Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA) Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Below is a list of the most common questions asked in regards to the Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) program.
What type of student is the MSA Program looking for?
We are looking for well-rounded applicants with diverse levels of previous accounting coursework and/or experience. While strong academic performance is important, we are also interested in learning about your other passions and your future career aspirations. We review applications on a holistic basis and all components are taken into consideration. There is an optional section of the application to provide any additional details that are not addressed elsewhere.
When does the program start?
The Gies MSA program offers a Spring (January) and Summer (June) start.
The Spring start is specifically designed for learners who hold an undergraduate accounting degree from a university outside of the United States or who have a certification from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). Learners beginning in the Spring term will complete the program in three semesters (Spring, Summer, Fall), receive the benefit of taking advanced elective courses early in their program, become eligible to sit for the US CPA exam prior to completing the program, and be well prepared for the traditional recruiting cycle which takes place early in the Fall semester.
The Summer start is designed for learners of all academic backgrounds, including those with an undergraduate degree in accounting from an institution outside the United States. Learners beginning in the Summer term will complete the program in three semesters (Summer, Fall, Spring), become eligible to sit for the US CPA exam prior to completing the program, and be well prepared for the traditional recruiting cycle which takes place early in the Fall semester. During the Summer term, our MSA learners get a jumpstart on their coursework along with a heavy emphasis on soft skill development and career preparation.
What are the job prospects for MSA graduates?
Job prospects for MSA graduates continue to be very high with 100% of domestic graduates reporting successful outcomes and 91.3% of international graduates reporting successful outcomes within six months of graduation for our 2023 cohort. Graduates explore traditional roles in top firms as well as more specialized roles in tax and mergers and acquisitions.
For international learners, the MSA program is STEM-designated, a label given to academic programs in fields related to science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The STEM-designation allows graduates of the program to extend their OPT for an additional 24 months, helping them gain hands-on experience working in the United States.
What is the difference between the MSA program and the MAS program?
The MSA program is a one-year professional program in accountancy for students of all academic backgrounds who did not complete a bachelor’s degree in accounting from an AACSB accredited U.S. based institution. The MAS program is designed for students that have a bachelor’s degree in accounting from an AACSB accredited U.S. based institution.
Are scholarships or financial aid available?
At Gies College of Business, we are committed to building diverse cohorts of learners with unique experiences, perspectives, and goals, and who come from many educational, socio-cultural, geographic, and familial backgrounds. To support this, we provide a limited number of scholarships each year, covering partial tuition to learners who enhance the diversity of the incoming cohort through their academic, professional, and/or lived experiences. To be considered for a scholarship, choose ‘Yes’ in the “Financial Aid” section of your Graduate College application and then complete the scholarship acknowledgement. The scholarship acknowledgement must be agreed to within the application for consideration of a scholarship.
Please note that we only offer partial tuition scholarships and are unable to provide teaching, research, or graduate assistant positions covering full tuition and fees.
Domestic candidates may apply for Federal Financial Aid via the FAFSA.
Common Application Questions
I haven't completed the prerequisite coursework. Is there a list of recommended courses I can take to meet the program prerequisites?
If you have not completed the required prerequisites for admission, Gies Business offers non-credit, online courses through Coursera to satisfy the requirements. You will want to make sure that you earn a course completion certificate for each course so you can prove your successful completion.
The following three courses, in combination, will satisfy the principles of financial accounting prerequisite:
The following course will satisfy the business management prerequisite:
Coursework in Finance & Statistics is also highly recommended but not required.
Am I eligible to apply with a bachelor’s degree from a non-US institution?
Yes! Please visit the University of Illinois Graduate College’s Admissions Requirements by Country to view specific requirements based on the location of your undergraduate institution. If you have specific questions regarding your eligibility, reach out to our team at grad@business.illinois.edu.
Is the GMAT/GRE required? What is the minimum test score?
The MSA program seeks students with strong quantitative and qualitative skills, and the GMAT/GRE can be a good indicator of these skills. All applications are reviewed on a holistic basis, and we do not have a minimum score requirement for either exam.
Waivers are available if you meet any of the following criteria:
- You have completed or are completing all four years of undergraduate study in the United States.
- You have completed or are completing a 2+ year master's degree in the United States.
- You have at least two years of full-time work experience after obtaining your bachelor's degree (excludes internships).
- You have an undergraduate GPA of 3.3 or higher on a 4.0 scale (equivalent to B+ or above average grades) at the time of application from an accredited institution in one of the following disciplines: Biological Sciences*, Business, Economics, Physical Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Computer and Information Sciences, Geosciences, Engineering, or related technology fields. *Exceptions may apply.
Important Note: The admissions committee reserves the right to request GRE/GMAT scores additional materials are needed to assess your qualifications. You may still apply to the MSA program without a GRE/GMAT, but a lack of test score may have a negative impact on your admissibility.
Is an English proficiency exam required for international applicants?
Yes, an English proficiency exam is required for international applicants unless you qualify for an exemption.
See the University of Illinois’ English Proficiency Requirements for more details on exemptions, required scores and limited status admission for low test scores.
As an international candidate, do I need to upload financial documents at the time of application?
Financial documents are not required for admission. Admitted students requiring a visa will need to upload their proof of funding and passport in order to obtain their I-20.
Can I send unofficial copies of my test scores?
Unofficial scores can be loaded into your application, but your official scores must also be sent directly to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign: Institution Code – 1836. Department codes are not required for our university.
Can I submit required documents after the application deadline?
An application file is considered incomplete until all required documents are received by the admissions committee. As we make admissions decisions on a rolling basis, it is very important that you provide all requested materials as soon as possible. Any information requested following the posted deadlines will be reviewed if space is still available in the incoming cohort.