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AMAcc FAQ

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Parker College of Business

Program Overview and Structure

1. What is the Apprenticeship Master of Accounting (AMAcc) program?

The AMAcc program is a pioneering initiative designed to address the challenges of becoming a CPA by blending traditional apprenticeship learning with modern educational techniques. It is a comprehensive thirty-semester-hour curriculum delivered online over five semesters, that satisfies both the education and experience requirements for CPA licensure in Georgia (and many other states).

2. How does the AMAcc program differ from traditional internships?

Unlike typical internships, the AMAcc program offers extended interactions between students and CPA Mentors, including one-on-one meetings, formal shadowing opportunities, specialized projects, and research opportunities. These unique experiences enhance the apprenticeship experience with practical and relevant learning.

3. How is the AMAcc program structured?

The program includes nine required courses plus one elective. The elective is chosen based on the CPA Exam discipline the student wishes to pursue (There are three disciplines from which to choose.). The program is delivered online over five semesters.

4. What unique learning opportunities does the AMAcc program offer?

Unique opportunities include mentorship by experienced CPAs, practical experience through “Now I Get It” projects, “What Would You Do?” experiences, and research assignments to deepen understanding of complex accounting topics and to develop leadership skills.

5. How does the AMAcc program prepare students for the CPA Exam?

The program is designed to satisfy both the education and experience requirements for CPA licensure in Georgia (and possibly many other states), with curriculum elements specifically tailored to cover CPA Exam content and practice.

Eligibility, Application, and Admission

6. What are the admission requirements of the AMAcc program?

With the exception that the AMAcc program requires that the applicant have a sponsoring employer, the admission requirements are identical to our other graduate accounting programs:

  • Completed AMAcc firm sponsor agreement.
  • Undergraduate degree from an accredited institution (Official transcripts from all credit-granting institutions attended must be submitted).
  • TOEFL or IELTS scores (if the applicant does not hold a degree from a program or university where English is the official language of instruction).
  • Resume documenting work experience and extracurricular activities.
  • Completed application form.

7. Who can apply for the AMAcc program?

The program is open to those individuals who have earned an undergraduate degree, regardless of their major. Non-accounting business majors and non-business majors must complete specified prerequisite coursework.

8. Is the AMAcc program open to TAP (Tuition Assistance Program) students?

The program is not available to university system employees due to the nature of the sponsor obligations. The sponsor must provide CPA mentors to assist students with their studies; sponsors must permit students to study 10-15 hours per week on company time; sponsors are expected to cover costs beyond tuition and fees (e.g., CPA Exam related costs); and finally, students must be performing accounting work under the direction of a CPA to satisfy the experience requirement for a CPA license. Currently, the TAP program is set up to provide primarily tuition and fees benefits.

9. I am not/was not an accounting major. Won’t I be at a huge disadvantage when applying to the AMAcc program?

Certainly not. This program was designed to grow the CPA pipeline (i.e., the number of potential CPAs) as there are not enough accounting majors to replace all the retiring CPA baby boomers. Accounting majors are already in the pipeline. This program was designed to attract non-accounting majors.

10. What are the prerequisites for the AMAcc program?

Prerequisites vary based on the applicant’s undergraduate degree. Non-business majors generally require 12 semester hours of general business and 12 semester hours of upper-level accounting prerequisites. Non-accounting business majors need only the 12 semester hours of accounting prerequisites. Accounting majors have no prerequisite requirements.

11. Will the AMAcc program admit me if I don’t have a sponsor?

The AMAcc program was designed for organizations wishing to assist their employees by funding the costs of meeting the 150-hour requirement and obtaining the CPA license. If you do not have a sponsor, we recommend you apply to the Georgia Southern University WebMAcc program which is also a 30-semester hour online program. Note: the prerequisite requirements for the two programs are slightly different.

12. How do firms, companies, and organizations become sponsors?

Any of these can become a sponsor provided they are willing to commit to fulfilling the Sponsor Responsibilities outlined in the Sponsor Agreement form, which include having a CPA employee who can work with the sponsored student. Organizations interested in becoming an AMAcc Sponsor should contact the MAcc Program Advisor.

13. How do students find a sponsor?

It is the student’s responsibility to find a sponsor. If you are an undergraduate student, getting involved in one or more of the accounting student organizations, subscribing to the accounting mailing list, Acclink (Stop by the School of Accountancy office to sign up or send an email to MAcc@georgiasouthern.edu.), and introducing yourself to the accounting faculty are great first steps. The School of Accountancy conducts or sponsors a variety of recruiting activities and events (e.g., career fairs, newsletters, webinars, etc.). Finally, as we become aware of AMAcc sponsors, we will post them on the AMAcc website. There you will find a link that will take you to the sponsor’s website. Sponsors will provide instructions for applying for an AMAcc program sponsorship on their website.

More Information

14. What are the responsibilities of students in the AMAcc program?

Students commit to earning the AMAcc degree, passing the CPA Exam, remaining in good academic standing, and fulfilling any employment obligations specified by the sponsor.

15. What is expected from sponsoring firms?

Sponsoring firms employ students as CPA Apprentices, cover all or most of the costs associated with the program and CPA licensure, provide study time during work hours, and offer professional development opportunities. The sponsor must have at least one CPA employee who can work with the sponsored student.

16. What are the program costs and what do they cover?

The total cost for the program, including tuition, fees, and CPA-related expenses, is approximately $22,000 (as of fall 2024).

17. What if my sponsor is not willing to cover the full cost of the AMAcc program? Is other financial support available?

As a student, you can apply for any scholarships for which you meet the eligibility requirements. In addition, perhaps you could ask your employer for a loan to assist with your educational expenses. Some firms may even forgive the loan if you meet certain requirements.

