Combining legal expertise with advanced accounting knowledge opens doors to a wide array of career opportunities. The Juris Doctor (JD) and Master of Accounting (MAcc) joint degree program is meticulously designed for ambitious students who hold an undergraduate degree in accounting and aspire to excel in both the legal and financial realms. This intensive program offered by the University of Florida leverages the strengths of both the Levin College of Law and the Fisher School of Accounting to provide a comprehensive and efficient educational pathway.
Streamlined Education Through Reciprocity
This innovative joint program is structured to maximize educational efficiency. By recognizing the inherent overlap between law and accounting, the program shaves off 20 credits compared to pursuing both degrees independently. Students benefit from a carefully curated curriculum that allows for cross-crediting of courses, ensuring they meet the full requirements of both the JD and MAcc degrees in a streamlined manner. This reciprocity is a cornerstone of the program, designed to save both time and resources for dedicated students.
Master of Accounting (MAcc) Degree: Tailored Specializations
The MAcc component of the joint degree offers students the flexibility to specialize or generalize their accounting expertise. Candidates can choose between concentrations in Auditing or Taxation, or opt for a general MAcc without a specific concentration. Regardless of the chosen path, the Fisher School of Accounting mandates 34 semester hours of coursework for the MAcc degree. Crucially, within the joint program, up to 10 credits from relevant law courses can be applied towards the MAcc degree. Furthermore, certain communication course requirements can be fulfilled through JD program coursework. It’s important to note that these credit applications are contingent upon the successful completion of the JD program, ensuring a holistic commitment to both disciplines.
Juris Doctor (JD) Degree: Legal Acumen Enhanced by Accounting Insights
Conversely, the Levin College of Law acknowledges the significant value of advanced accounting knowledge for legal professionals. The JD program accepts up to 10 credits earned in the Fisher School of Accounting towards the law degree. Specifically, two of these accounting courses at the graduate level (numbered 5000 or higher) are recognized as the external graduate courses typically allowed within the JD curriculum. While accounting courses enrich the JD program, it’s important to understand that area-specific requirements within the law degree must be met exclusively through law courses, maintaining the integrity of legal specialization.
Preparatory Coursework: Building a Strong Foundation
The MAcc program assumes incoming students possess a robust foundation in accounting, akin to that gained through an undergraduate accounting degree. This foundational knowledge is typically acquired through “preparatory courses” completed prior to admission.
For UF Applicants: Seamless Transition
For students graduating from the University of Florida, the undergraduate minor in accounting effectively satisfies the preparatory coursework requirements for the MAcc program. Specifically, the following courses are essential prerequisites for admission:
- ACG 3101 Financial Accounting and Reporting 1
- ACG 3401 Business Processes & Accounting Information Systems
- ACG 4111 Financial Accounting and Reporting 2
- ACG 4341 Cost and Managerial Accounting
Additionally, certain courses, if not completed before MAcc enrollment, must be finished before earning the MAcc degree and act as prerequisites for advanced MAcc accounting courses. These include:
- ACG 5637 Auditing 1
- ACG 5647 Auditing 2
- TAX 5025 Federal Income Tax 1
- TAX 5027 Federal Income Tax 2
Failing to complete these before starting the MAcc may extend the program duration by a semester or potentially up to a year.
For Applicants from Other Institutions: Ensuring Academic Rigor
Applicants from institutions outside of UF are strongly advised to have completed their upper-division accounting preparatory courses at business schools accredited by the AACSB, ensuring a consistent standard of academic excellence.
Admission to the MAcc program requires a minimum of 12 credits in upper-division accounting, beyond introductory levels, encompassing:
- 6 credits in financial accounting
- 3 credits in cost & managerial accounting
- 3 credits in accounting information systems
Similar to UF applicants, students from other institutions must also complete the following preparatory courses, if not already completed prior to enrolling in the MAcc program:
- 3 credits of introductory auditing
- 3 credits of introductory taxation based on United States tax law
Students admitted without these tax and audit courses will need to take the following upon MAcc enrollment:
- ACG 5637 Auditing 1 (2 credits)
- ACG 5647 Auditing 2 (2 credits)
- TAX 5025 Federal Income Tax 1 (2 credits)
- TAX 5027 Federal Income Tax 2 (2 credits)
Application Process: Taking the Next Step
How to Apply for Admission – (Link to application section of original article or dedicated application page on the website would be ideal here in a live article.)
CPA Licensure: Career Advancement Opportunities
The MAcc program is strategically structured to cater to students aiming for professional accounting careers. While MAcc graduates pursue diverse roles, many aspire to become Certified Public Accountants (CPAs). For those interested in CPA licensure, it is recommended to consult the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) website. NASBA provides comprehensive information regarding CPA exam requirements and licensure eligibility across all states and jurisdictions, guiding students toward their professional goals.
