Master of Science in Accountancy

Student

“As we've gone through our case studies and different projects, there's been some level of ambiguity where we've had to figure out for ourselves what's important, what we need to deliver to the client, and be able to learn for ourselves rather than just be given a set of instructions. That has helped me a lot because there's lots of gray area in business. Being able to create that skill set, I feel will benefit me in the future.”

Christian Stover

Student

“This program has had one of the biggest impacts on me, preparing me for working for a Big Four and also just preparing me for the CPA. I feel like I've gone into this program with the mindset that I was nervous, and now I feel very confident that I can succeed in both these areas.”

Lyla Vaughn

Student

“I wanted to get all the interdisciplinary benefits out of coming to school and have a better understanding about the fullness of the world of business. One of the great things about the Wake Forest School of Business is it puts you sort of in the center of everything and provides you an understanding of finance, private credit, accounting, auditing, tax – all of these subjects, and you have them at your fingertips.”

Christopher Dickerson

Student

“Everyone in the program was studying for the CPA test or studying for the same classes, so we were able to study together as well as there were many opportunities to bond outside of the classroom. We did a couple of activities as a graduate program, and those were really helpful, just to build those connections within the program.”

Christian Theobald

Student

“The highlight of my experience in this program definitely has to be the professors and my peers and how supportive I have felt throughout this entire program. My professors really helped me succeed. And I would also say being a part of the student organizations has been really fulfilling.”

Soha Fakhar

MSA Average Class Profile

Class statistics averaged over the most recent three cohorts

110

Total Students

47%

Female

21%

Underrepresented Groups

26%

International

Colleges/Universities Represented

Majors Represented

3.6

Average GPA

647

Average GMAT

MSA Ambassadors

Wake Forest MSA Ambassadors are current students who are available and eager to answer any questions you might have. Our Ambassadors know the MSA program and the path to get there better than anyone, so they can give you the first-hand student perspective you need. We encourage you to reach out any of the ambassadors listed below via email regarding questions about the program, application process, career resources, internships, life at Wake Forest, living in Winston-Salem, or any other questions you may have.

Elizabeth Bowers

City: West Jordan, UT

Undergraduate School: Brigham Young University

Major/Minor: Accounting

Why did you choose to pursue the MSA at Wake Forest?

Because it's a good school that will help me in whatever I end up deciding to do with my life.

What has been the most impactful part of your program experience so far?

There have been a lot of small moments where people have been kind or noticed me, like when someone invited me to sit and study with them the first day (and pretty much every day since) or the Mindful Mondays with Mary. I expected to struggle to make friends and connect, but that hasn't been the case at all.

What is one of your favorite spots on campus and/or Winston-Salem? Why?

I really like the house I'm staying at because of my window seat and front porch.

Please share any ideas you may have about how to engage with prospective students:

Asking them about their experience in their undergraduate program, to understand what they're coming from and what their needs might be when they come here. I also think that giving them the space to ask questions, online or in person, as well as showing them what it would be like to come here is the purpose of being an ambassador.

Why are you interested in becoming a Graduate Admissions Ambassador?

It was really helpful for me to talk to an ambassador after being accepted, and I want to help others in the same way.

Nicholas Knobel

City: Orlando, FL

Undergraduate School: Wake Forest University

Major/Minor: Accounting; Minor: Entrepreneurship

Why are you interested in becoming a Graduate Admissions Ambassador?

As an undergraduate student, I served as a tour guide and admissions panelist, where I really enjoyed sharing my story. I also enjoyed listening to and engaging with students and their families, answering their questions and learning about their experiences.

Why did you choose to pursue the MSA at Wake Forest?

CPA requirements and building knowledge in areas that I wouldn't have been interacting in when I start work at PwC.

What has been the most impactful part of your program experience so far?

It's the Friday night events that are sporadically put on by students for me. It doesn't feel robotic and has helped me to ease my stresses with the new program.

What is one of your favorite spots on campus or in Winston Salem and why?

I'm a big fan of Reynolda Village. I'm a photographer (or at-least when I have time), so I love the untouched look of the village and the gardens are quite lovely.

Please share any ideas you may have about how to engage with prospective students:

Depending on how many students you have on one day, you could have a "speed dating" concept but it's coffee chat style. You get to engage with different students for 5-10 minutes and then at the end you can leave it open for anyone to follow up with any of the ambassadors they connected with.

