A Closer Look at the MAcc Bridge Program at The University of Scranton

If you have ever considered a career in accounting but do not have a bachelor’s degree in the field, you are not alone. Many professionals discover an interest in accounting after starting their careers or completing a degree in another area. The question is, do you have to start over?

At The University of Scranton, the answer is no.

“Our research found that many professionals from non-accounting backgrounds were interested in transitioning into accounting careers, but the requirement to obtain another bachelor’s degree was often a significant barrier,” says Douglas M. Boyle, DBA, professor and chair of Scranton’s Department of Accounting. “That is why we developed a set of bridge courses that allow these professionals to pursue a career in accounting in a flexible and accessible manner.”

The Master of Accountancy (MAcc) Bridge Program helps you build the foundational knowledge you need without returning for a second undergraduate degree. Rooted in the Jesuit tradition of cura personalis, or care for the whole person, Scranton’s approach meets you where you are and supports your growth with intention and purpose.

What is a MAcc Bridge Program?

A MAcc bridge program is a pathway for students who do not have an undergraduate degree in accounting but want to earn a master’s degree in the field. It provides the essential coursework needed to prepare for graduate-level study.

Instead of requiring years of additional undergraduate classes, a bridge program integrates prerequisite knowledge into a streamlined path toward your master’s degree. The goal is to reduce barriers while maintaining academic rigor.

At Scranton, the bridge option is built directly into the MAcc program, allowing you to move from foundational courses into advanced accounting topics with continuity.

Who Should Consider the MAcc Bridge Option?

The MAcc Bridge Program at Scranton is designed for learners who are ready to grow professionally but need a clear and efficient path forward. This is ideal for:

• Career changers: If you are working in another field and want to move into accounting, the bridge program provides structure and support to help make that transition possible.
• Business majors without an accounting focus: Graduates with degrees in finance, management, marketing, or economics may have some exposure to accounting, but not enough to begin a master’s program with confidence. The bridge helps fill those gaps.
• Adult learners returning to school: Many adult learners juggle work, family and school, making flexibility and accessibility essential. Scranton’s program is designed with these needs in mind.

“The MAcc Bridge Program at Scranton provides students with a flexible and supportive pathway into the accounting profession,” Dr. Boyle explains. “Whether they are changing careers, building on a business background, or returning to school as adult learners, the program helps students develop the foundation and confidence needed to succeed in graduate study and pursue long-term professional opportunities.”

How the MAcc Bridge Program Works at Scranton

Scranton’s bridge option is structured to build a strong academic foundation while keeping your long-term goals in focus. Here’s what you can expect:

• Foundational coursework: Students complete prerequisite courses such as ACC 505 (Intermediate Accounting I), ACC 506 (Intermediate Accounting II), and ACC 507 (Intermediate Accounting III), which introduce core accounting principles. In some cases, prior coursework may allow certain requirements to be waived, which can shorten your path.
• Transition to advanced study: As you progress through the program, you will move into the core MAcc curriculum alongside or after completing foundational courses. This includes advanced topics such as auditing, financial reporting, and accounting research, along with a capstone course that emphasizes real-world application.
• Credit structure: Most students complete 39 total credits. Some may require additional coursework depending on prior experience. The bridge is part of a continuous pathway toward the MAcc degree, not a separate program.

Why Choose Scranton's MAcc Bridge Program?

Choosing a graduate program involves more than selecting courses. It is about finding a program that aligns with your goals, schedule, and values. Here are a few of the key features Scranton’s program offers:

Built for Flexibility

Scranton’s online MAcc program is designed for working professionals. Many students take one course at a time, allowing them to stay on track while balancing work and other responsibilities. Multiple start dates make it easy to begin when it fits your schedule.

A More Seamless (and Affordable) Path

Many schools require prerequisite courses to be completed separately before you can begin your degree, which often have to be paid out-of-pocket. At Scranton, the process is more straightforward:

• No separate prerequisite program required
• Start taking courses right away
• Flexible course sequencing as you progress
• Bridge courses may be eligible for financial aid

This integrated approach helps you move forward with fewer barriers and greater confidence.

Academic Excellence That Prepares You for What’s Next

The program’s AACSB accreditation reflects a high standard of business education that employers recognize. Coursework includes auditing, taxation, accounting analytics and ethics. These areas help you develop both technical knowledge and critical thinking skills.

Career-Focused Learning

Hands-on projects are integrated throughout the curriculum, allowing you to apply concepts in real-world scenarios. You will build practical skills in financial analysis, reporting and problem-solving. Students may also pursue internships with leading organizations, including Big Four accounting firms, gaining valuable experience and connections. Whether your goal is public accounting, corporate finance or consulting, the program supports your next step.

CPA Prep with Added Support

Scranton students also have access to valuable CPA exam preparation resources. Through a partnership with UWorld Accounting, students can enroll in a Premier CPA Review course at a reduced cost, with extended access to support their study timeline. This includes:

• Discounted access to a comprehensive CPA review program
• 24 months of access, including additional time beyond standard plans
• Thousands of practice questions, simulations, and full-length exams
• Video lectures and study tools designed to reinforce key concepts

A Supportive, Values-Driven Community 

Scranton’s Jesuit tradition emphasizes integrity, ethical leadership, and service. You will learn from faculty with real-world experience and connect with a strong alumni network that supports professional growth.

What to Expect from the Admissions Process

Scranton’s admissions process is designed to be clear and accessible. Key details include:

• Open to students with a non-accounting bachelor’s degree
• No GRE or GMAT required
• Multiple start dates offered throughout the year

Admissions counselors are available to help you review your background and identify the best path forward.

Take the Next Step Toward Your Accounting Career

“By combining academic excellence, practical experience, and strong career preparation, the MAcc Bridge Program helps students build the confidence and skills needed to achieve long-term professional success,” Dr. Boyle says. “For many students, it also opens the door to opportunities they may not have thought possible when they first considered a career in accounting.”

A career change or advancement does not have to feel out of reach. The University of Scranton provides a structured and supportive way to move forward.

With the right preparation and support, your path into accounting can begin sooner than you might expect. Explore the online Master of Accountancy program for more details.