MSA Application Checklist

Application

MSA Application Checklist

Admission Requirements for the Master of Science in Accounting (MSA)

The Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) degree is designed for students with an undergraduate degree in accounting or in business with an emphasis in accounting. Admission to the program is based on the following:

  • 1. Undergraduate Degree

    A four-year undergraduate degree in accounting or business with an emphasis in accounting from a regionally accredited institution, including successful completion of the following pre-requisite courses or their equivalents*. A grade of C or higher must be earned in all 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 their upper division classes and accounting coursework.

    Prerequisite Course NameUCCS Course Number
    Intermediate Accounting IACCT 3010
    Intermediate Accounting IIACCT 3020

    Cost Accounting OR

    Corporate Finance

    ACCT 3110

    FNCE 4000

    *Applicants who are missing one prerequisite courses may be admitted on a provisional basis. Please contact us at gsba@uccs.edu if you'd like to have your transcripts evaluated for prerequisites prior to applying. 

  • 2. GMAT/GRE Scores

    The average GMAT score of students admitted to this program is 550. The average GRE score of admitted students is 152 for each section (quantitative and verbal). The GMAT/GRE may be waived for well-qualified applicants who meet one of the waiver options listed on the GMAT/GRE Waiver page.

  • 3. Additional Application Materials

    Additional application materials include a student’s goal statement, resume and optional letters of recommendation. International applicants must also demonstrate English language proficiency.  

    Students who do not have an undergraduate background in accounting or business can still pursue careers in accounting and licensure as a CPA via our Master of Business Administration with emphasis in Accounting. This 36-45 credit hour program includes a bit more general business coursework and allows a student to complete any missing undergraduate accounting courses concurrent with the MBA core requirements.

Seven steps to complete the UCCS MSA application

  • 1. Complete and Submit the UCCS Online Application

    We encourage applicants to submit the application early in the process so that we can maintain contact and keep the line of communication open.

    Please note, if you indicate that you are a Colorado resident you will have to complete and upload this Tuition Classification form. It can be downloaded from within the application but can also download beforehand. $60 non-refundable application fee. 

  • 2: Submit GMAT or GRE test scores or MSA Waiver Options

    The average GMAT score of students admitted to this program is 550. The average GRE score of admitted students is 152 for each section (quantitative and verbal). The GMAT/GRE may be waived for well-qualified applicants who meet one of the waiver options listed on the GMAT/GRE Waiver page.

  • 3. Submit Official Transcripts

    We accept electronic transcripts sent from the Registrar's Office at your college or university. Please note that these transcripts must be sent in a secure format, directly by the University Registrar or their designated delivery service directly to ugapp@uccs.edu. We cannot accept electronic transcripts sent as attachments in emails from applicants. 

    We also accept sealed, original transcripts from every college or university attended. Bachelor's degrees must be from regionally accredited four-year colleges or universities. Applicants with any foreign post-secondary course work should also submit a course-by-course with GPA evaluation by a NACES or AICE member. 

    Official transcripts can be mailed to the following address:

    Office of Admission & Records

    University of Colorado Colorado Springs

    1420 Austin Bluffs Parkway

    Colorado Springs, CO 80918-3733

  • 4. Write a Goal Statement for the Program

    Tell us why you are interested in being an MSA student at UCCS. How will you contribute to the program and what do you plan to gain? Tell us about yourself. This is your opportunity to address any strengths, shortcomings, or extracurricular activities that set you apart from other applicants.  

    You will upload your goal statement in the application process.

  • 5. Update Your Resume

    Although we do not require applicants to have a minimum amount of work experience, you will need to submit a current resume. Students in our programs have extremely diverse backgrounds in regards to an undergraduate major, work history, and life experiences' this allows for a variety, perspective, and unique discussions in the classroom.

    You will upload your current resume in the application process.

  • 6. Request Letters of Recommendation (Optional)

    Although we do not require applicants to submit letters of recommendation, there is a place within the application to upload your letters.

  • 7. International Applicants

    Application Fee: $60 non-refundable

    Official Transcripts

    We require transcripts from every collegiate institution attended during and after graduation from high school. In addition, applicants with any foreign college coursework are required to submit a course-by-course with GPA foreign degree evaluation by a NACES or AICE member.  (Please note: Official evaluations received directly from SpanTran, World Education Services, Inc (WES) and Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) credential agencies may enable more efficient review and processing of transfer credit by the Graduate School of Business Administration). This includes any coursework being considered for foundation waiver or equivalency consideration.