Accountancy (MAcc) - Co-op option

Location(s): Main Campus

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

Master of Accountancy
Master of Accountancy, Co-op Option

Program Website: Master of Accountancy (MAcc) | CPA Pathway

Field(s) of Specialization

General (CPA Pathway)
Information Assurance (not offered in 2025/26)
Taxation (not offered in 2025/26)

Faculty and Administration

For a listing of program faculty and administrative contacts, please visit the program directory.

Program Description

The Master of Accountancy (MAcc) program (a two term program with an optional four month co-op work term) is part of the Goodman School of Business BAcc/MAcc CPA Pathway. The Goodman School of Business is accredited by the Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario and eligible graduates of the MAcc can proceed to write the Common Final Evaluation (CFE) in the September immediately following the program.

Students who have not completed the Goodman BAcc (Bachelor of Accounting) degree may be eligible for the CPA Pathway. Contact the Goodman School of Business, Graduate Programs Office for an individual assessment.

For students interested in obtaining the CPA designation, the MAcc program enables them to complete the CPA PEP program in seven months of full-time study, rather than two years of part-time study. Students will complete all four CPA elective modules (Assurance, Tax, Finance and Performance Management) and will exceed the elective requirements of CPA Ontario. Additionally, students will complete two integrated capstone modules designed to prepare them for the CFE.

In addition to fulfilling CPA exam requirements, the MAcc enables students to assimilate advanced knowledge in accounting and related aspects of business. The program encourages the development of critical thinking, analytic and communication skills.

Students will select the General (CPA Pathway) or the Taxation or Information Assurance specialization. In all options, students must complete one or more electives or specialty courses in other business topics or in approved topics offered by programs outside the business school.

Note: in 2025/26 the Information Assurance and Taxation specialization courses will not be offered.

The MAcc program combines academic learning with practical experience through an optional co-op work term. The MAcc co-op option provides students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge in private and public business settings and to develop professional skills. The MAcc co-op work experience can be used toward the CPA practical work experience requirement.

Admission Requirements

Successful completion of a four year Canadian Bachelor’s degree, with an accounting concentration including courses in advanced financial accounting, intermediate cost and management accounting, advanced auditing, advanced personal and corporate taxation, business/management information systems, corporate finance, economics, statistics, business ethics, performance management, Canadian business law, accounting theory and integration and problem solving with an average of not less than 60% in each course and an average of not less than 75% (mid-B) over the last two years of full-time undergraduate study.

For students who must provide proof of English Language Proficiency, a minimum Academic IELTS score of 7.5 or TOEFL iBT score of 105 (or equivalent) is required. For a full listing of accepted tests see: brocku.ca/nextstep/international-students/english-language-proficiency/

The Graduate Admissions Committee will review all applications and recommend admission for a limited number of candidates.

Part-time study is available. However, applicants should consult with the Graduate Program Office regarding course sequencing and availability. Students must take MACC 5P11 and MACC 5P12 concurrently and in the final term of the program.

Degree Requirements

The Master of Accountancy is normally completed in two terms (Winter and Spring).

Required Courses

Students must complete a total of ten half-credit required courses and electives.

General CPA Pathway

The CPA Pathway is accredited by CPA Ontario and is primarily focused on the body of knowledge required for the CPA PEP program. Completion of the MAcc (CPA pathway) will provide students with advanced standing in CPA PEP to the end of Capstone 2. Students are encouraged to complete the Common Final Examination (CFE) in the September immediately following the completion of the MAcc degree.

Additional Course Requirements (Tax Specialization)

The tax specialization provides students the opportunity to develop advanced knowledge in taxation and an ability to research tax issues and communicate results efficiently and effectively.

In addition to the required courses, students in the tax specialization take:

MACC 5P42 - Tax Research and Statutory Interpretation in Practice
MACC 5P43 - Tax Policy
MACC 5P45 - International Taxation: The Canada/United States Model
One half-credit elective

The elective half-credit course is normally selected from other graduate courses offered in the Goodman School of Business. Requests to take electives from upper year undergraduate offerings and/or graduate courses outside of the Goodman School of Business may also be considered on a case-by-case basis. For a full list of graduate course offerings by subject area, please refer to the Courses tab in the navigation menu.

Note: In 2025/26 the Taxation specialization will not be offered.

Additional Course Requirements (Information Assurance Specialization)

The information assurance specialization provides students with the opportunity to develop advanced expertise in accounting information system assurance and technology, a strong understanding of the strategic role of information systems and their review and design.

In addition to the required courses, students in the information assurance specialty stream will take:

Note: In 2025/26 the Information Assurance stream will not be offered.

Additional Requirements for Co-Op Option

Admission to the co-op option is on a competitive basis. Students may be admitted to the co-op option at the time of admission or following the first term of MAcc courses. Co-op students must maintain a 75% overall average and achieve appropriate English Language Proficiency. Admission to the co-op option is on the basis of marks, a review of a personal resume and employer availability. An interview may be required.

Co-op students complete (MACC 5N90 ) work-placement seminars, that include lectures, presentations and industry specific information, for two hours each week prior to the first co-op work term. Attendance is mandatory. The co-op option is available to full-time students. Students will complete all of their academic terms prior to the co-op work term (MACC 5N11 ). Students undertaking a co-op work term are not permitted to enroll in additional courses within that term.