and business world, this advanced degree is increasingly becoming a necessity. As chair of the Accounting Advisory Board and a future employer of accounting students, I’m excited the new Master of Accounting program will offer a clear path to completion of the 150-hour requirement, in addition to building a pipeline of very qualified CPAs for years to come.
As a member of Loyola’s Accounting Advisor Board, a participant in the Loyola Accounting Mentoring program, and CPA in public practice involved with RSM's (formerly McGladrey) campus recruiting and people development, I have seen firsthand the challenges of our recruits and the firm in finding a superior solution to meeting the 150 hour requirement for becoming a CPA. The new MAcc curriculum is focused on developing deeper technical, communication and decision making skills, providing graduates crucial tools for successful careers in public accounting and beyond. We cannot wait to bring on the new Loyola Master of Accounting graduates
As a Ph.D. and professor of accounting, and as a graduate of an MS in Accounting program, I can testify firsthand to the additional benefits enjoyed by the “fifth year.” While earning a Masters will almost certainly qualify a student to earn his or her CPA license, the true benefit such programs provide comes from a truly increased depth of knowledge. Analysis becomes sharper; understanding becomes broader; conclusions become wiser. Any Masters degree program, especially at a school like Loyola, will be a rigorous and demanding one, but the rewards are truly incalculable. I do not know where I would be without the skills and credentials I earned through my Masters experience, and I can’t wait to get started developing the same skills with Loyola’s students.
Robert J. Callens, ’81, Partner, RSM US LLP
RSM has a long and very successful relationship with Loyola - supporting its programs, its faculty and staff, and its students. Over the years, we have recruited many of our most successful professionals from Loyola’s undergraduate and graduate programs. As a Loyola alumnus myself, I’m always proud when another Loyola student or alumnus joins the Firm.
John Peter Krahel, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Accounting
While earning a Masters will almost certainly qualify a student to earn his or her CPA license, the true benefit such programs provide comes from a truly increased depth of knowledge.
Christine Aspell, BBA & Partner, KPMG LLP
As chair of the Accounting Advisory Board and a future employer of accounting students, I’m excited this new program will offer a clear path to completion of the 150-hour requirement, in addition to building a pipeline of very qualified CPAs for years to come.
Bob Jirsa, BA ’77, Partner, RSM US LLP
The new MAcc curriculum is focused on developing deeper technical, communication and decision making skills, providing graduates crucial tools for successful careers in public accounting and beyond.
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