Graduates of the Jenkins MAC enjoy strong starting salaries, predictable career progression and faster advancement to leadership roles. Our most recent graduates reported 100% job placement within three months, with average starting salaries between $73,000–$89,000 depending on location.
A master’s degree gives you more than knowledge — it provides the professional credibility and credentials that set you apart in a competitive field. Jenkins MAC graduates achieve higher first-time CPA pass rates, stronger starting salaries, and faster advancement to leadership roles than peers with only a bachelor’s degree.
Just as importantly, the MAC experience develops the skills employers can’t teach on the job: critical thinking, communication and leadership. Through case studies, client projects and collaborative learning, you’ll graduate ready to influence decisions and lead teams, positioning yourself for long-term career growth.
Career Milestone
With MAC
Without MAC
CPA Exam Pass (Avg.)
Year 1
Year 2+
First Manager Role
Year 3-4
Year 5+
Six-Figure Salary
Year 4
Year 6+
3. A community for life
Our program is built on deep connections— with faculty who mentor you, classmates who become lifelong colleagues, and alumni who open doors throughout your career. Every MAC student is paired with a faculty mentor for one-on-one guidance, and alumni remain engaged through panels, networking events, and mentorship opportunities. The result: a professional network that supports you long after graduation.
Why in Accounting?
1. Enduring demand
Accounting expertise remains one of the most resilient and reliable assets in business. Organizations of every size and industry depend on professionals who can ensure accuracy, uphold trust and guide financial decision-making. Even as technology transforms the profession, the need for highly trained accountants continues to grow.
2. Gateway to vibrant careers
A MAC degree prepares you for a wide spectrum of opportunities, including careers in public accounting, corporate finance, consulting, risk management, government service and nonprofit leadership. Many graduates leverage the degree as a springboard into roles that combine technical expertise with strategic influence, from advising executives on growth decisions to shaping policy in regulatory agencies.
Accountants today are trusted advisors. They guide strategy, safeguard trust and shape the future of organizations across industries. A MAC degree prepares you to take on these high-impact roles with confidence.
8 Modern Accounting Myths
We debunk eight modern myths and uncover the real opportunities of a career in accounting.
Within the NC State MAC Program, there’s no single path to success. While many MAC students majored in accounting as undergrads, others bring different areas of expertise, from engineering to communications, which makes your MAC experience stronger. What unites our students is a shared commitment to excellence and a desire to gain the skills needed to thrive in today’s complex business environment.
“Surprisingly, around half of our students don’t come from an accounting background. We’re seeing many individuals embrace accounting as a profession because it offers a broad range of career paths and great job security.”
Jay Arrington
Director of Admissions & Enrollment
Support for Non-accounting Majors
What do a third grade teacher, a full-time robotics engineer and a former military officer have in common?
They are just a few of the 100+ MAC students who have completed the ASAP Program for non-accounting majors.
The award-winning ASAP Program is a self-paced, online pre-MAC curriculum that covers fundamental concepts ranging from financial accounting to business law for students admitted to the Online MAC or On-campus MAC Program without an accounting background.
