Master of Science in Accounting

Applying for the Cox MSA

Application Resources

Your application, supporting documents and personal interview are all very important to us, but most of all, we want to get to know you. Please reach out to us with your questions, try to visit us on campus so we can meet in person, and consider attending an admissions event or class. Studying at SMU Cox is an intimate experience and connections matter — starting now.

Application Requirements for ALL Applicants

• Submit online application
• Resume and Essays – uploaded in the online application (questions are available after creating and logging in to your online application and selecting MS in Accounting as the program applying to)
• GMAT or GRE score report (from exam taken within the last five years) - Application can be reviewed with unofficial score report uploaded online. Official score report should be submitted after a student is offered admission (SMU Cox GMAT school code: HWG-KN-59 and GRE school code: 6660). For 2023 entry terms, SMU Cox will continue a test-optional policy for all MBA and Specialized Masters programs. For the benefits of taking a test, click here to learn more.
• Transcripts - Application can be reviewed with unofficial transcripts or degree progress reports showing cumulative GPA and grades for each course taken; Official transcripts are REQUIRED after a student is offered admission.
• Transfer Transcripts - We require transcripts from any university/college at which the student earned 12 or more credit hours; Unofficial copies can be uploaded online; Official transfer transcripts are REQUIRED after a student is offered admission.
• Two references (name & contact information only - recommendation letters NOT required)
• You may submit the online application prior to completing the required exams, but your application will not be reviewed until all materials are received

Application Requirements for International Students

• Students applying to the Fall 2023 entry term have the option as to whether to submit a TOEFL/IELTS score as part of their application. For applicants without a test score, we assess your application based on a holistic review process that considers all your application components.
• All applicants whose native language is not English may submit either a TOEFL or IELTS Report. Test scores are valid for up to two years (from test date to date of application). SMU Cox TOEFL institution code: 6660. Again, for 2023 entry terms, SMU Cox will continue a test-optional policy for all MBA and Specialized Masters programs. For the benefits of taking a test, click here to learn more.

Prerequisites and Background Courses

The SMU Cox Program accepts students from a wide variety of educational backgrounds. Currently, over 20% of our MSA students do not have an undergraduate degree in accounting. No matter the background, applicants must demonstrate the necessary background for success in the program.

Most students who have attended colleges outside the US and those without a prior accounting degree will need to complete background courses at SMU during the summer before continuing the MSA Program in the fall. Offers of admittance will indicate if background courses are necessary.

All students must have completed introductory accounting courses (equivalent to Fundamentals of Accounting I and II) prior to being considered for admission to the MSA program. Descriptions of the topics covered in these courses are:

• Fundamentals of Accounting I (SMU's ACCT 2301) - Provides students with a comprehensive introduction to financial accounting under US GAAP. Students will gain an understanding of the principles and procedures of accounting, be able to construct basic financial statements including the cash flow statement and begin to read and interpret U.S. corporate financial reports.
• Fundamentals of Accounting II (SMU’s ACCT 2302) – Provides students with a comprehensive introduction to managerial accounting focusing on the use of internal accounting systems for planning, decision-making and control purposes. Students will gain an understanding of topics such as cost estimation, cost volume profit analysis, management control and capital budgeting and learn how to use these concepts and tools to make operational and strategic decisions.

Faculty in the MSA Program assume that students enter the program with a minimum level of prior knowledge related to accounting. Therefore, we require that all students have a background in US reporting that includes:

• Intermediate Accounting based on US GAAP. Having studied Intermediate Accounting in classes that focused on IFRS or another jurisdiction's standards is not sufficient preparation, as the level of familiarity with US GAAP will not be present.
• Taxation that is focused on the US Tax Law. Again, having studied taxation under another jurisdiction or studied taxation theory is not sufficient, as the familiarity with US Tax Law will not be present to allow for advanced studies.
• Accounting information systems that is focused on the commonly observed US structures and processes around financing reporting. Again, having studied systems under another jurisdiction or for other purposes is not sufficient, as the familiarity with US financial reporting will not be present to allow for advanced studies.

The goal of the MSA Program's background course requirements is to ensure students are prepared for and therefore not overwhelmed by the content, pace, and rigor of their graduate classes. 

Application Deadlines

If you are ready to submit your application, please do not wait for a specific deadline. We will process your application when it is submitted.

*Priority deadline for scholarships and fellowships

Tuition & Financing

Financing Your MSA

A graduate management education is one of the most important investments you'll ever make, and it's likely to produce one of your biggest ROIs — you won't just boost your career and earning potential, but you'll reap personal gains, too. If you need additional funding, you'll find that a variety of loan and private scholarship opportunities are available.

32 Credit Hours Estimated Annual Tuition & Fees:

Estimated Living Expenses*:

40 Credit Hours Estimated Annual Tuition & Fees:

Estimated Living Expenses*:

*This estimated total is based on the 2023-24 academic year. The cost may be more or less depending on the student's lifestyle, whether the student lives on-campus or off-campus and whether any family members accompany the student. 

Merit-Based Scholarship

SMU Cox is able to offer some merit-based scholarships to students exhibiting high academic potential. These scholarships are currently offered only to full-time students. All students whose completed application is received by the early application deadline of January 5th for fall admission will be considered for these scholarships. Choice between assurance/advisory and tax track and the applicant’s citizenship are not considered in awarding of scholarships.

FAQs

Click here to find answers to frequently asked questions