Admission Requirements

What You Need to Apply

When you are ready to apply, you will complete the entire process online.

The documents outlined below are required components of the application. A file is not complete until all documents have been submitted by the student and processed by the university.

Submit the online application and application fee.

Once you have created an account, you will be able to access the application form. You do not need to complete the form in one sitting.

Upload required materials into the application.

  1. Transcript(s) with university-level coursework
    • Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for consideration of admission.*
  2. Optional standardized test scores (not required for admission)
    • Self-reported test scores must be accompanied with an unofficial student score report submitted in the application or an official score report sent directly to the university.*
    • Standardized test scores are not required for admission. Students wishing to provide test scores may still do so through the application.
  3. Reference List
    • Please provide the names and contact information for three references.
  4. Cover letter/statement of goals
    • Use this opportunity to write a well-crafted, quick review of your background, why you plan to pursue an M.S. in Accountancy at the College and your career goals post-graduation. There is no word limit.
  5. Professional Resume
  6. Conduct an Interview with the program director. The program director will contact you to schedule the interview once a preliminary assessment of your application has occurred.
  7. English Proficiency Exam, TOEFL/IELTS/DuoLingo (International students only)

Please submit all required materials as early as possible to allow time for documents to be received and processed by the deadline.

*If admitted, you will be required to provide all official transcripts and test scores directly from the university or test agency.

International students must show that previous coursework is based on U.S. accounting, tax and legal standards if taken in their home country. Equivalent standards can be demonstrated through course descriptions and syllabi.

It is the responsibility of applicants with non-AACSB accredited undergraduate business degrees to provide evidence that prerequisite coursework is sufficient.

Any exception to pre-requisite courses requires permission of the M.S. in Accountancy program director.

When to Apply

Once an application is submitted, qualified students will be invited to interview with the director of graduate admissions and other members of the accountancy program faculty. Only completed applications with all required documents will be considered for interviews.

Round Application Deadline Decision By
Priority/Round 1 October 1 December 1
Round 2 February 1 March 1
Round 3 March 1 Rolling
Final July 1 Rolling

Candidates who submit a completed application by the priority deadline will automatically be considered for Graduate School and/or graduate program funding.

Received documents are not returnable or transferable.

What We Look For

The program looks for talented, motivated individuals who will succeed academically. Our accountancy students are expected to contribute to a dynamic classroom with team-based learning and participate fully in the program. While professional work experience is encouraged, it is not a requirement for admission.
  • Required Coursework

    While a bachelor's degree in accounting is not required, there are pre-requisite courses that must be completed successfully to be considered for the program. Prerequisites may be taken at institutions other than the College of Charleston provided that those institutions are AACSB accredited. In cases where courses have been completed at non-AACSB institutions, the accountancy admissions committee will determine whether the coursework should be accepted as of sufficient quality of admission.

    International students will likely have to take additional coursework in financial accounting, business law, and taxation before entering the program to ensure that these topics were taught based upon United Standards.

    Business Prerequisite Courses

    • Principles of Microeconomics
    • Principles of Macroeconomics
    • Business Law (Legal Env. of Business)
    • Business Statistics
    • Management & Organizational Behavior
    • Marketing Concepts
    • Business Finance

    Accounting Prerequisite Courses

    • Accounting Information Systems
    • Cost Accounting
    • Intermediate Accounting I
    • Intermediate Accounting II
    • Intermediate Accounting III*
    • Federal Taxation
    • Auditing

    *Some undergraduate accounting programs combine the intermediate accounting curriculum into a two-course sequence. The College of Charleston’s undergraduate accounting curriculum covers similar material in a three-course sequence. Please direct any questions about the Intermediate Accounting prerequisites to program director, Dr. Robert Hogan at hoganrs@cofc.edu.

  • Transcripts

    College of Charleston requires all students to have earned a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution at the time of matriculation of the applied start term. A competitive GPA with an A/B average is expected or a 3.0 in upper-level coursework. Official transcripts will be required if admitted.

  • Standardized Testing

    A standardized test score is not required for admission. However, if you choose to submit a test score, both the GRE and GMAT are accepted, but the GMAT is preferred. A competitive score is recommended.

  • Cover Letter/Statement of Goals

    Use this opportunity to write a well-crafted review of your academic and professional background, your motivation to pursue a Master of Science in Accountancy at the College and your career goals post-graduation. There is no word limit.

  • Interviews

    Interviews are by invitation only. After we receive and review applications, select candidates will be invited to schedule an interview. All interviews are scheduled virtually through Zoom or over the telephone.