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
Applications and all supporting materials must be received by the final deadline to be considered.
Deadlines for Spring 2025 MAS Admissions
Applications for Spring 2025 will open in June 2024. Please fill out this form if you would like to be notified when we start accepting applications.
- October 1: Priority deadline for financial aid consideration
- November 1: Priority deadline for students requiring a visa
- December 1: Final deadline for all applicants
Step 3 - Complete Checklist
To view the application requirements, download this checklist or expand each item to read more.
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 (if your native language is not English)
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
GMAT/GRE scores are not required for admission to 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 academic statement and answer personal statements
Academic Statement
Please write and upload a statement that answers the following questions (500 words max):
- How has your academic and professional background, including any professional training, prepared you for graduate study?
- How will our program help you achieve your intellectual and professional goals?
- What are your academic interests, and why do you wish to pursue graduate studies in this specific program?
Personal Statements
Please write short answers in the text boxes that are in your application page.
Statements 1 and 2 are required from all applicants, while Statements 3 and 4 will appear as optional to all applicants:
- (Required) - Please describe any experiences and/or challenges that may have shaped your intellectual and personal development.
- (Required) - Provide insight into your potential to contribute to a community of inclusion, belonging, and respect in which scholars with diverse perspectives, abilities, and experiences can learn and collaborate productively and positively
- (Optional) - Please address any concerns you may have in your application. If, for example, you do not believe that your academic credentials demonstrate your true capabilities, please explain why. Also, describe any gaps in your academic career and work experience or any extenuating circumstances in your profile of which the admissions committee should be made aware.
- (Optional) - If there is something that you would like to highlight that you have yet to discuss in other areas of the application, please do so here.
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.
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. Pay application fee
Domestic Students: $70
International Students: $90
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.
