Admissions Requirements

Applications must be completed online. All applicable materials, such as transcripts and test scores, should be sent directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions. An application is considered complete based on the following:

For Elon undergraduate students and alumni:

  • Evidence of an earned bachelor’s degree from Elon University or currently enrolled at Elon University with a declared major of Accounting.
  • Official transcripts of all undergraduate studies and any graduate studies completed or taken outside of Elon University (please note that Elon transcripts will be requested on your behalf)
    • Transcripts can be mailed to:
      Elon University
      Office of Graduate Admissions
      2750 Campus Box
      Elon, NC 27244
    • Electronic copies may be sent to: gradadm@elon.edu
  • Current resume
  • Personal statement
    • Approximately 1-2 pages providing background information, reasons you are interested in the program, and how the program will help you reach your career goals
  • Once a student is admitted, a $250 non-refundable deposit is required to secure a spot in the class.

Prospective students from other institutions:

  • Evidence of an earned bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a declared major of Accounting
  • Official transcripts of all undergraduate studies and any graduate studies completed or taken
    • Transcripts can be mailed to:
      Elon University
      Office of Graduate Admissions
      2750 Campus Box
      Elon, NC 27244
    • Electronic copies may be sent to: gradadm@elon.edu
  • Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE) taken within the last five years
    • Send official GMAT or GRE scores directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions; Elon University’s GMAT program code is BFI-84-88 and the GRE program code is 5183
    • Learn more about GMAT/GRE waiver request eligibility
  • Current resume
  • Personal statement
    • Approximately 1-2 pages providing background information, reasons you are interested in the program, and how the program will help you reach your career goals
  • Two letters of recommendation
    • From either a professional or academic source
  • Once a student is admitted, a $250 non-refundable deposit is required to secure a spot in the class.

For international applicants:

  • All application requirements listed above
  • Course-by-course transcript evaluations from one of the following approved agencies: WES, IEE, or ECE.
  • Demonstration of English language proficiency through one of the following methods (minimum):
    • Official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 79 (internet-based tests) or 213 (computer-based examinations)
    • Official International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic exam score of 6.5 (overall band)
    • Official Duolingo of English Test score of 110
    • Completion of undergraduate degree in English
    • Certification that English is the applicant’s native language

Prerequisite Courses for Non-Accounting Majors

The M.S. in Accounting program prepares students to pass the CPA and find early career success in a competitive industry. In addition to being open to accounting majors from Elon and other institutions, the program also welcomes students from other majors to apply. Non-accounting majors can apply if they meet the admissions requirements and have completed the following prerequisites courses:

  • ACC 2010: Principles of Accounting
  • BUS 2210: Legal and Ethical Environment of Business
  • ACC 3310: Intermediate Accounting I
  • ACC 3320: Intermediate Accounting II
  • ACC 3330: Intermediate Accounting III
  • ACC 3360: Cost Accounting
  • ACC 3410: Fundamentals of Income Taxation
  • ACC 3510: Accounting Information Systems
  • ACC 4970: Auditing

MSA Admissions Standards

A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.2 and accounting GPA of 3.1 are recommended. In addition, a GMAT score of 500 or GRE combined verbal and quantitative score of 297 are recommended.

If you have questions about admissions requirements and procedures, contact the Office of Graduate Admissions, at (336) 278-7600 or gradadm@elon.edu.

Accelerated 3+1 Business Dual-Degree

Elon also offers an Accelerated 3+1 Business Dual-Degree program in Accounting, which offers students the opportunity to earn both a bachelor’s degree (A.B., B.A., B.F.A. or B.S.) and M.S. degree in four years. Students admitted to this program will be allowed to take all 30 hours of graduate coursework prior to receiving their undergraduate degrees. Students in the 3+1 program must begin taking accounting classes during the first year at Elon, so it is important for these students to meet with an accounting advisor either prior to their enrollment at Elon or shortly thereafter.

Learn more about the Accelerated 3+1 program in Accounting