Master of Science in Accounting (Professional Track)

Isenberg’s MS in Accounting the top-ranked program in New England and one of a select few to achieve the prestigious AACSB accreditation in accounting — prepares you for the best jobs in accounting, in a way that fits your lifestyle. Working with internationally recognized faculty in accounting and auditing, you will learn to apply real-world solutions and practices through a progressive curriculum committed to team-based learning and hands-on problem solving. The knowledge you gain in the program will fulfill the educational requirements to become a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Massachusetts. The program requires 30 credits of graduate coursework, which includes six required core classes and four elective classes that can be taken on-campus or online. We developed the curriculum in close consultation with our Accounting Advisory Council and with feedback from our students. The Advisory Council is made up of alumni partners and executives who are strongly committed to our program. The knowledge you gain in the program will be applicable to the CPA exam and your future career.

Isenberg seeks the best and brightest. MS in Accounting candidates are evaluated based on academic history, evidence of motivation and aptitude for graduate-level work, and professional experience.GMAT/GRE scores are only required at the request of the Program Director. If you have a score that you would like to submit, we will include it in our overall review of your application. A solid GMAT/GRE score enhances any application. Instances where the Program Director will ask for a score are when an applicant has below a 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA and completed their bachelor’s degree within only one to two years of applying.Personal StatementA personal essay should be one to two pages in length, and include information about your past and current academic and professional history, your future goals and reasons for pursuing the MS in Accounting, and other pertinent details that will help us evaluate you as a candidate.Resumé/CVYour resume should outline your work history including post-graduate professional work experience, and any positions held during college. Work experience is not a requirement for admission, but will enhance your application. Internship experience should be highlighted, as well as community service, student and civic club membership, athletics. Professional experience includes positions that involve decision making responsibility: leadership, executive, managerial, supervisory or teaching positions, and military service.Graduate School Short Essay Please take the time to answer all parts of the following question. 600 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but do not feel obligated to do so. At UMass Amherst, no two students are alike. Our communities and groups often define us and shape our individual worlds. Community can refer to various aspects, including shared geography, religion, race/ethnicity, income, ideology, ability, sexuality, gender, and more. Please choose one of your communities or groups and describe its significance. Explain how your experience in this community or group would enable you to enrich the following: 1. Your department/program/our campus 2. Your field/discipline Official TranscriptsPlease submit your transcripts from all colleges/universities attended, undergraduate and graduate, where nine (9) or more credits were earned. Unofficial transcripts uploaded to the 'Additional Materials' page of your application are acceptable. Upon admittance, official transcripts will need to be submitted, either electronically or in paper format, directly by each institution's Registrar to the Graduate Student Service Center. Review the instructions on this page for instructions on submitting official transcripts.Letters of RecommendationYour two letters of recommendation should be from individuals who know you on a professional or academic level well enough to provide specific examples and details regarding your past performance and competencies. Any combination of professional or academic references is acceptable.GMAT/GRE Score (Waivers Available)