Business Administration Accounting
MS
Why study Business Administration Accounting?
The Master of Science in Business Administration-Accounting Program (MSBA in Accounting) is a degree program which, when added to a business bachelors degree in Accounting or its equivalent, satisfies the education requirements to sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Examination in the State of Ohio and 45 other states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam. The MSBA in Accounting Program is designed for the following types of students:
- Students with a bachelors degree in accounting (30-semester graduate credits)
- Students with non-accounting business degrees (54-semester graduate credits)
- Students with non-business degrees (55-semester graduate credits)
The MSBA in Accounting Program is offered in two formats:
- Full-Time Program where students can take 12 to 18 semester credits of coursework per term
- Part-Time Program where students take two courses per term in the evenings
Successful accountants possess excellent critical thinking skills and the ability to analyze information. Other attributes include:
- Problem solving skills
- Ability to identify and control risk
- Strong communication skills
- Team building skills
Successful graduates entering the accounting field can enhance their marketability in three ways:
- High grades, as many accounting employers look for an overall GPA of 3.2 or greater
- Work experience in the form of co-op or internships
- Leadership experiences in campus and/or community groups
Admission Requirements
- Resume - Ensure your resume clearly lists the dates of any professional (ex: full-time role, internships, co-ops), volunteer, non-profit, or any other leadership experiences. There is no formatting requirement, however, please review your resume for any grammatical mistakes and it should not be longer than 2 pages.
- Transcript - You must have a US bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, or for international students the equivalent of a US bachelor's degree by the time of application. You may submit an unofficial copy of all of your undergraduate and graduate transcripts (and degree documents if applicable) with your application; official transcripts will be required if you're admitted and enroll.
- Essays - Please complete the following prompt in 500 words or less: Why do you want to complete this program and how will it help you in your chosen career field?
- Letters of Recommendation - Please select two recommenders who will be able to discuss your professional performance, academic performance, and/or work style. This can include previous supervisors, faculty members, or mentors. Letters of recommendation must come directly from the listed recommender on your application. IMPORTANT: Your application will not move forward in the review process until we receive both letters of recommendation.
- Standardized Tests - The GMAT and GRE are optional. Test scores must be sent officially from the testing agency to UC.
- Application Fee - Applicants are required to complete the fee payment of $65 ($70 for international applicants) in order to complete their application
Graduates of the UC Lindner College of Business accounting program can find career opportunities in public and corporate accounting. Employers include both national and international public accounting firms (Big 4), regional and local public accounting firms, financial services firms, manufacturing firms, and retailers. Examples of jobs include:
- CPAs (Certified Public Accountants) in public auditing
- Managerial/cost accountants
- Internal revenue agents
- Tax consultants
- Internal auditors
- Financial executives
- Accounting professionals in governmental and non-profit organizations
The Master's of Science in Accounting degree is granted to those who satisfactorily complete the required course work, carrying a minimum GPA of 3.0 or more. The degree must be completed within five years of acceptance into the program. All students must contract for graduation and be enrolled for at least one credit hour of study each academic year.
Students can transfer up to 12 semester hours of graduate credit from an AACSB accredited university. The course must have been taken within the past five years, with a grade of B or better. Courses must be approved by the academic director.
English Proficiency
If your native language is not English, you must demonstrate your proficiency in English. This includes submitting an IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo test score. Please click the link below to see the minimum score to be eligible for the program.
Application Deadlines
Application Deadlines
- Apply by the priority deadline for first consideration for funding, an earlier admissions decision, additional time to find housing, and for international students, additional time to secure your visa
-Applications will close when a program reaches capacity, so it's important to apply early
-Your application is not considered complete until we have all the application materials
Summer 2024
- Part-Time start only
- Priority: February 15, 2024
- Final Domestic: April 15, 2024
- No international applications accepted for Summer part-time start
Fall 2024
- Priority & international deadline: January 31, 2024
- International deadline: April 15, 2024
- Final Domestic: July 31, 2024
Spring 2025
- Priority & International deadline: October 15, 2024
- Final Domestic: December 1, 2024
The Carl H. Lindner College of Business has held AACSB accreditation continuously since 1917. AACSB International business accreditation is an achievement earned only by programs of the highest caliber. Institutions that earn accreditation confirm their commitment to quality and continuous improvement through a rigorous and comprehensive peer review. Less than one-third of U.S. business school programs and only 15% of business school programs worldwide meet the rigorous standards of AACSB International accreditiation.
Contact Information
1319 Lindner Hall
2906 Woodside Drive, PO Box 10211
Cincinnati, OH 45221-0211
(513) 556-7020
graduate@uc.edu
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Program Code: 22MAS-BAA-MS