Overview
| MSA | Fall Deadlines | Spring Deadlines | Summer Deadlines |
|---|---|---|---|
| International | April 15 | September 15 | January 15 |
| Priority, Traditional | April 15 | September 15 | January 15 |
| Traditional | July 15 | November 15 | April 15 |
The M.S. in Accounting admissions policy is designed to select outstanding students who have demonstrated academic ability and leadership. Each applicant is considered holistically on completed academic work, test scores, evidence of leadership and motivation, and letters of recommendation.
Admissions Requirements & Procedures
Frequently Asked Questions
Admissions
May I send you my transcripts, GMAT/GRE score or other supporting documents before I submit my application?
Yes, you may send documents to our office before submitting your application. All documents will be held for one year. Documents can be mailed to:
Elon University
Office of Graduate Admissions
2750 Campus Box
Elon, NC 27244
Official transcripts can also be submitted electronically to gradadm@elon.edu, or uploaded via our application portal.
What are your deadlines for application submission?
The M.S. in Accounting program enrolls annually in July. Applications are evaluated on a rolling basis throughout the year. The standard submission date each year is April 15. After April 15, applications will be received on a space-available basis.
Will you notify me if something is missing from my application?
Once your application is submitted you will be able to track your application via your status page. When you log on, you will be able to view the documents our office has received. It is your responsibility to request GMAT/GRE scores, transcripts, and recommendation letters. We will make an effort to contact you if your application is incomplete.
How do I start an application?
Students planning on applying to the MS in Accounting program must first submit an MSA Application Creation Form on the Admissions section of the website. This form will then be reviewed by a member of the Graduate Admissions team, and an application will be generated for you. You will receive an email with further instructions on how to submit your official application.
How quickly is an admissions decision made?
All decisions are made on a rolling basis. Once all application materials have been received, a decision is typically rendered within two weeks.
How will I receive an admissions decision?
All applicants will receive an email notifying them of the admission committee’s decision.
Do I have to have a certain GPA to be admitted?
A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.2 and accounting GPA of 3.1 are recommended to be considered for admission.
Coursework & Prerequisites
How long is the program?
The program is offered in both a 3+1 and 4+1 format. 3+1 is offered exclusively for Elon accounting majors or Elon students who have completed the accounting prerequisites. It allows students to begin their graduate coursework in what would traditionally be considered their senior year of college, completing both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in 4 years. 4+1 is offered to both Elon and non-Elon students who already hold bachelor’s degrees or will hold bachelor’s degrees prior to beginning their graduate accounting coursework. The program is less than 12 months in length.
What sort of academic background do I need?
While most students in the program do hold a degree in accounting, it is not required. Students from other majors are welcome to apply, as long as they have fulfilled all eight prerequisite courses.
Is work experience required prior to admission?
No. While you are welcome to apply with work experience, most students enrolled in the MSA program are doing so immediately following their undergraduate studies.
Will I be required to take any prerequisite courses?
Students who hold undergraduate degrees in accounting are not required to take any additional courses outside of what was required for their major. Students who do not hold degrees in accounting are required to have completed the following courses to be considered for admission:
- 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 3410: Fundamentals of Income Taxation
- ACC 3510: Accounting Information Systems
- ACC 4970: Auditing
International applicants who are missing any of the above courses but still hold an accounting degree will have their applications reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
GMAT/GRE
Am I required to take the GMAT/GRE?
Current Elon students are not required to take the GMAT or GRE. Students applying outside of Elon for 4+1 are required to take the GMAT or GRE unless approved for a waiver.
What score is required for the GMAT/ GRE?
A GMAT score of 500 or GRE combined verbal and quantitative score of 297 are recommended.
If I take the GMAT/GRE test more than once, does Elon average my scores or use the highest score?
If you take the GMAT multiple times, we will take the highest score. If you take the GRE multiple times, we will combine the highest scores from each section of your tests.
Is one test preferred over the other?
No. We encourage applicants to take the exam with which they are most comfortable.
How do I go about getting a GMAT/GRE waiver?
For non-Elon students, Applicants requesting a GMAT/GRE waiver must meet at least two of the following for consideration:
- 3.5 or higher cumulative undergraduate GPA from a regionally accredited college or university
- Successful completion of a graduate degree from a regionally accredited college or university within the last 10 years
- Professional certification (i.e.: CPA, CFA, PMP, etc.)
Will I automatically be approved for a GMAT/GRE waiver?
If you meet at least two of the requirements listed above, you are eligible to request a GMAT/GRE waiver. Applying for a waiver does not guarantee approval. The admissions committee will review this request after your completed application is processed. A completed application includes all supporting documents such as transcripts, recommendation letters and resume. A waiver decision will be made within two weeks of being sent to the admissions committee.
Cost
What is the cost of the program?
The current estimated total program cost is $40,290 with each credit hour being $1,343 for the 2023-2024 academic year.
What additional expenses can I expect to incur while I am a student?
Other than tuition, there are very few expenses students will have to pay. Students will need to purchase books, but that cost varies per class. There is also a $30 parking permit fee for graduate students.