What's New

Thanks to Marg Forbes, MPAcc director, for taking the time to answer our questions!

What is MPAcc?
MPAcc is a graduate degree program that develops exceptional accounting professionals and business leaders. It is delivered on the University of Saskatchewan campus in Saskatoon, SK over two consecutive summers, beginning in May and ending in August. In the eight month intervening period, the majority of students gain relevant work experience at a Chartered Accountants' (CA) approved training office.

During the summer sessions, senior faculty members lead the program's interactive and integrated seminars, and high-profile guest speakers add excitement and relevance to the learning experience. The program of study includes:

• A broad range of subjects including the business environment, financial management, strategic management, information systems, and entrepreneurship
• Advanced material in the core areas of accounting, assurance and taxation
• A research project where students learn to understand and critique academic research
• Personal competency workshops and seminars that facilitate the development of ethical and professional behavior, innovative and strategic thinking, self-confidence, initiative and adaptability.

Who can apply?
The ideal candidate for the MPAcc Program is pursuing the CA designation, has been successful in a four year undergraduate accounting program or has equivalent Canadian accounting education, and appreciates the value of a graduate degree. Other factors we consider when choosing candidates include employment with and relevant work experience at a CA firm, a strong grade point average (B+ and above), and professional skills including the ability to communicate effectively, lead groups, work in teams, and adapt quickly to change.

What is the difference between MPAcc & CASB?
MPAcc is a graduate degree offered by the University of Saskatchewan, while CASB is the official training program for CA candidates in Western Canada, offered by the provincial institutes of CAs. CASB has granted graduates of the MPAcc program exemption from the first five modules of its program. MPAcc grads join with CASB students in Module 6 and if they are successful are eligible to write the UFE. Thus MPAcc students are also CASB students, taking a different route to their post undergraduate professional education.

CASB students progress through a series of online facilitated modules which consist of online facilitated learning, a three-day Face-to-Face interactive learning session and an evaluation session. In the first module, students join a simulated chartered accountant firm and deal with a variety of different clients. They follow one company from start-up to public offering through the first five modules. The CASB program exposes students to the challenges and issues facing a variety of companies of all sizes and they learn how to effectively manage the various stages of growth and transition.

While taking modules, students are simultaneously completing 30 months of paid work experience in a CA firm which is an Approved Training Office. CASB students are not required to relocate, however may be required to travel for the Face-to-Face interactive learning sessions.

While MPAcc covers content that is similar to the CASB program and drawn from the CAs Competency Map, the method of study is more traditional. Students relocate to Saskatoon for two consecutive summer terms, living in residences or sub-let apartments. They take 11 courses over the two summers, attending class from three to 6 hours most days and spending the remaining hours studying and preparing for their next classes. The MPAcc program is demanding and students generally do not work while in the program. In between the first and second years most students return to their homes and resume working at a CA firm. To qualify for their CA designation, students must meet CASB's requirements of 30 months of practical experience in an Approved Training Office, as well as successful completion of Module 6 and the UFE.

How many students go through MPAcc each year?
The MPAcc program has accepted 66 candidates for the May 2007 start of the program. Recently a few more spots for May 2007 have become available; we are currently accepting applications for these remaining spots and for May of 2008. The deadline for applications is November 15, 2006. Note that we will accept letters of recommendation until January 15, 2007 as long as the candidate's application form was received by the November 15th deadline.

Who can we contact?
For more information please contact Marg Forbes, MPAcc director at: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit our website at http://www.commerce.usask.ca/programs/mpacc/.