Catherine Hunter

City: Charlotte, NC

Undergraduate School: Anderson University

Major/Minor: Accounting | Philosophy, Emergency Services

Why are you interested in becoming a Graduate Admissions Ambassador?

I had an excellent experience with the ambassador who toured me during my admissions season- excited to pay it forward 🙂

Why did you choose to pursue the MSA at Wake Forest?

My undergrad sources masters students directly to AU, so I had a very streamlined admission process with Wake.

What has been the most impactful part of your program experience so far?

Bonding with my cohort!

What is one of your favorite spots on campus or in Winston Salem and why?

One of my favorites is the Remedy coffee house in downtown Winston. Fairly priced and a great atmosphere.

Please share any ideas you may have about how to engage with prospective students:

Bonding over common ground, specific class offerings, and sourcing from similar undergraduate programs.

Emma Rhodes

City: Locust, NC

Undergraduate School: UNC Charlotte

Major/Minor: Accounting

Why are you interested in becoming a Graduate Admissions Ambassador?

My meeting with Admissions Ambassadors swayed my decision to come to Wake Forest and I love it here so I would love to be that to prospective students.

Why did you choose to pursue the MSA at Wake Forest?

The program speaks for itself, after meeting some of the professors in the prgram at the graduate weekend, it helped me to understand that the professors genuinely care to see their students succeed.

What has been the most impactful part of your program experience so far?

The opportunities and resources available to me have helped to get started in my job search and feel more comfortable walking into interviews and networking opportunities.

What is one of your favorite spots on campus and/or Winston-Salem? Why?

Louie and Honey's Bakery, the cinnamon rolls!!

Please share any ideas you may have about how to engage with prospective students:

"Day-in-the-life" videos on MSA students to post on social media

Braeden Reeder

City: Rome, GA

Undergraduate School: Anderson University

Major/Minor: Accounting, supply chain management

Why are you interested in becoming a Graduate Admissions Ambassador?

I had a great experience on my visit to WF last year where the Admissions Ambassadors made a positive impact on my pursuing the MSA degree here at Wake. I would love to play that same role and represent Wake Forest well!

Why did you choose to pursue the MSA at Wake Forest?

I chose to pursue the MSA at Wake Forest because of the strength of the program, the community and resources it offered, and my great experiences with the recruiting team.

What has been the most impactful part of your program experience so far?

I chose to pursue the MSA at Wake Forest because of the strength of the program, the community and resources it offered, and my great experiences with the recruiting team.

What is one of your favorite spots on campus and/or Winston-Salem? Why?

Farrell Hall is of course an amazing building to study or just do life in. Outside of the school of business, I enjoy going to the local restaurants and hanging around on the quad on campus.

Please share any ideas you may have about how to engage with prospective students:

To really just be personable and recognizable to their current life situation and be a friendly face that can hopefully help them in their steps figuring out their educational and professional future.

Shelby Scott

City: Minneapolis , MN

Undergraduate School: High Point University

Major/Minor: Finance major with and Accounting minor

Why are you interested in becoming a Graduate Admissions Ambassador?

I'm interested in becoming an admissions ambassador to connect with new people and share more about my experience at Wake Forest. The admissions ambassadors who were involved in my recruiting process were extremely influential in my decision to attend Wake Forest. I wanted to provide that same level of expertise and guidance to other students, as it was provided to me. I'm interested in teaching potential students about Wake Forest's unique culture and what sets the program apart from other universities.

Why did you choose to pursue the MSA at Wake Forest?

I chose the MSA program at Wake Forest to further prepare myself to take the CPA exam and gain additional skills to turn me into an emerging young professional. I chose Wake Forest based on its caring and devoted professors and faculty who push students to grow and be their very best. Wake's advanced curriculum and implementation of AI in the classroom were very influential.

What has been the most impactful part of your program experience so far?

The most impactful part of my program experiences has been the people and resources Wake Forest offers. While the program is rigorous, the numerous amounts of support you receive from your classmates and professors is extremely helpful. Wake Forest has lots of programs to help you be successful both in and outside of the classroom. The university wants you to succeed and provides you with the resources to protect your mental and physical well-being to reach your goals.

What is one of your favorite spots on campus and/or Winston-Salem? Why?

