Master of Accounting Science (MAS) Admissions
The following are application requirements and instructions for non-University of Illinois students.
If you are currently an undergraduate student from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign pursuing a bachelor’s in accounting (Gies) or agricultural accounting (ACES), click here for requirements.
Step 1 - Ensure Eligibility
Students enter the MAS program at Gies Business with four things:
- An undergraduate degree in accounting from any accredited US institution. If you are pursuing a bachelor’s degree in a discipline other than accounting or completing your degree outside the US, please visit our Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA) program. What's the difference between the MSA and MAS program? Learn more.
- A strong quantitative and verbal background.
- U.S. based internship experience is strongly recommended for consideration.
- A determination to make the most of their future in accountancy.
Step 2 - Meet Deadlines:
Fall 2023 applications are now open. Applications and all supporting materials must be received by the final deadline to be considered.
Deadlines for Fall 2023 MAS Admissions
- February 1: Priority deadline for financial aid consideration
- March 1: Priority deadline for international students
- April 1: Final deadline for all applicants
Deadlines for Spring 2024 MAS Admissions
- Applications for Spring 2024 will open in the summer.
Step 3 - Complete Checklist:
1. Begin the Graduate College application: All of the steps below will be done through this Graduate College application. Be sure to select your program as Accountancy, then MAS within the Program tab.
2. Apply to your preferred concentration: MAS students can select their preferred concentration from data analytics, corporate government and international business, finance, information technology and control, and supply chain management. Space may be limited in certain concentrations.
3. Complete and upload MAS Coursework Form: The MAS Coursework Form includes a list of prerequisite coursework and additional accounting coursework previously taken or in progress. Upload this form as a part of the online application
4. Apply for MAS scholarships or financial aid (optional): We have numerous scholarships and teaching assistantships available specifically for MAS students. Select “yes” to apply for these opportunities during your application process.
5. Send us your TOEFL scores (international students): A new TOEFL score is not required for admissions, but a valid TOEFL score is required to apply for a teaching assistantship. Official test scores are due by February 1, and a minimum speaking score of 26 is required to obtain a teaching assistantship. Scores can be sent to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign using our institution code, 1836.
6. Upload your unofficial transcripts: To qualify for the program, you must have an undergraduate degree in accounting from an accredited US institution. All four years must be completed in the US. Be sure to include your most recent semester of grades. Unofficial transcripts can be uploaded within the application system, but degree audits will not be accepted.
7. Submit your official GMAT or GRE score: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are temporarily waiving the GMAT/GRE requirement for the MAS program. You may still choose to submit your GMAT/GRE score to strengthen your application but it is not required. Scores can be sent to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign using our institution code, 1836.
8. Upload your résumé: A US based internship is strongly recommended for consideration in this program. Your résumé should include work or internship experience, education and any achievements.
9. Upload your statement of purpose: Please describe your previous academic work in accountancy and any influences/experiences that have shaped your goals for graduate study and a professional career. Also include how these factors have impacted your goals for graduate study and a professional career. If you have specific interests in your proposed field of study, please tell us about them.
10. Choose your references: Please provide two references. At least one reference should be from an accounting faculty who can speak to your ability to complete the MAS program while maintaining a 3.0 GPA. Once you make your selection, we’ll contact them on your behalf.
11. Provide proof of funding and Declaration and Certification of Finances Form (international students): This document should be uploaded directly into your Graduate College application. Click here for more details.
12. Application Fee: $70 (Domestic Students), $90 (International Students)
CPA Licensure: New federal law requires University of Illinois to provide the following information to any program leading to a professional licensure: The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s Master of Accounting Science has determined that our curriculum meets the educational requirements for licensure or certification in the state of Illinois. We are unable to determine if the curriculum meets the educational requirements for any of the remaining U.S. states and jurisdictions. Please go to https://www.online.uillinois.edu/resources/sara.asp to find your state’s requirements, resources and contact information. You are encouraged to contact the appropriate licensing agency for your location or wherever you desire to be licensed or certified to seek information and additional guidance. Please be aware that there may be licensure or certification requirements in addition to an academic program’s curriculum. This disclosure is being made in compliance with federal regulation 34 CFR §668.43 and the State Authorization and Reciprocity Agreements Manual.
