What is the deadline for submitting an application for admission into the Master of Science in Professional Accountancy?

The admission process for the Master of Science in Professional Accountancy is a rolling admission process, with the deadline for summer admission no later than April 1, August 1 for fall, and December 1 for spring.

Is admission into the Master of Science in Professional Accountancy restricted to summer admission only?

Generally, the primary admission semester for applicants into the Master of Science in Professional Accountancy is the summer because most applicants complete their undergraduate degree in accounting in May. However, applicants who complete their undergraduate degree in accounting in the summer (e.g., August) or fall (e.g., December) may submit an application for admission in the fall or spring semester. Admission in the fall or spring results in the applicant taking the elective courses during those semesters and the core courses in the summer. The deadline for admission in the fall or spring is August 1 and December 1, respectively.

Is a GMAT required?

The GMAT is required upon request.

What is the minimum GMAT score considered appropriate for admission into the Master of Professional Accountancy?

If required there is no minimum GMAT. The GMAT score and your undergraduate degree will be factors in determining your admission into the program.

Are letters of recommendation required for Marist College accounting graduates?

No.

Can an applicant who did not receive an undergraduate degree in accounting be admitted into the Master of Professional Accountancy?

The Master of Science in Professional Accountancy program is designed for applicants who have received an undergraduate degree in accounting and are pursuing additional courses to meet the 150-hour CPA licensing requirement. Accordingly, the program assumes that applicants admitted have working knowledge of U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and U.S. generally accepted auditing standards.

If an applicant with a degree in a business discipline other than accounting wishes to pursue the Master of Professional Accountancy, he/she can take undergraduate accounting courses to obtain the necessary knowledge of U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and U.S. generally accepted auditing standards.
The prerequisite accounting courses are as follows:

• Introduction to Financial Accounting
• Introduction to Managerial Accounting
• Intermediate Accounting I
• Intermediate Accounting II
• Advanced Accounting
• Auditing
• Income Tax Accounting
• Cost Accounting
• Accounting Information Systems

All prerequisite courses have to be completed prior to admission into the Master of Science in Professional Accountancy.

Secondly, an applicant who does not have an undergraduate degree in accounting but has work experience in accounting may apply to the program. The applicant is required to submit a resume to the Director of the Master of Science in Professional Accountancy, detailing his/her accounting experience. The Director will review that experience to determine whether he/she considers the work experience to be equivalent to accounting knowledge obtained in an undergraduate degree in accounting from a U.S. university. However, to sit for the CPA and be licensed as a CPA exam in the State of New York, the applicant should be aware that the New York Office of Professions, which oversees the licensing of CPAs, requires 33 hours in accounting and 36 hours in business courses. If an applicant plans to sit for the CPA exam in another jurisdiction, he/she should check with that jurisdiction to determine the requirements for becoming a licensed CPA.

Does the Master of Science in Professional Accountancy accommodate applicants who work full-time, given that the summer core courses are full-time?

Applicants who work full-time can be admitted into the Master of Science in Professional Accountancy. However, these applicants will be required to make an arrangement with their employer to permit them to attend the core courses taught in the summer.

What is the tuition for the Master of Science in Professional Accountancy?

The tuition for the Master of Science in Professional Accountancy is $31,500

How many hours does a student have to take at Marist to be considered a full-time student in a graduate program?

A full-time student at Marist is defined as someone who takes a minimum of nine (9) hours.

Are there scholarships or financial aid available to students admitted into the Master of Science in Professional Accountancy?

Yes, merit scholarships are available based on your cumulative GPA from your most recent degree granting institution. Financial aid is available to those who file their FAFSA.

Can an applicant who obtains his/her undergraduate degree in accounting from an online institution (e.g., University of Phoenix) apply for admission into the Master of Science in Professional Accountancy?

Students with an undergraduate degree in accounting from a regionally accredited institution may apply to the Master of Science in Professional Accountancy program

Is a student admitted to the Master of Science in Professional Accountancy required to complete the degree requirements within one year after beginning the program?

While most students complete the requirements for the Master of Science in Professional Accountancy within a year after beginning the program, the program is flexible and permits students who may have work conflicts to arrange their classes around the conflicts. However, the student is required to inform the Director of the Master of Science in Professional Accountancy, of his/her schedule to complete the requirements for the degree. Moreover, the Registrar will have to be informed if the student does not take classes in consecutive semesters. For example, the student takes fall classes, but due to the busy season, he/she is required to miss the Spring semester.

Can a student take online courses on a non-matriculating basis?

No. Students cannot take online courses on a non-matriculating basis.

Where are the summer core classes taught?

The summer core classes are taught on Marist's main campus in Poughkeepsie, NY.