The first cohort of students enrolled in Terry’s online Master of Professional Accountancy (MPAcc) program began classes this fall. The program is open to professionals with a minimum of two years’ full-time work experience and a bachelor’s degree in a field other than accounting.
The MPAcc comprises 36 credit hours across 12 courses. The program provides a solid foundation in accounting principles while integrating data analytics and hands-on projects simulating the working environment in corporate accounting firms and corporate tax departments.
Swati Bhandarkar, senior lecturer in the J.M. Tull School of Accounting, taught 20 students during the first term.
“When I first began developing the course for the MPAcc program, I found the task quite daunting. There was so much to design and structure, and I wanted to ensure it truly met the needs of the students,” she says.
Several students were returning to school after more than 30 years away from formal education, and for many, it was their first exposure to accounting.
“Despite these challenges, they worked diligently and were determined to excel,” says Bhandarkar. “They put forth their best efforts and approached the material with genuine curiosity. Seeing their dedication was deeply rewarding. It reminded me why I love teaching. The opportunity to be part of someone’s learning journey and witness their growth is truly a gratifying experience.”
To address the challenge of connecting with students attending classes virtually, Tull senior lecturer Jennifer Rivers offered online office hours, making herself available during lunch breaks and evenings when students could find time to meet.
“The feedback I received was positive,” she says. “The reality is the courses are involved and require a lot of time, in addition to a full-time job and/or family. But working with the students to make material available in advance so they could work at their own pace seemed to meet their needs.”
Rivers says teaching MPAcc students differs from teaching traditional college students in other ways. “The MPAcc students have more life experience and would often question examples because of that. It made me rethink how to present information.”
In addition to faculty, the program received support from Tull student workers and staff in the UGA Office of Online Learning, while program administrator Amy Harris helped orchestrate every step of the process, from the program’s inception through the completion of the first module.
“It’s been wonderful getting to know the students,” says Harris. “From the time we began holding virtual info sessions in 2024, through the application process, and with the first cohort beginning the program, I found them to be an extremely dedicated group. They hold full-time jobs, meet family and personal obligations, and have taken on a demanding program of accounting coursework at the same time.”
MPAcc student Mary Thornton, who left a corporate customer service job in 2022 to care for an ailing family member and works part-time as a church administrator, expects the program will provide meaningful opportunities as she again looks for full-time employment.
“I’ve been impressed by the program,” she says. “It’s a fully online, asynchronous program, and I was worried I wouldn’t connect with the professor or the other students, but that hasn’t been the case at all. … It’s clear (the faculty) intend to preserve the rigor of the program, and they are committed to helping each of us succeed.
“I don’t know exactly what doors will open for me after I complete this program, but I know it will open doors, and that’s what I need to rebuild my future.”