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George Mason University
    George Mason University
   
 
 
 
2016-2017 University Catalog 
  
2016-2017 University Catalog

Accounting, MS


Banner Code:  BU-MS-ACCT
Phone: 703-993-2136
E-mail: msa@gmu.edu

School/Department: School of Business  

The MS in accounting (MSA) is designed to meet the 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 acumen required by the accounting profession.  The MSA program is pursued as a full-time face to face or a part time online option.

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 School of Business 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 business from an accredited university or college. Applicants with an undergraduate business degree who do not have an Accounting major or equivalent will be provisionally admitted until they have completed the following courses or equivalents with a grade of B- or better: ACCT 331 , ACCT 332 , ACCT 351 , and ACCT 461 . International students with accounting degrees that lack a course in U.S. tax will be required to take ACCT 351  prior to matriculation.  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 semester. The priority deadline for application is March 15.

Applicant requirements include:

  • Application form and application fee
  • Bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, or equivalent from an accredited college or university
  • 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 minimum score: 550) or GRE (recommended minimum score: 308)
  • Current resume

Degree Requirements


Students are responsible for familiarization and compliance with the university’s Graduate Policies  contained in this catalog.

Electives Courses (15 credits)


Any 600- or 700-level ACCT course that does not duplicate coursework taken as an undergraduate.

Total: 30 credits