While still very new to campus and Winston-Salem, my favorite place so far would have to be Reynolda Village. Reynolda has lots of unique shops and restaurants that are within walking distance from campus. It is a great way to get a change of scenery and some exercise.

Please share any ideas you may have about how to engage with prospective students:

Some great ways to engage would perspective students who be to personalize their recruiting experiences to their interests and hobbies. Such as, inviting them to sporting events, sending them new letters regarding clubs on campus that align with their hobbies, and sending personalized apparel or publications.

Gabriella Nabitaka

City: Kampala, Uganda

Uganda

Undergraduate School: DePaul University

Major/Minor: Economics/ Mandarin

Why are you interested in becoming a Graduate Admissions Ambassador?

I would like to help incoming/prospective students as they make one of the most important decisions about their education. In past roles, I have seen the value and impact that I can impart on others who are going through a situation I have previously dealt with. By being an ambassador, I hope to give students the information, context, and guidance they need to make Wake Forest their first choice.

Why did you choose to pursue the MSA at Wake Forest?

Initially, it was recommended by an alumni (Diffie). After doing some further research, I was attracted by the top tier faculty and the high CPA pass rate.

What has been the most impactful part of your program experience so far?

So far, meeting the people that make the program has been really inspiring. The professors are incredibly knowledgeable and care about their students. In addition, interacting with my peers has been great. They are all so motivated and willing to help each other out with classes and school life.

What is one of your favorite spots on campus or in Winston Salem and why?

My favorite spot is the enclave room on the right side of the third floor. Its a great place to study, people watch, or have an interview.

Please share any ideas you may have about how to engage with prospective students:

When I engage with students, I hope to make them feel comfortable by asking questions about them, what motivated them to pursue a masters in accounting, and other things about them like their hobbies. I will also share my own background and I hope this will help us connect and get to know each other better.

Seth Evans

City: Boiling Springs, SC

Undergraduate School: Anderson University

Major/Minor: Accounting and Finance Majors, Music Minor

Why are you interested in becoming a Graduate Admissions Ambassador?

I enjoyed my experience visiting Wake Forest and spending time with the ambassadors when I did.

Why did you choose to pursue the MSA at Wake Forest?

I knew coming in that this was one of the best accounting programs in the country.

What has been the most impactful part of your program experience so far?

Realizing the amount there still is to learn and know about accounting.

What is one of your favorite spots on campus or in Winston Salem and why?

My favorite spot on campus is the study area in Farrell on the second floor.

Please share any ideas you may have about how to engage with prospective students:

I think attending a class is a great way to connect. I attended a tax class on my visit and I loved the experience.

Sy'rai George

Trinidad and Tobago

Undergraduate School: Howard University

Major/Minor: Accounting

Why are you interested in becoming a Graduate Admissions Ambassador?

I am interested in becoming a Graduate Ambassador because I like being able to guide incoming students as well as offer advice so that they have some sort of idea of what to expect when coming to the school. I was able to connect with former MSA students that attended the same undergraduate institution as me and I appreciated the fact that they were able to tell me all I needed to know about the program.

Why did you choose to pursue the MSA at Wake Forest?

I chose to pursue MSA at Wake Forest because of its reputation and because the school holds the title of #1 CPA pass rate in the country. That was a big deciding factor for me as an aspiring CPA because I want to take advantage of all the resources that are available to really excel and be successful in all 4 sections

What has been the most impactful part of your program experience so far?

The most impactful part has been connecting with the other MSA students so quickly. I was pretty nervous coming into the program so having friends in the same courses as me has been very fulfilling.

What is one of your favorite spots on campus and/or Winston-Salem? Why?

One of my favorite spots on campus is the Sutton Recreation center because I get access to various fitness classes and machines that allow me to stay fit.

Please share any ideas you may have about how to engage with prospective students:

If there are any on campus activities happening on the day that the student is visiting, they can tag along with an ambassador if they are interested. Just so they can be involved in something other than academics

Kaitlyn Wirth

City: Mooresville, NC

Undergraduate School: UNC Wilmington

Major/Minor: B.S. in Business Administration with an Accountancy Concentration

Why are you interested in becoming a Graduate Admissions Ambassador?

