With lifelong learning becoming the norm in the professional world, NC State’s online MAC option means professionals can now pursue their degree while continuing their career and do so on a timeline that works for them, said Scott Showalter, director of the Jenkins MAC Program.

“The Jenkins Online MAC Program is designed for the professional whose undergraduate degree was not in accounting or has an undergraduate degree in accounting and needs a graduate degree to advance in their career,” Showalter said. “The online format allows them to pursue the graduate degree without putting their family life or career on hold.”

The anticipated timeframe for an online student to complete their degree is 18 to 36 months, though students have up to six years, said Jay Arrington, associate director of admissions for the Jenkins MAC Program in the Poole College of Management.

Arrington points to a range of individuals who will benefit from the online program option, such as working professionals considering a career change, seasoned professionals that need an advanced degree to move to the next level in their career, and others who may want or need to earn their degree from afar, such as military stationed overseas.

Same Program, New Format

“The Jenkins MAC Program has always been willing to develop new ideas to benefit the students, and this online format is no exception,” said Arrington. Those enrolling in the online program can expect the same quality faculty, curriculum and experience as students on campus. The only thing different is the format.

The online course content includes videos of actual classes, providing an optimal experience for students while also allowing them to work at their own pace, he said.

Matt Ray, MAC ’19, took some of the existing online sections while pursuing his MAC and said access to in-class recordings felt like the same experience he’d have in the classroom.

“I was able to slow down, pause, and re-watch the lectures if necessary, so that I could better understand the material,” said Ray.

The online MAC experience will still allow students to engage with their classmates, interact with faculty, build lasting connections and a strong network — all while receiving a top quality education. Faculty members are available online, by phone, or in person if students are located in or near NC State’s Raleigh campus.

A Valuable Degree

With a manageable workload and competitive tuition, the online MAC program has a high return on investment. Online MAC students can select elective courses, and may choose a concentration in enterprise risk management, tax strategy, or information technology. Students can expect the program to fully prepare them for the CPA exam. The Jenkins MAC CPA exam first-time pass rate is consistently higher than the national average.

Arrington points out that accounting is the language of business, and this new online MAC program option will be another tool to ensure students are more marketable in the workplace.

“Every type of business needs accountants or somebody with accounting knowledge,” he said. “Those who want to get into public accounting, work for top Fortune 500 corporations, or start a business will have the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful based on the education they’ll receive with the Jenkins Online MAC.”

As the accounting world continues to face rapid change in areas such as analytics, risk management and artificial intelligence, students can expect the online program to keep pace, providing skills and information that will be viable in today’s marketplace.

The online MAC program will evolve in the coming years, Arrington said. While the curriculum will continue to mirror the on-campus program, faculty and staff are exploring ways to enhance areas such as student orientation and personalized career consulting among others, he said.

Jenkins MAC website for more information, and to learn more about the curriculum, electives, and concentration options. Waivers for the GMAT are available for qualified applicants. Just like the on-campus format, in-state and out-of-state tuition options will apply.

“One of the things that the Jenkins Online MAC program wants to provide to all students, whether on-campus or online, is that feeling of being one big family with Wolfpack pride working together for a common goal, where we can always count on one another,” he said.

Jay Arrington is available to answer questions at Jay_Arrington@ncsu.edu.