M.S. in Accounting program consistently produces top performers

James Madison University’s M.S. in Accounting program is setting the standard for success, helping students excel on the Certified Public Accountants (CPA) exam and launch rewarding careers. With a rigorous curriculum, dedicated faculty and a focus on real-world application, the program has become a powerhouse for aspiring accountants, equipping them with the tools to thrive in a competitive industry.

For decades the School of Accounting—within JMU’s College of Business—has built a national reputation for excellence in accounting education, and employers throughout the mid-Atlantic region actively recruit its graduates, recognizing the program’s ability to produce well-rounded, high-quality professionals. Whether students are tackling the CPA exam or working to advance their careers with a master’s degree, JMU’s M.S. in Accounting program provides a strong foundation for success.

“We tailor much of our M.S. in Accounting curriculum toward their early-career success,” said Assistant Professor of Accounting, Matthew Reidenbach. The program is exclusively taught by faculty who hold professional certifications, either as Certified Public Accountants or Certified Management Accountants, and students have unique access to career-preparation events, tailored to simulate real-world experiences. 

Elective courses in cybersecurity, financial statement analysis, and forensic accounting complement required courses such as advanced accounting, advanced auditing and advanced tax. In addition, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provides students with valuable hands-on experience by offering Central Shenandoah Valley residents free tax preparation services.

Beyond its academic excellence, the M.S. in Accounting program consistently delivers exceptional CPA exam results. Since the early 2000s, students have significantly outperformed national pass rates, according to the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA). This track record further cements JMU’s standing as one of the nation’s top accounting programs.

Between 2020 and 2023, JMU students achieved an overall pass rate of 84.8%, far exceeding the national average of 59.1%. In the financial accounting and reporting (FAR) section of the exam, they excelled to an even greater degree, outperforming the national average by 33.6%.

“The program prepared me with the discipline to study successfully for the CPA exam due to the demanding structure of classes all throughout undergrad and graduate school,” said Sara McCoy (‘23, ‘24M), who followed the well-established “fifth-year” path for accounting students at JMU, earning both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees within five years. “The length and rigor of the intermediate accounting exams helped build my endurance for the CPA exam.”

In Virginia, individuals must earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution before taking the CPA exam. JMU’s undergraduate and master’s accounting programs are both accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), ensuring that graduates meet the educational requirements to sit for the exam.

Aidan Sexton (’23, ’24M), who also followed the “fifth-year” path, said, “I decided to stay at JMU to get my M.S. in

Accounting because of the great faculty that I was able to work with during my undergraduate years and the classes that were offered to help prepare me for the CPA exam.”

While the curriculum is rigorous, Sexton said that between his bachelor and master’s level classes, he had been introduced to “over 80% of the material across the four sections of the CPA exam.” This high standard of education is supported by a variety of courses, Reidenbach explained. Classes cover project-based learning, advanced topical content and written communications, ensuring students graduate with a well-rounded knowledge of accountancy. 

Both Sexton and McCoy passed all sections of the CPA exam on the first attempt, and both currently work at Deloitte, one of the College of Business’s top employers. Sexton holds a position as an audit staff member in their McLean, VA, office, while McCoy works as an audit associate in Deloitte’s Philadelphia office. 

JMU’s M.S. in Accounting program sets the bar for exceptional accountancy education, and that’s why College of Business graduates are steadily recruited by top public accounting firms and corporate and governmental employers. With an emphasis on career-success and preparedness, graduates hit the ground running, demonstrating competency in the accounting, financial, auditing, consulting and information systems fields on day one.