18. How does the AMAcc program benefit sponsoring firms?

By investing in the AMAcc program, sponsors can help the accounting profession grow its pipeline of highly skilled, CPA-qualified professionals and demonstrate their commitment to employee development, potentially leading to higher retention rates and enhanced employer loyalty.

19. How do students benefit from the apprenticeship model compared to traditional classroom learning?

The apprenticeship model offers students a unique blend of practical work experience alongside academic learning. By working closely with CPA Mentors and engaging in real-world projects, students gain insights and skills that are directly applicable to their future careers as CPAs, which goes beyond what is typically offered in a traditional classroom setting.

20. What support do sponsoring firms provide to CPA Apprentices beyond financial assistance?

Beyond covering educational and licensure costs, sponsoring firms provide CPA Apprentices with a supportive learning environment, including designated CPA Mentors, study time during work hours, and opportunities for professional development. This comprehensive support system is designed to help apprentices succeed academically and professionally.

21. I am not/was not an accounting major. Won’t it be much more difficult to pass the CPA Exam?

The AMAcc program is tailored to prepare all students for the CPA Exam, regardless of their undergraduate major. Key features include:

  • Comprehensive Curriculum & Prerequisites. Designed to cover essential accounting knowledge and build a strong foundation for non-accounting majors.
  • CPA Mentor Support. Personalized guidance to address knowledge gaps and offer study strategies.
  • Practical Experience. Hands-on experience in a professional setting to enhance understanding of accounting principles.
  • Study Resources. Access to CPA Exam review courses and materials to aid preparation.
  • Supportive Environment. A collaborative atmosphere with faculty and firm support geared towards helping every student succeed on the CPA Exam. Remember, most of your colleagues will have gone through the same experience!

22. What are the tax implications for students and sponsoring firms?

For employers, educational assistance expenses may be deductible as business expenses, and up to $5,250 per year per employee can be provided tax-free under the IRS’s educational assistance program. For students, educational assistance received from the employer is tax-free up to $5,250 annually, and they may also be eligible for the Lifetime Learning Credit. IRS regulations are subject to change so always consult with a tax professional.

23. Can students participate in the AMAcc program if they are already employed in an accounting firm?

Yes, employees of accounting firms can participate in the AMAcc program with their employer’s sponsorship. The program is designed to be flexible to accommodate working professionals via online coursework. Already employed students will need to coordinate with their employer to meet program and work commitments.

24. Our firm already has employees who are enrolled in a graduate accounting program. Won’t it be unfair to them if we sponsor a student in the AMAcc program?

It is important to help these employees understand that the cost of AMAcc sponsorship is a marketing expense whose objective is to grow the CPA pipeline by attracting non-accounting majors to the profession. Participating in the AMAcc program is one way for the firm to address the increasing workload of its existing CPA professional staff. Once attracted, it is in the best interest of everyone in the firm or organization that the CPA Apprentice employees become CPAs! To that end, it is also important to remember that non-accounting majors will have completed only the minimum number of general business and accounting credit hours and so will no doubt need additional support to prepare for the CPA Exam. Providing CPA Apprentice employees with time at the office to study is a way to give them additional preparation time and to ensure that CPAs are nearby should the apprentices need help understanding the material they are studying. Still, firms and organizations may want to explore ways that they can provide further assistance to their existing employees who are currently enrolled in a graduate accounting program.

25. We know where to find accounting majors! Where can we find great prospects for the AMAcc program outside the accounting school?

There are many places to look for non-accounting majors. Here are some ideas:

  • Elsewhere in the Business School. Consider finance, information systems, economics, marketing, logistics, and management majors. These students have a strong business background and will have already satisfied Georgia’s general business education requirements.
  • Elsewhere on Campus. You can find lots of great quantitative skills among engineering majors, math majors, psychology majors, and honors college students. The School of Accountancy will co-sponsor career fairs, webinars, receptions/socials, and other means of recruiting these students (e.g., social media).
  • At Two Year Colleges. The competition for our students on campus is so intense that some firms are making job offers to sophomores. One way to get a jump on your competitors is to develop a relationship with students at two-year colleges before they even arrive on our campus.
  • At Your Firm. Many firms have highly skilled staff (e.g., in their business advisory services group) who aren’t CPAs. What a great way to upskill and retain these valuable employees.
  • From Your Networks. Many companies have successful referral programs. Consider incentivizing your employees and clients to help you find great prospects.

26. When we come to campus, we present to the accounting student organizations such as Beta Alpha Psi, Accounting Association, NABA, and ACFE. What are some of the typical non-accounting student organizations?

Here is a sample list of non-accounting student organizations:

  • Delta Sigma Pi (General Business)
  • Women in Business
  • Eagle Economics Society
  • Finance Assocation
  • Investment Association
  • INFORMS Student Chapter (Analytics, IS, and OR)
  • SAP Student Advantage
  • Association for Information Systems (AIS)
  • Logistics Association
  • Women Impacting Supply Chain Excellence
  • Eta Sigma Delta (Hospitality Student Honorary)
  • Southern Hospitality Executives
  • Enactus (Entrepreneurs)
  • Society for Human Resource Management
  • Pi Sigma Epsilon (Marketing)
  • Beta Gamma Sigma (International business honor society)
  • Pre-Law Society
  • STEM Organizations
  • Political Science Clubs
  • Environmental Clubs
  • International Student Associations
  • Psychology Clubs
  • Volunteer and Service Organizations
  • Cultural Associations