HELP 2013-2014 University Catalog Accounting, MS Print-Friendly Page

Banner Code:  BU-MS-ACCT

Phone: 703-993-1880
E-mail: msa@gmu.edu

The MS in accounting (MSA) is designed to meet the special needs of new professionals entering the accounting profession. The program allows students to earn a state-of-the-art graduate degree in accounting and also meet requirements to take the Uniform CPA Examination in Virginia and in most other states. The program integrates fundamental business skills and specialized knowledge and skills required by the accounting profession.  The MSA program is pursued on a full-time only basis.

An accelerated master’s option is available to students in the bachelor’s program.  See Accounting, BS/Accounting, Accelerated MS  for requirements.

Admission Requirements

All students registering for SOM graduate courses must have graduate standing. Nondegree student status is not available. Admission is highly competitive and available to qualified candidates holding a baccalaureate degree in accounting from an AACSB-accredited business school. Applicants are evaluated primarily on their undergraduate record and GMAT performance. For information on the GMAT, go to www.mba.com. Professional work experience is not required. Students begin the program in the fall or spring semester. The priority deadline for application is March 15 for the fall semester and October 15 for the spring semester.

Applicant requirements include:

• Application form and application fee
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from an accredited college or university
• Overall GPA of at least 3.2 (on a 4.0 scale) for all undergraduate courses taken at an accredited college or university
• Two official copies of transcripts from all college and universities attended in the United States and abroad
• Two letters of recommendation
• Goal statement indicating how applicant will benefit from the program
• English proficiency standards as required of all Mason graduate students. In particular, applicants who have earned a bachelors, masters, or doctoral degree from a regionally accredited university in the United States, Canada (excluding the province of Quebec), United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand are considered to have met that standard. All other applicants are required to take an English proficiency examination and meet minimum scores set by Mason in order to be considered for admission. The TOEFL or IELTS exams can be used to meet this requirement. The minimum scores are: TOEFL: IBT (88 total with 20 points minimum in each section); CBT (230); and PBT(570); IELTS- Academic: 6.5 total band score.
• GMAT (recommended score: 550) or GRE (recommended score: 303)
• Current resume