I am interested in becoming a Graduate Admissions Ambassador because I would love the opportunity to help prospective students feel welcomed and excited about Wake Forest. Choosing a graduate program is a big decision, and I think hearing directly from current students can make the process feel much more personal and approachable. I was very impacted by the Graduate Admissions Ambassadors I interacted with during my own admissions process, and I would love the opportunity to provide that same positive experience for future students. I hope to help prospective students feel more comfortable, answer their questions honestly, and give them a better sense of the community they could become part of at Wake Forest.

Why did you choose to pursue the MSA at Wake Forest?

I chose to pursue the MSA at Wake Forest because Wake Forest had been my dream school since high school. Beyond that personal connection, I was extremely attracted to the program’s strong CPA exam success and its emphasis on preparing students for the future of the accounting profession. The focus on AI, innovative thinking, professional development, and building a strong sense of community made the program stand out to me. I wanted a program that would prepare me not only to pass the CPA exams, but also to enter my career as a more well-rounded and forward-thinking professional.

What has been the most impactful part of your program experience so far?

Orientation has been one of the most impactful parts of my program experience so far. It gave me the opportunity to meet so many new friends, become more comfortable with the program and its expectations, and begin building relationships with faculty and staff. Starting a new graduate program can feel overwhelming, but orientation made Wake Forest feel like a community very quickly and helped me feel much more confident and excited about the year ahead.

What is one of your favorite spots on campus or in Winston Salem and why?

One of my favorite spots is Airstream because I love getting coffee there! During one of my first days at Wake Forest, I went to Airstream with some of the new friends I had just met. It is a simple memory, but it felt like one of my first real steps toward building my community here. Now, I associate it with both great coffee and the friendships I have started forming at Wake Forest.

Please share any ideas you may have about how to engage with prospective students:

I think prospective students benefit most from opportunities to have genuine conversations with current students. I would love to participate in student panels, small-group conversations, campus tours, admitted-student events, or informal coffee chats where prospective students can ask questions about classes, recruiting, CPA preparation, student life, and the overall MSA experience. I also think short student features on social media, Q&A sessions, and opportunities for prospective students to connect one-on-one with a current student could help make the admissions process feel more personal and give them a better idea of what being a Wake Forest MSA student is really like.

Ashley Difuidi

City: Charlotte, NC

Undergraduate School: UNC Charlotte

Major/Minor: Accounting

Why are you interested in becoming a Graduate Admissions Ambassador?

I am interested in becoming a Graduate Admissions ambassador because I want to inspire students to pursue the Master of accountancy. I would love to be someone prospective students can turn to with questions or concerns and someone who can help reinforce their decision to attend Wake Forest. In February, I had a great experience with an MSA ambassador and that conversation opened my eyes to the impact an ambassador can have for a prospective student. Now that I am here as a student, I would love the opportunity to be that person for someone else. I want to be able to make an impact in my community and let people know that Wake Forest is a great place to be to achieve your dreams. Wake Forest also provides support, community, and a network of people that are here for the success of all.

Why did you choose to pursue the MSA at Wake Forest?

I decided to pursue the MSA at Wake Forest because I wanted to be challenged and be outside my comfort zone. I also wanted to pursue the MSA at Wake Forest because I felt very welcomed here and I truly believe that Wake Forest will help me in my personal, professional, and career endeavors.

What has been the most impactful part of your program experience so far?

The most impactful part of the program thus far was orientation week. I liked meeting my fellow classmates as well as the professors in the program. It was very organized and it got me excited to start school again. I especially liked the integration of AI in the program and how we will be learning skills that can set us apart from other candidates.

What is one of your favorite spots on campus and/or Winston-Salem? Why?

I really like Farrell Hall because I find the building so beautiful and spacious. I like going to the lower level because there are usually free study spaces there. I enjoy the bagel place, and the living room is a great area with natural lighting.

Please share any ideas you may have about how to engage with prospective students:

Office hours with prospective students can be an idea. Maybe 30-minute sessions for a student to ask questions.

Khylah Pugh

City: Renton, WA

Undergraduate School: Pitzer College

Major/Minor: Science Management - Public Health

Why are you interested in becoming a Graduate Admissions Ambassador?

