5 Things to Expect During Your First Quarter in the Fisher MAcc Program

Ohio State’s Fisher MAcc program offers a unique structure compared to other programs when it comes to the course format. The nine-month program is composed of four quarters, consisting of courses that are seven weeks in length. The shortened class length and flexibility of the program allow you to take many different graduate-level courses including ones outside of accounting based on your career goals or interests. While this provides a unique opportunity, a lot is packed into these seven-week quarters. 

As the first seven weeks of the program are wrapping up and fall break approaches, here are five things you can expect from the first quarter of classes at the Fisher MAcc program: 

1. Content: There is a large amount of material to cover in a short period of time. Classes are fast-paced and will challenge you in different ways. However, more emphasis is placed on learning and understanding the material, not just achieving a good grade.
2. Professors/Staff: Professors are extremely knowledgeable and approachable. They encourage active engagement in classes and genuinely want you to succeed.
3. Time Management: Professors move through topics quickly and you need to prioritize your time wisely. Staying on top of everything is important as it can be difficult to catch up. That said, the workload is manageable if you balance your time effectively.
4. Resources: The Fisher College of Business and MAcc program provide you with a wide range of resources. Whether it’s career support, networking events, or just general advice, there is an abundance of help when needed. I would recommend taking advantage of these resources as much as possible.
5. Group Work: Many of the courses involve group work on assignments. This is a great way to get to know your other classmates. Sometimes your groups are with people who come from very different backgrounds. Some members are older and have worked already, others are completing their undergrad degree along with the accelerated MAcc. This gives you the opportunity to connect and learn from people who are at very different stages of their career journey. 

The first quarter of the MAcc is challenging but also very exciting. Many things are thrown at you, and you need to be able to adapt quickly. It can be stressful trying to keep up with everything; despite this, it helps to keep in mind that the program is heavily preparing you for your future career. The program is designed to help you grow and sometimes that means you are going to struggle or have to work harder than you are used to. I’ve learned throughout this first quarter that this is sometimes required in order to achieve growth. Lastly, I will mention that many former students and professors have said that the first seven weeks are the toughest, so don’t be discouraged, the experience is well worth it!