MAC August Start (Includes Pre-MAC Interns)

While the on-campus format of the UNC Master of Accounting Program begins in June, we recognize that our students have unique opportunities to complete before starting the program. Examples include internships or competing in collegiate sports at your undergraduate institution.

We’ve created an option for students such as these to start the program in early August and complete their first term on an accelerated timeline. Students seeking to start the on-campus format in early August must have fulfilled their undergraduate degree requirements and have received a grade of B- or better (not pass/fail) in an Introductory Finance course from a U.S.-based, AACSB-accredited institution. (For UNC Chapel Hill undergrads, that course is BUSI 408.)

If you can meet those criteria, you’re in good shape!

Students starting in early-August may also participate in our Structured Recruiting process. You are required to attend all events, including those conducted prior to starting coursework in early August. All students starting in early-August have access to Career Services through their time in the program.

Your timeline:

Mid-July – You’ll attend a webinar focused on academics and support services. You’ll also get access to the MAC Orientation and MAC Math Refresher online courses.
August 7 – You’ll attend a welcome event where you’ll meet students, professors, and staff members and receive key information that will help you transition into the MAC Program. You’ll also attend your first class.
From August 7 to September 15 – You’ll take four courses over six weeks: Accounting Systems Essentials and Advanced Spreadsheet Modeling during the first three weeks, followed by Financial Reporting A and Data Analytics for Accountants.
August 17-18 – If you are participating in Structured Recruiting, you will attend Meet the Firms.
September 15-17 – You’ll take MAC 776, our one-credit leadership immersion course that’s a degree requirement.
October 2 – You’ll begin the second term alongside all members of the MAC Class of 2024 (and graduate with them in June 2024).

Frequently Asked Questions

When are pre-MAC internships?

What types of employers provide pre-MAC internships?

How would I learn about these pre-MAC internships?

How do I gain “approval” for the internship?

What other circumstances qualify for the August start?

What other stipulations are related to the Introductory Finance course?

You’ll need to have earned a B- or higher (not pass/fail) at a U.S.-based, AACSB-accredited institution for Introductory Finance, or a more advanced version of this course, in the past five years or by July 1, 2022. We’ll consider waivers for courses more than five years ago with a resume review by the Associate Dean. Unfortunately, courses completed more than 15 years ago are not eligible for this process.

What if I haven’t yet taken an Introductory Finance* course?

Academic Calendar

Prior to UNC MAC Program		Semester 1		Semester 2
Before June 1	May – August	August 8- September 16	October – December	January – March	April – June
Introductory Finance (Students must complete an Introductory Finance course from an AACSB-accredited institution and receive a grade of B- or better)	Pre-MAC Summer Internship	Core Courses (2 credits each, 8 total) Financial Reporting A Foundations of Acc’ting Systems Data Analytics for Accountants Advanced Spreadsheet Modeling	Core Courses (12 credits)	Core Courses (8 credits)
				Concentration Courses (8 credits)
		Sept. 23-25 Leadership Immersion (1 credit)		Electives (6 credits)