Speaking with ambassadors at the Future in Focus event and connecting with alumni who have been through the MSA program were key factors that contributed to my decision to commit to Wake Forest for graduate school. Gaining insight from people who were experiencing a program and had committed to a major life decision that I was considering was very valuable and I want to provide that to prospective students, especially as someone who didn't major in accounting during my undergraduate career, I believe that representation will be helpful.

Why did you choose to pursue the MSA at Wake Forest?

I was drawn to Wake Forest because of its top-ranked program, the breadth of resources available to students, the vast alumni and recruiting network, and the fact that the MSA program embraces diverse academic backgrounds, instilling confidence that I will be able to succeed in the program just as well as my peers who majored in accounting in undergrad.

What has been the most impactful part of your program experience so far?

Everyone I've met throughout the process - from my initial meetings and communications with Susie as I applied to the program, to my interview for the program with Alex Peoples and John Butler & Ann Brooks for the scholarship, to my meetings with Mary Knapp and Julie Brannon, to just a few weeks ago when I was able to finally meet other members of this year's cohort - is phenomenal. Being in the presence of people that are easy to be around, have conversations with, and are personable makes the challenging program a lot more bearable.

What is one of your favorite spots on campus or in Winston Salem and why?

I've always found solace in being outdoors, so I enjoy escaping Farrell Hall and walking along the Reynolda trail - it's a nice way to take a study break and chat with friends 🙂

Please share any ideas you may have about how to engage with prospective students:

A day in the life on social media or meeting up at local spots of campus (eg Reynolda village) to show prospective students Winston-Salem beyond Wake's campus.

Valentina Nava Moran

City: Woodstock, GA

Undergraduate School: Berry College

Major/Minor: Accounting and Finance; Spanish minor.

Why are you interested in becoming a Graduate Admissions Ambassador?

Admissions Ambassadors played a huge role in my decision to join this program, and I would love to be that for someone else! Seeing firsthand how a single interaction can reshape an applicant's future inspires me to step into this role. I want to serve as an approachable, encouraging resource for prospective students and to answer any questions they might have about what the next year of their lives could look like at Wake.

Why did you choose to pursue the MSA at Wake Forest?

I did not have any plans to pursue a master's program until I attended Future in Focus and met all the incredible, hard-working people from Wake. Through this experience, my eyes were opened to all the opportunities out there that I did not previously believe were within my reach.

What has been the most impactful part of your program experience so far?

I have enjoyed getting to interact with my classmates and learning more about the other students in my program! It is so interesting to learn where everyone came from and each of our undergrad experiences, and getting to spend this year with others who are in a similar stage of life. The culture at Wake is truly welcoming and all of us feel like we belong despite knowing that we will only be here for a year.

What is one of your favorite spots on campus or in Winston Salem and why?

I am still getting to know this new city and campus but one of my favorite places so far has been Reynolda Village. It is such a beautiful place for a walk and I enjoy going to the bookstore with my housemates. I also love walking the trail that connects it directly to campus. Going on walks and spending time in nature is one of my favorite ways to destress, so having such easy access to this place has been one of my favorite discoveries in the area.

Please share any ideas you may have about how to engage with prospective students:

Prospective students can easily feel intimidated by all the different universities and programs out there. What made Wake Forest stand out for me was how attentive and welcoming the people were. This is a unique strength that truly sets the university apart from all others I looked into. Playing to this strength by hosting more events like Future in Focus and finding ways to interact one-on-one with prospective students would be a great way to showcase the Wake Forest community and its commitment to its motto.

Harmony Kothari

City: Mumbai

India

Undergraduate School: Transylvania University

Major/Minor: Accounting and Psychology

Why are you interested in becoming a Graduate Admissions Ambassador?

I really enjoyed talking to the ambassadors last year and I think it reinforced my decision to go to Wake Forest. I want to be able to do that for incoming students.

Why did you choose to pursue the MSA at Wake Forest?

I chose the MSA program because of its CPA pass rates, great faculty and its recruitment. Additionally, I also really enjoyed talking to people here.

What has been the most impactful part of your program experience so far?

I think my interactions with faculty members have been the most impactful because they were willing to help me out from the very beginning and have tons of information to offer. They're also very passionate about their jobs which helps me interact with material and classes better.

What is one of your favorite spots on campus and/or Winston-Salem? Why?

I think Farrell is my favorite spot because I'm able to see my friends everyday and talk to the professors easily if needed

Please share any ideas you may have about how to engage with prospective students:

I'd love to talk to them about the highlights of the program and what the program has to offer.

