The Master of Science with a major in accounting is designed to provide an appropriate knowledge base for entry into the accounting profession. Students earning this degree will have completed an educational program consistent with recommendations from professional accountants and accounting educators, and will be prepared for entry into careers as professional accountants either in the public or private sector.

The program is open to any qualified student who has an interest in professional accounting, regardless of the student’s previous program of study. Every student completing the program will have fulfilled the professional program requirements outlined below.

Prospective students may contact the CoB Graduate Programs Office for an estimate of the program requirements and the length of time required to complete the program.

Admission requirements

Students may apply for admission to the MS program in either of two ways. Students pursuing the five-year, 150-semester-hour program are admitted to the graduate portion of the program upon satisfactory completion of 103 hours of the 114-hour undergraduate portion of the professional program. Students who previously have earned a baccalaureate (or higher) degree from an accredited institution in any discipline may apply for admission directly to the graduate portion of the program.

Students who meet the following requirements may be admitted to the MS with a major in accounting program:

1. admission to UNT and to the Toulouse Graduate School as specified previously in this section; and
2. The following additional admission materials are submitted to the CoB Graduate Programs Office:
   1. essay – The applicant is asked to share with the admissions committee any unique events, life experiences, and qualifications that distinguish the applicant’s candidacy and will add value to the class;
   2. two letters of recommendation (professional, not personal); and
   3. resume (work/academic experience).

Applications forwarded by the Toulouse Graduate School cannot be considered until the above information is submitted.

The applications and supporting documentation will be reviewed by the CoB admission committee. The Graduate Programs Office will notify applicants of their status once the information has been reviewed. Applicants may also check the status by visiting my.unt.edu.

Degree requirements

The student earning the MS with a major in accounting must meet the following requirements:

1. completion of background courses in accounting and business as necessary;
2. completion of at least 36 semester hours of graduate work beyond background courses assigned by the department;
3. a GPA of at least a 3.0 on all graduate work taken at UNT;
4. a GPA of at least a 3.0 on all accounting courses (excluding ACCT 5800 ) taken at UNT after admission to graduate school;
5. a GPA of at least a 3.0 on all courses taken for graduate credit;
6. at least 30 hours in 5000-level accounting courses (no more than 6 semester credit hours of graduate level accounting courses may be transferred – subject to UNT Department of Accounting approval); and
7. minimum academic standards for master’s students.