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For Eric Orzehoski and Allyson Metzger, the Master of Accountancy (MAcc) program at Temple University’s Fox School of Business was more than a path to an advanced degree. It was an opportunity to prepare for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam, develop practical skills, build confidence and form relationships that will continue well beyond graduation.

Although their paths to the MAcc were different, both graduates found that the program challenged them to think beyond accounting rules and apply their knowledge to real-world business decisions.

Our Path to the MAcc

For Orzehoski, MAcc ’26, the decision to pursue accounting came after earning his undergraduate degree in finance and financial management. As he progressed through his finance coursework, he became increasingly interested in the accounting concepts underlying many of his studies.

“I saw firsthand how accounting is applied in a professional setting, and the experience confirmed that accounting was the career path I wanted to pursue,” Orzehoski says.

The Fox MAcc’s one-year format, strong alumni network and focus on CPA preparation made it an ideal fit.

“The coursework was rigorous, but the professors did a great job of making sure everyone understood the material,” he said.

For Metzger, BBA ’25, MAcc ’26, the program’s dedicated CPA focus and cohort model were major draws. The structure provided support as she balanced coursework, CPA preparation and life beyond the classroom.

“The CPA exam can be intimidating, and I felt having structure and a supportive group was far better than trying to tackle it alone,” Metzger says.

The cohort became an important part of her experience, creating an environment where students could ask questions, collaborate and encourage one another.

From Case Study to Collaboration

The MAcc curriculum’s emphasis on case studies, projects and collaboration helped both students develop skills that extend beyond technical accounting knowledge.

For Orzehoski, a tax case study challenged his team to evaluate whether an LLC, S corporation or C corporation would be the best structure for a growing company. The assignment required them to consider taxes, expansion, investors and long-term growth.

“It helped me connect technical accounting concepts to real business decisions while strengthening my analytical and critical-thinking skills,” he says.

Metzger similarly gained hands-on experience through tax research and a semester-long Financial Statement Analysis project. Her team analyzed a company and its competitor, evaluated financial statements, forecasted performance and ultimately made an investment recommendation.

“This project challenged me greatly, but it gave me a deep understanding of the company we chose and how to read between the lines of financial statements,” she says.

The CPA Exam

CPA preparation was integrated throughout the MAcc experience. Orzehoski began taking the CPA exams while in the program and passed the Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR) and Regulation (REG) sections.He credits faculty guidance, coursework and advice from MAcc alumni with helping him navigate the process.

Metzger also found that the MAcc curriculum gave her a strong foundation for her CPA studies. Concepts introduced in class often reappeared in her CPA preparation materials, giving her a familiar starting point rather than requiring her to learn topics from scratch. This advanced exposure was a key factor in her passingthe FAR, REG and the Information Systems and Controls (ISC) sections.

Faculty support was another important part of their success. Orzehoski credits professor Wayne Williams with helping him connect classroom concepts to real-world accounting and prepare for the REG section. Metzger highlights Williams and professor Betsy Gordon for their commitment to student learning and their ability to bring professional perspectives into the classroom.

Preparing for the Future of Accounting

The program also helped both students prepare for a profession increasingly shaped by technology.

Through coursework in data analytics and generative AI, Orzehoski gained experience with tools such as Tableau and explored how accounting firms are adopting AI.

“I am glad that the program embraced AI because that is the direction the accounting industry is going,” Metzger says. “Knowing how to use AI as a tool will help us be stronger workers.”

A Network for What Comes Next

For both graduates, the relationships they built at Fox may prove to be among the program’s most lasting benefits.

For Orzehoski, career preparation through the Graduate Career Center, career fairs and networking events ultimately helped him secure an associate position with PwC, where he will begin August 28.

“The interview preparation and guidance I received from the Graduate Career Center played a major role in helping me feel confident throughout the recruiting process,” he says.

For Metzger, the MAcc cohort became a valuable professional network.

“The friendships and connections made within the cohort will impact my career for years to come,” she says. “Having a built-in network of peers in the same industry is priceless.”

Together, their experiences demonstrate the value of the Fox MAcc: an immersive program that prepares students not only for the CPA Exam, but for the evolving demands of the accounting profession and the opportunities ahead.

Are you ready to rethink what comes next, learn more about the Fox School Master of Accountancy program.