The value of the master of accountancy: student and employer perceptions

The accounting industry is experiencing a pivotal point in history as there is projected to be a shortage of skilled entrants in the labor market. Companies look to higher education institutions as the primary source for providing well-trained entrants. Yet, enrollment in Master of Accountancy (MAcc) programs has declined in the last decade. Why are accounting undergraduate students choosing not to pursue the MAcc? While there is much conjecture, there is a deficiency of research to support these theories and a lack of investigation into graduate education in accounting. This study utilizes Reger and Rozell’s (2023) [The master of accountancy: Understanding factors influencing intentions and behaviors toward accounting graduate education. Journal of Theoretical Accounting Research, 19(1), 101–128] adapted framework from the Theory of Reasoned Action (Fishbien & Ajzen, 1975) [Belief, attitude, intention, and behavior: An introduction to theory and research. Addison-Wesley] to examine MAcc program stakeholders’ career expectations, attitudes, perceived KSAs, and intentions toward MAcc programs and degrees. The results indicate generally favorable perspectives of MAcc programs and degrees from stakeholders, with career expectations and positive attitudes being determinants of intentions. However, the data indicates a disconnect between the perspectives of students and employers, as employers have less favorable perceptions toward the degree. The findings provide situational awareness to higher education leaders so they may develop dynamic strategies and principled program positioning to lead their programs through a new era in the industry.