When should I apply?
Students typically apply during the spring semester of their senior year.
Is there an early admissions policy?
The Accelerated Master's Program is intended for undergraduate accounting majors at Appalachian who wish to enroll in MS-Accounting courses. Through the Accelerated Master's Program, a rising senior (i.e., a student in the second semester of the junior year) or current senior at the start of their final year of enrollment may apply for admission to the MS-Accounting Program. The Accelerated Master's Program allows a student to take up to six hours of graduate credit as an undergraduate. Of these six hours, designated courses can double count for both the undergraduate and the graduate degree. To qualify for the Accelerated Master's Program, the student must qualify for the GMAT waiver.
Do I qualify for the GMAT waiver?
To qualify for the GMAT waiver, an applicant must have an undergraduate major in accounting with a 3.5/4 or better cumulative GPA from a regionally accredited school and two of three recommendations from accounting professors. In order to apply for the waiver, you should complete your application to the MS-Accounting program at grad.appstate.edu/apply. Input the names of your references and the Graduate School will send each a link to the recommendation form. There is a section that asks whether you want to apply for a GMAT waiver and how you are eligible. Your request is then evaluated to confirm eligibility.
When should I take the GMAT?
The GMAT will likely require some preparation so it is best to take the exam between semesters. Students are advised to take the GMAT either the summer after Junior year or winter break of Senior year.
What is the application deadline?
Spring Admission
November 1, general concentrations only
Summer Session 2 Admission
April 1, priority deadline is March 15
Fall Admission
July 1, priority deadline is March 15
What is the cost of the program?
Financial information regarding Appalachian State University's graduate school costs can be found at studentaccounts.appstate.edu/tuition-fees. Select appropriate year and “Graduate Tuition and Fee” link.
Are scholarships available?
The priority deadline to be considered for scholarships by the Cratis D. Williams School of Graduate Studies is March 15. The MS-Accounting program also has scholarships available (no GMAT required if you qualify for the waiver). The priority deadline for these scholarships is to have completed your application by April 1. A limited number of scholarships that cover the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition and fees are available through the Cratis D. Williams School of Graduate Studies. Scholarships are available on a semester-by-semester basis. General scholarships are available only fall and spring (not summer) semesters. There are also international travel scholarships for which students may apply if they are taking a study abroad course as part of their program of study.
How can I get a graduate assistantship?
A limited number of graduate assistantships, which include a stipend in exchange for 10 hours of work per week, are available on a first-come basis to students who have accepted the offer of admission to the program.
What other types of funding opportunities are available for graduate students?
- Barnes Program Student Research Grants provide business students with up to $2000 in funding to engage in research with a faculty mentor outside of the normal classroom experience. The research typically takes place in a formal setting that may involve hourly work as a research assistant. The research may also take place in less formal settings such as a student club activity. Learn more or apply.
- There are also funding opportunities through the Cratis D. Williams School of Graduate Studies, which can be found at graduate.appstate.edu.
Other questions
Please contact MSA Program Co-Directors, Dr. Dwayne McSwain or Dr. Mary Ann Hofmann, ms-accounting@appstate.edu, if you have any questions about the MS-Accounting program.