How to Apply: MS in Accountancy/MS in Taxation

We require all students to have the equivalent of an undergraduate accounting degree. However, have a degree in a different discipline, you can still apply to the MACC or MTAX programs but will be assigned prerequisite coursework to complete prior to enrolling or as part of the graduate program. Contact the Graduate Accountancy Programs office at acctinst@sandiego.edu for a list of prerequisite courses.

Non-accounting, business undergraduate degree:

If you have a non-accounting, business undergraduate degree, you may apply but you will be required to complete 24 semester units of accounting prerequisite coursework (27 semester units of accounting prerequisites for the MTAX program). If you have already completed some of the undergraduate requirements, we will consider waiving those courses and units.

Non-accounting, non-business undergraduate degree:

You may still apply even if you do not have an undergraduate accountancy or business degree. However, we require that you complete 24 semester units of accounting prerequisite coursework (27 semester units of accounting prerequisites for the MTAX program) and 18 semester units of business prerequisite coursework. If you have already completed some of the undergraduate requirements, we will consider waiving those courses and units.

Additional curriculum requirements:

For MACC Track B: Business Analytics in Accounting, applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and must have completed Accounting Information Systems and Statistics for Business and Economics or the equivalent with grades of B or better. Once admitted to the MACC program, you will be required to do an interview with an admissions counselor from the master's in business analytics program.

GMAT/GRE exams nor work experience are not required for admission into the MACC or MTAX programs.

If you are already enrolled in a MACC or MTAX program at another AACSB accredited business school, you may be able to transfer a maximum of six credits. Transfer requests are handled on a case-by-case basis and must be approved by the academic director. Applicants must complete the full graduate accountancy application.

Within a few days of submitting your online application, you will receive an email from the Office of Graduate Admissions titled "Track Your USD Application" that contains login information for your MySanDiego portal. In this portal, you can review your personal application checklist to make sure we have received all your application materials.

Since your application status can change daily, we encourage you to be proactive in ensuring that your application is complete. Please note that it can take one week or longer to process your materials during busy periods. If your submitted documents are not showing as received, it is possible our graduate admissions staff has not yet processed them. We cannot review your application until we have received and processed all required materials.

In addition to the application requirements listed above, international students must also:

• Submit an official international transcript evaluation (also called a foreign credential evaluation) from an approved evaluation service
• Submit TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo English exam scores
• If admitted, you will need to submit additional documents to receive an I-20, which you can use to apply for an F1 student visa

Review USD’s complete application checklist for international students.

If admitted, international students are required to participate in the International Student Introductory Program (ISIP) unless you have worked or attended a school in the U.S for two or more years. The program prepares you for a successful transition into a graduate level business program and the University of San Diego community. The program takes place early to mid-August, before fall classes begin.

Note: Students who do not attend ISIP are required to attend the International Student Orientation in August (hosted by USD’s Office of International Students)

For applicants educated in India, three-year bachelor's degrees earned in Division I and II at institutions accredited by the NAAC with a minimum grade of A are typically viewed by World Education Services (WES) as equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree. Applicants with a three-year degree from India that does not meet the requirements above can complete a one-year post-graduate certificate program or a master's program in India to meet the USD’s academic entrance requirements.

You can request to defer admission to the MACC or MTAX program for one year. Requests must be made in writing and are granted on a case-by-case basis by the admissions committee.

Scholarship recipients who defer admission will be guaranteed a scholarship for the following academic year. However, the total amount of your original scholarship award may change depending on scholarship funds available the year you begin your program.

If you have an undergraduate accounting degree, the MACC or MTAX program is 30 units (10 courses) and will take 10 to 12 months to complete on a full-time basis. You can also study on a part-time basis, in which case it will take longer to complete the degree.

If you do not have an accounting degree, you will need to take prerequisite classes in addition to graduate accountancy courses, which may extend your program. While you have flexibility in how many classes you take and when, it is recommended that you plan carefully as classes are generally offered once a year.

For international applicants, the program is 30 units (10 courses) and may include additional prerequisite courses, spread out over approximately 17 months.

Our graduate courses are held year-round on-campus during fall, intersession (January), spring and summer. Classes have various start dates throughout the semester. Classes that are five weeks long are held two nights per week. Our ten-week classes are held one night per week. Prerequisite classes are held during daytime hours.*

*Note to students in MACC Track B (Business Analytics in Accounting): MSBA classes are held on-campus, several days a week and take place during the day. These classes last for two to eight weeks.

Tuition for the MBA program is based on a per unit fee. There are no additional fees for international students or non-California residents since we are a private, tuition-based institution. USD and the Knauss School of Business offer many resources to help pay for tuition including scholarships and financial aid. These include low-interest loans to admitted students, thanks to agreements with our partner, Prodigy Finance.

You can visit our tuition page for the estimated cost of this school year and to find additional information on financial support.

To excel in your MACC or MTAX admission interview, consider these key strategies:

• Research: Familiarize yourself with our school's values, culture, and the specifics of the MACC or MTAX program to align your responses with what the program offers.
• Review Your Application: Be well-acquainted with your application materials, including essays and resume, to provide consistent and detailed responses during the interview.
• Practice Common Questions: Prepare answers for typical questions like "Tell me about yourself," "What are your career goals?" and "Why are you interested in our program?"
• Highlight Strengths: Be ready to discuss your unique skills, achievements, leadership experiences, and how you've handled challenges.
• Prepare Questions: Bring thoughtful questions that demonstrate your interest and how our program aligns with your future goals.
• Professional Demeanor: Dress professionally and come prepared.