Become the CPA employers trust from day one
Waterloo’s Master of Accounting (MAcc) program doesn’t just build expertise.
It redefines your role in the profession.
Most accounting graduates are trained for technical precision.
MAcc graduates are expected to interpret, question and influence what happens next.
Same profession. Higher level of responsibility.
This is where technical knowledge becomes professional authority.
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results → Explore MAcc FAQs
90% of MAcc graduates reported starting
base salaries of $60,000–$100,000+ in 2025
If you’re choosing your next step toward the CPA designation, the key question isn’t what a Master’s in Accounting is. It’s: Why Waterloo?
For more than four decades, our Master of Accounting degree has been recognized by employers as a signal of readiness for serious professional responsibility. That recognition drives strong demand for Waterloo graduates across the profession.
Not because it claims authority, but because graduates consistently perform in environments where decisions carry weight and judgement is critical.
Our difference is measurable:
- Exceptional CPA performance, consistently among Canada’s strongest results
- Global employer recognition, across public accounting, industry, government and consulting
- A powerful alumni network, shaping the profession at every level
- A clear and supported CPA pathway, structured, integrated and built for momentum
Employers don’t just recognize the degree; they trust what it represents.
What that performance looks like in practice
MAcc graduates enter environments where they contribute while direction is still being formed, turn financial information into decision-relevant insight, and support analysis that informs key outcomes.
With a track record of strong performance and sound judgment in high-stakes situations, they progress faster toward senior responsibility, leadership and executive-level expectations.
Proven track record of MAcc alumni excelling in the CPA profession.
Intensive, immersive learning designed for maximum impact.
How the MAcc program works
This is an intensive, focused program designed to accelerate your transition from technical contributor to trusted professional.
- You work alongside high-performing peers
- Your performance is evaluated the way it is in practice
- You learn from faculty who know what the industry demands
- CPA preparation is fully integrated into the program
This structure isn’t about speed.
It’s about building momentum so you enter the profession ready to contribute at a higher level from day one.
See your path from MAcc to the CPA designation
Learn from professors who shape the profession
Faculty who bring the real world into every classroom
Your instructors combine academic excellence with deep professional experience, so what you learn is immediately relevant.
- CPA-qualified leaders – Faculty with senior experience across industry and practice.
- Influential researchers – Shaping accounting standards, policy and real-world application.
- Dedicated mentors – Focused on preparing you for the CPA designation and long-term career success.
You won’t just learn concepts, you’ll learn how to apply them under pressure, with confidence.
What your MAcc experience feels like
Intensive, collaborative and built for transformation
This is a fast-paced environment designed to push your thinking and accelerate your growth.
- Case-based learning – Tackle real business challenges, not theoretical exercises.
- Team-driven environment – Build leadership, communication and decision-making skills.
- Continuous feedback – Learn quickly through direct input from faculty and peers.
MAcc pushes you to think like a leader, not just an accountant.
Who should apply to MAcc
The MAcc program is designed for students ready to move beyond technical correctness and into professional judgment.
If you’re looking for a program that challenges you and positions you ahead from the start, you’ll find it here.
Strong candidates typically:
Have a solid foundation in accounting
Want to accelerate toward senior responsibility
Aim to contribute to decisions, not just report on them
Are prepared for a fast-paced, high-expectation environment
Admissions process
If you’re ready to step into a higher level of responsibility, the path forward is clear.
Step 1 — Apply
Submit your transcript, statement of interest, and two academic references (plus English proficiency if required)
Step 2 — Review
Applications are evaluated holistically, with emphasis on your readiness for advanced professional contribution.
Step 3 — Decision
Qualified candidates receive an offer with clear next steps.
Step 4 — Begin
Enter a program where expectations are higher and your trajectory accelerates.
Take the next step
If you’re ready to be trusted earlier and expected to operate at a higher level, this is where it starts.
Start your application now
Spaces are limited. Admission is competitive.