The Master of Science degree in Accounting is a STEM designated program designed for persons interested in advancing their knowledge of accounting and quantitative and data analysis skills. It provides an opportunity to develop in-depth knowledge in at least one concentration area of accounting along with skills in data analysis, statistics, modeling and forecasting, and the design and testing of computer systems and applications. Students will also complete courses in several related fields such as communication, finance, management, marketing, or supply chain management. Each student’s program of study is developed according to chosen professional objectives, complementary to prior academic work.
This degree is relevant for persons interested in pursuing careers in the public accounting profession that typically require the Certified Public Accountant certification, or in similar positions in corporate accounting, advisory and consulting services, and government. It provides students with the skills a professional accountant is expected to possess such as quantitative and data analysis skills applied in an accounting setting, critical thinking and strategic problem-solving abilities, oral and written communication skills, and well-developed interpersonal skills including the ability to work effectively with groups and to provide leadership.
There is increasing evidence that an undergraduate college degree may be insufficient to provide the breadth and depth of accounting knowledge and the skill development necessary for professional success. All states require at least 150 semester hours of college credits to obtain a Certified Public Accountant certification.
In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of The Eli Broad College of Business and Graduate School of Management, students must meet the requirements specified below.
Accounting - Master of Science
About
Requirements
Entry Requirements
Students may start the program in any semester (fall or spring), or summer session, as space permits. Applications for to the program must be received by January 15 for fall semester or summer session, and March 1 for second-round consideration, as space permits. Students desiring to start in spring semester must apply by October 1.
To be considered for to the program, applicants must:
- Submit to the Director of the Master of Science degree in Accounting program a completed application packet that is available on the program Web site.
- Take the Graduate Management Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and have the scores submitted to the Master of Science degree in Accounting program. The GMAT test must be taken not more than five years or the GRE not more than two years prior to the submission of the application for to the program. Current Michigan State University students in the undergraduate accounting or finance major with both an overall grade-point average and junior-senior level accounting course grade-point average of 3.0 or higher are not required to take the GMAT.
The minimum standards for to the Master of Science degree in Accounting are:
- a bachelor's degree in accounting from a recognized educational institution with a minimum grade-point average of 3.0; or a bachelor’s degree in another major from a recognized educational institution with a minimum grade-point average of 3.0 and completion of the following prerequisite courses: intermediate financial accounting, and probability and statistics.
- a strong GMAT/GRE score. Students with qualifying credentials may be able to waive the GMAT/GRE and applicants should consult with the program director to see if they are eligible for the waiver.
- a grade-point average of at least 3.0 for any junior-and-senior level courses taken as an undergraduate.
to the program is competitive. Meeting the minimum standards listed above does not guarantee . The applicant’s overall record is considered including letters of recommendation, the students statement of objectives, work experience, extra curricular activities, and TOEFL and IELTS scores. is also subject to space availability.
The program accepts qualified applicants whose undergraduate degree is not in accounting and only includes an intermediate-level financial accounting course. These students will be required to complete collateral course work and their program of study will typically require more than 30 credits for the degree. Students should contact the director of the program to determine course deficiencies. Credits earned in collateral course work does not count toward the Master of Science degree in Accounting.
Requirements for the Master of Science Degree in Accounting
A minimum of 30 credits, with a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.0, is required for the degree under Plan B (without thesis). At least 24 credits must be at the 800-level. The student’s program of study must be approved by the Program Director of the Master of Science in Accounting.
English Requirements
- PTEMin 53
- IELTSMin 6.5
- TOEFLMin 79
English Program Requirements
Due to cancellations of many international English language proficiency tests, MSU will be temporarily accepting the following tests for international students applying for fall semester 2022. In addition, MSU will be expanding the ability for students to receive provisional admission. If a provisionally admitted student is able to take a test that meets our regular admission standards prior to enrollment, we will update their admission status to regular.
Fee Information
How to Apply
Request that all secondary schools, colleges, universities attended and/or examination boards send original or attested copies of all transcripts, marks sheets, certificates and diplomas earned directly to the Office of Admissions at Michigan State University. These can be sent through the online services listed below or by mail. If sending by mail, any hard copy of academic records must be sent in an official, sealed envelope.
Parchment
Common App
Coalition for College
Naviance
eScrip-Safe
National Student Clearing House
Office of Admissions
Hannah Administration Building
426 Auditorium Road, Room 250
East Lansing, MI 48824-2604
In addition, if the original documents are not issued in English, an official translation of each document must be provided along with the original language documents. Translations may be done by the school, college or university attended or an authorized/official translator in the country of study. Review MSU's International transcript requirements for country-specific transcript information.
Note: Documents submitted to MSU as part of the application process will not be returned.
As a freshman you do not have to officially declare your major yet, however you will be asked to select your major preference on the application. If you are undecided, select the "Exploratory preference" option.
Changing your major preference
After submitting the application, fall freshman applicants have until May 1 to change their major preference in their account. Any student who applies, or is admitted, after May 1 cannot change their major preference until they meet with an academic adviser at New Student Orientation (NSO).
Have the testing agency (TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, MSUELT or MELAB accepted) provide proof of English proficiency directly to MSU if your first language is not English. MSU's TOEFL code is 1465. MSU is test optional, which means international students are encouraged, though not required, to submit SAT or ACT scores. The SAT code is 1465; the ACT code is 2032.
Review our full overview on English language proficiency for details on temporary exceptions due to the impact of the novel coronavirus — including additional tests being accepted and expanded opportunities for provisional admission.
United States of America, East Lansing