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Admissions - Open to All Majors!

Admission Requirements

Applicants seeking admission to the MSA graduate program are required to submit the following to the UNCW Graduate School:

  • An official application for graduate admissions
  • Official transcripts of all college work (graduate and undergraduate). Note that if you attended UNCW, you do not have to request UNCW transcripts.
    • Transcripts from foreign institutions must be evaluated by, a credentials agency before submission to UNCW.  UNCW only accepts evaluations from the World Education Service or Educational Credential Evaluators.
    • Official paper transcripts should be mailed to The Graduate School, UNCW, 601 South College Road, Wilmington, NC 28403-5955 or electronic transcripts (password protected)can be e-mailed directly by the institution to gradtranscripts@uncw.edu. 
  • Official test scores:
    • Graduate Management Admissions Test ( GMAT)
      • WAIVED - Test scores are waived for this program during 2022 due to the pandemic. No additional action required. Test scores will be waived during application processing.
      • Note that scores more than five years old will not be accepted
      • Beginning Fall 2022 the GMAT is no longer required, but it is recommended for applicants with less than a 3.0 GPA.
      • The UNCW institution code for the GMAT is 5907
  • TOEFL (79 points on iBT) or IELTS (6.5 points) (required for non-native English speakers)
  • Three letters of recommendation by individuals who can comment on the applicant's potential for successful completion of a master's degree program.
    (only electronic references submitted as part of the on-line application process will be accepted)
  • Applicant's resume (curriculum vitae)
  • A non refundable application fee of $75.00
  • International students requiring visa sponsorship must also complete the  international student forms and provide  proof of financial support
Paths to Admission

Persons entering the MSA program must have completed 4 core accounting courses and a financial management course prior to beginning the program. Two additional accounting courses may be completed prior to the program or may be taken as overload courses in the fall 1 and fall 2 terms.

UNCW Accounting students meet all prerequisite course requirements and may apply for regular fall admission.

It is highly recommended, for students who are nonaccounting majors, accounting majors/minors from other schools or accounting minors from UNCW to meet with program coordinator/director to discuss the most appropriate option.

Option 1.

Complete prerequisite courses in residence at UNCW during the summer prior to admission to the MSA program. Additional core requirements may be completed during the first semester in residence in the MSA program.  NOTE: MUST APPLY FOR SUMMER ADMISSION INTO THE MSA PROGRAM IF THIS OPTION IS CHOSEN

Option 2.

Complete prerequisite courses at another accredited university. The MSA Director should approve the university and specific courses in advance to ensure they will be accepted for prerequisite credit.

Option 3.

Prerequisite courses can be completed during the regular academic year at UNCW or at another accredited university. The applicant would then be eligible to apply for the MSA program the following year.

Prerequisite Courses

  • *ACG 301 External Financial Reporting I (Intermediate Financial Accounting I)
  • *ACG 302 External Financial Reporting II (Intermediate Financial Accounting II)
  • *ACG 306 Accounting Information Systems
  • *ACG 404 Federal Income Tax
  • *FIN 335 (offered as ACG 495) Principles of Financial Management 
  • ACG 305 Advanced Managerial Accounting (Cost Accounting)
  • ACG 406 Internal Control Systems (Audit)

*These courses must be completed prior to starting the MSA program.

UNCW Graduate School
UNCW - Graduate School General Information and Forms