ADMISSIONS

Who Should Apply?
The MSA program is designed for recent baccalaureate graduates seeking to advance their career potential and also meet the academic requirements necessary to take the Virginia CPA examination.

To see which program track is right for you click here.

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Program Requirements
A bachelor's degree in accounting is required.

If you do not have a bachelor's degree in accounting, please contact the Virginia State Board of Accountancy to check your eligibility for CPA licensure.

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Admission Deadlines

	Priority Deadline	Second Round Decision Deadline
Fall Term*	March 15*	May 15
Spring Term	October 15	November 15

*Students who apply by the March 15 deadline have the option of taking one class in the summer semester upon approval of the admissions committee.

The MSA program classes are offered at the Fairfax Campus or the Arlington Campus.

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Application Requirements 

• Application (online application)
• A $60 application fee
• Two official copies of transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
• Official GMAT score
• Two letters of recommendation (professional or academic)
• A current resume
• Personal statement relating to post-MSA career goals
• Professional essay.  Choose one of the topics below.
  
  1.  Describe a professional situation where you demonstrated one of the following leadership competencies: visionary, strategic, tactical, focused, persuasive, likeable, decisive, ethical and inspirational.
  
  2.  Of Mason’s core values (creativity, rigor, diversity, team, integrity, and global community), which value resonates most with you and why?
  
• Interview (full-time applicants only)

No portion of the portfolio is considered more important than another; careful consideration is given to every part of the application packet to ensure that the admissions committee has an accurate profile of a candidate’s professional and academic qualifications. In rare circumstances, the admissions committee may request an interview as part of the application process.

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International Students
If you are an international student please click here for additional application requirements.

If you are not an international student, but have a degree from an institution outside of the U.S., please click here for additional requirements.

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Graduate Assistantships
Every year, the School of Management appoints a number of full-time MSA students to graduate assistantships (GA). This is a work assignment that could include faculty assistance, research, and tutoring. Teaching assistants (TAs) typically conduct recitation sessions, work one-on-one with students, and grade assignments and examinations. Research assistants (RAs) work with a faculty member or the MSA program office on specific research initiatives.

An assistantship is awarded to graduate students who demonstrate intellectual promise in the business field through past academic performance, GMAT test scores, and previous relevant work experience. Assistantships are awarded on a semester basis and are renewed for the subsequent term(s) provided the student's academic performance is good (a minimum 3.00 GPA).

While helping students cover their expenses, these positions offer outstanding exposure to the School of Management's educational and research programs. The stipend will vary with the type of appointment and the hours of work involved. All GA positions include a partial or full tuition waiver. Graduate assistants are required to enroll and complete a minimum of 9–12 credits (not counting audit hours) for each fall and spring term assigned. In general, full-time students are expected to carry a full 12-credit course load for the four semesters required to complete the MSA program.

To apply for an assistantship position, download the preliminary screening form. Please send the form via fax or postal mail to be included with your application.

MSA Admissions Office - Graduate Assistantships
School of Management, 5A2
4400 University Drive
Fairfax, VA 22030

Fax: 703-993-1778
Attn: MSA Graduate Assistantships

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Helpful Hints

• Academic or professional references are accepted.  Download the form here.
• Please try to keep the length of your resume to less than two pages. For every employment experience listed, include your specific responsibilities and accomplishments. Do not be afraid to include items that have enhanced you professionally (e.g., fluency in a foreign language, education abroad, civic honors and achievements, technical competencies, and leadership activities).
• The personal statement relates to post-MSA career goals.
• Proof read your essays.
• Items submitted to the university as part of an application become property of the university and cannot be returned the student.

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Admissions Process
The Admissions Committee will review your application. An interview is required for applicants for the full-time program only. We will notify you if you have been selected to interview.

All admissions decisions are final. You must enroll under the status for which you applied. To change your credit hour status, you must re-apply for that program.

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The MSA Admissions Office
George Mason University, Enteprise Hall, 042
4400 University Drive, 5A2
Fairfax, VA 22030
Phone: 703-993-2136
Fax: 703-993-1778
Email: msa@gmu.edu