The Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) is designed for those with an undergraduate degree in accounting (or in business with an emphasis in accounting) who want to pursue licensure as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). The MSA helps graduates develop a deep knowledge of high-level accounting practices and will provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to have successful careers in accounting This 30-credit hour program, together with a student’s undergraduate degree in accounting, is designed to satisfy the 150-credit hour requirement for licensure in Colorado and most other states.
MSA Program
The program accommodates the needs of working professionals. Students enrolling in the MSA program on a part-time basis may complete the program in 18 months. Students may also fast-track through the curriculum by completing their degree requirements in an accelerated 12-month time frame (depending on undergraduate coursework). Students may begin the program in the fall, spring, or summer semesters.
Flexible Scheduling
The UCCS MSA program is a 30-credit, hybrid graduate accounting program that combines in-person and online learning to provide students with optimal flexibility. Students who cannot meet in person for the on-campus accounting courses may attend remotely. All on-campus classes are offered in the evening hours. Students can elect to enroll in online business electives to allow for further flexibility. The combination of campus, remote synchronous, and online provides flexibility to students who are also busy working professionals. The MSA program is considered a campus, hybrid program. A student will be classified as a Colorado resident or non-resident.
MSA Graduate Admission
Admission Criteria
The Graduate School of Business Administration seeks to admit students who show a high likelihood of postgraduate accounting study.
PRIOR ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE: A 4-year baccalaureate degree in accounting (or business with an emphasis in accounting) from a regionally accredited institution, including successful completion of the prerequisite courses or their equivalents. A grade of C or higher must be earned in all pre-requisite coursework and coursework must have been taken within the last 10 years. Successful applicants will generally have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, particularly in upper-division classes and accounting coursework.
ADMISSION TEST: Applicants must submit scores from either the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Well qualified applicants may be eligible for the GMAT/GRE waiver option. More information about the GMAT/GRE waiver is available by visiting www.uccs.edu/msa or by contacting the Graduate School of Business Administration Office at GSBA@uccs.edu.
ADDITIONAL MSA Application Materials: In addition to official transcripts from regionally accredited institutions attended, students must submit a goal statement, resume, and optional letters of recommendation. International applicants must also demonstrate English language proficiency (i.e.TOEFL or IELTS scores).
Alternative Accounting Pathways
The College of Business offers different pathways for students interested in pursuing graduate accounting education at UCCS. Students who do not have an undergraduate background in accounting (or in business with an emphasis in accounting) may still pursue careers in accounting and licensure as a CPA through the Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an emphasis in accounting or the Graduate Certificate in Accounting.
Provisional and Undergraduate Senior Admits
At the discretion of the admissions committee, an applicant not meeting the criteria for regular admission may be admitted as a provisional student. Students who are offered provisional admissions to the program will receive a letter from the College of Business Graduate Program outlining the conditions which must be met to become a regular degree-seeking student. When the student meets the conditions of their provisional admissions, the College of Business will reclassify the student’s status to be fully admitted to the program and inform the student in writing. Provisional students have all the rights and privileges and are subject to the same standards of performance required of regularly admitted students.
UCCS seniors who have satisfied the undergraduate residence requirements and who need no more than 9 semester hours to meet their requirements for an undergraduate degree may be contingently admitted to the MSA program. They must meet regular admissions criteria, submit a completed application by the published deadline, and submit the “Undergraduate Senior Admit Eligibility’ form signed by their undergraduate advisor confirming the number of credits needed to complete the bachelor’s degree. Students may request the Undergraduate Senior Admit Eligibility form from the College of Business Advising Office by emailing GSBA@uccs.edu.
Undergraduate senior admits must complete their final undergraduate courses during their first semester as an MSA student. Students may be limited to one or two graduate courses contingent on the number of hours needed to complete the bachelor’s degree.
Application Process and Deadlines
The UCCS online application, official GMAT or GRE scores, one official transcript (not student copies) from each post-secondary institution attended, a resume, a goal statement, and the nonrefundable application fee should be submitted by the priority deadline. Criteria for GMAT waiver are on the UCCS online application. Additional fees may apply.
Visit www.uccs.edu/msa for the online application or contact the Graduate School of Business Administration by phone at 1-800-990-8227, ext. 3408, or by email at GSBA@uccs.edu.
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