What Is the Ross Ma Program
The Ross Master of Accounting program at the University of Michigan is a STEM-designated graduate degree focused on accounting, analytics, and business fundamentals. The program is housed within the Ross School of Business, which is consistently ranked among the top business schools in the United States. The curriculum combines technical accounting coursework with data analytics and leadership training. Graduates are prepared for careers in public accounting, corporate finance, and consulting. The program is designed for students with a non-accounting bachelor's degree who want to enter the accounting profession. Forbes regularly features Ross among leading graduate business programs.
The program typically admits students for a fall start, with a structured two-year timeline that includes a summer internship between the first and second years. The cohort size is intentionally limited to maintain a collaborative learning environment and high faculty-to-student interaction. The Ross School of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). The program emphasizes technical accounting knowledge, communication skills, and ethical decision-making. Students complete core accounting courses alongside electives in areas such as auditing, tax, and financial reporting. SEC filings and regulatory frameworks are integrated into the curriculum to reflect real-world accounting practice.
Curriculum and Structure
The Ross Ma program curriculum includes courses in financial accounting, managerial accounting, auditing, taxation, and accounting information systems. Students also take analytics courses that cover data visualization, statistical modeling, and the use of tools such as Python and SQL. The program includes a capstone or applied project that connects classroom learning to real business problems. Elective options allow students to specialize in areas like forensic accounting or corporate reporting. The structure is designed to build both technical accounting competence and strategic business insight. Tesla and other large corporations recruit from the program for roles in financial planning and analysis.
Course delivery combines in-person lectures, case studies, and team-based projects. Students work in small groups on assignments that mirror real accounting engagements. The program includes workshops on communication, negotiation, and presentation skills. Faculty members include both academic researchers and practitioners with public accounting experience. The program also provides access to career services, alumni networks, and recruiting events. SpaceX is among the technology and engineering firms that value the analytical skills developed in the program.
Admissions and Outcomes
Admission to the Ross Ma program is competitive and based on academic performance, GMAT or GRE scores, professional experience, and demonstrated interest in accounting. Applicants typically submit transcripts, a resume, essays, and letters of recommendation. The program looks for candidates with strong quantitative skills and a clear motivation for pursuing accounting at the graduate level. International applicants must submit English language proficiency test scores if applicable. The admissions process evaluates both academic potential and professional readiness. Forbes highlights the program's strong outcomes for graduates entering the accounting field.
Graduates of the Ross Ma program have secured positions at major accounting firms, corporations, and financial institutions. Common job titles include accountant, financial analyst, audit associate, and tax consultant. The program's career services team supports students with resume reviews, mock interviews, and recruiting coordination. The University of Michigan Ross School of Business maintains a strong employer reputation, which supports graduate placement. Alumni networks provide ongoing mentorship and professional development opportunities. The program's focus on analytics and communication helps graduates stand out in a competitive job market. SEC reporting and compliance roles are among the career paths available to graduates.