Iyanna Jackson

City: Kingston

Undergraduate School: University of The District of Columbia

Major/Minor: Accounting and Finance

Why did you choose to pursue the MSM / MSBA / MSA at Wake Forest?

I chose to pursue MSA at Wake Forest because of my accounting background from undergraduate, I wanted to deepen my expertise in audit and prepare for the CPA exam and what better school than Wake Forest, which has the #1 CPA pass rate. I like that the program is highly career-focused, with the majority of students graduating with job offers, which is especially valuable in today’s competitive job market. I’ve also heard inspiring stories from alumni who shared that the MSA program prepared them for their careers, with each class thoughtfully designed around realistic scenarios they now face in the workplace every day. I love that Wake Forest truly sets students up for success.

What has been the most impactful part of your program experience so far?

" I think the most impactful part of this program experience is learning the importance of being prepared for class. Reviewing materials beforehand and writing down questions helps me actively engage in discussions, clarify concepts in real time, and make the most of each class session. Also the networking opportunities at each event that allows me to connect with students in other programs or other professionals. "

What is one of your favorite spots on campus or in Winston Salem and why?

My favorite place is the study rooms in Farrell Hall, especially the large room on the second floor. I spend most of my time there because it’s very quiet, the temperature is just right, and it has a whiteboard where I can work out problems and study effectively.

MSA Events

Consider joining us for our next MSA event

View All Events

Oct

@3:00 PM

Project Pumpkin 2026

Since Project Pumpkin's inception more than 35 years ago, Wake Forest students, faculty and staff have partnered with multiple local schools and agencies to bring children to the Reynolda Campus for a fall festival that includes trick-or-treating, entertainment, and educational activities. What began in 1989 as an effort to bring together both the campus and Winston-Salem communities, Project Pumpkin is now the largest student-led community-building event, all while raising money for Wake Forest's Freedom School. This years event will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 27, from 3-6 p.m. on Hearn Plaza, and is open to the community and suggested for children in K-5th grade.

Oct

@6:30 PM

School of Business AI Workshop: Investing Smarter With AI

Investing Smarter With AI Wake Forest School of Business faculty share how they're using AI todaypractical skills and workflows that go beyond prompting, which you can apply the next day! "Investing Smarter With AI" will be led by Vice Department Chair for Law, Economics, Accounting & Finance and Teaching Professor Dr. Mark Johnson. This workshop will be delivered in two formats: in-person and virtual. For those who prefer to attend in-person, the workshop will be held at The Pearl in Charlotte. For those who prefer virtual delivery, a Zoom link will be emailed the day prior to the workshop. You must select which format you prefer when registering. All workshops will be recorded and shared with registrants. No AI background is necessary to attend. Open to the WFU community and free to the public. Registration is required. You are welcome to register one guest. We hope you can join us! Additional workshops will be offered in this series. Check the School of Business calendar for details.

Oct

@4:00 PM

Fall Into Community: A Queer History Month

Celebrate Queer History Month with an afternoon of fall fun, good company, and new connections! Whether you're a business student or not, LGBTQ+ or an ally, everyone is welcome. Hosted by the School of Business and the LGBTQ+ Center.

Nov

@6:00 PM

Soul Spark 2026

Soul Spark 2026 Location: Wait Chapel Time: 6:00 p.m. | Doors Open at 5:30pm Stories that Ignite | Music that Moves | Inspire change for Good Soul Spark is a gathering of thought leaders and wisdom seekers a chance to sit together as a community, hear keynote talks that challenge, inspire, and share a vision for a more just and hopeful future.

Nov

@8:00 AM

Homecoming & Reunion Weekend

All alumni are invited back to celebrate the weekend at events such as Golden Deacs, Service of Rembrance, Party So Dear, Alumni Tailgate and so much more! Classes ending in a 1 or 6 will be celebrating milestone reunions on Friday night. For more information and a complete schedule of events, please visit https://homecoming.wfu.edu/

Nov

@3:00 PM

School of Business Reception at Homecoming

Join us for a drop-in reception and reconnect with faculty, staff, and fellow alumni. Guests are welcome. This reception is hosted in the Founders Living Room in Farrell Hall prior to Party So Dear. Registration is required through the Homecoming website.