Undergraduate Accounting Core
MSA Course Requirements
Sample Program Outlines
Other Program Information
Admissions Requirements
Admission to the MSA program requires acceptable scores on the Graduate Management Admission Test, an above-average overall grade point average, an above-average accounting grade point average (if applicable) and may include either a personal or telephone interview. An Admissions Committee also evaluates each applicant's communication skills, work experience and recommendations provided by instructors, colleagues and supervisors. Admission decisions are based on a combination of the factors. Some of these are listed below:
- Evidence of scholarly accomplishment as shown by a minimum GPA of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale. As one of several factors, a GPA above 2.7 does not guarantee admission just as a GPA lower than 2.7 does not automatically eliminate one's application. See the formula on the next page.
- The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is required of all MSA applicants. This test is used in conjunction with a candidate's GPA to evaluate academic potential. The admissions committee must receive GMAT test scores before it can make any admission decisions. A minimum score of 500 is required for admission. Attaining the 40th percentile or higher on both the GMAT verbal and quantitative scores is also generally required. Attaining these minimum GMAT scores does not guarantee admission. General information on the GMAT (including retaking the GMAT) is available at http://www.mba.com/mba. For the incoming MSA class for Fall 2006, the average GMAT was 611 and the average undergraduate GPA was 3.48.
- A resume listing previous work experiences and accomplishments. Although not required, work experience is considered favorably in the admissions process.
- Letters of recommendation, used to assess academic or job performance.
- A written response to the essay question "Discuss your objectives and reasons for pursing an advanced degree. Indicate your career plans upon completion of graduate study" is required. This response is used to assess goals and objectives as well as written communication skills.
International applicants whose native language is not English are also required to submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Kent State University requires a minimum TOEFL score of 550 for admission to all graduate programs (the computer adaptive test-minimum is 213). The Department of Accounting normally requires a higher minimum TOEFL score for admission to the MSA program. The average TOEFL score for the 2005 incoming MSA class was 630.
The Admission Committee considers applications as they become complete and attempts to respond within four weeks.
GPA / GMAT Requirements -- Admission Formula
The following score is used for admission purposes, but that attaining the minimum score does not guarantee admission:
(1700 or higher for Undergraduate accounting majors; 1100 or higher for non-accounting majors)
*: Excluding Principles I & II; for UG accounting majors only.
**: A 500 or higher total GMAT score, and 40th percentile or higher GMAT verbal and quantitative score.
Application Deadlines
All International Students: March 15
Applications received after these deadlines will be considered on a space-available basis.
Application Procedure
The Graduate School of Management has a standard application process for students as detailed in the application instructions. The application includes the $30 application fee which is nonrefundable, the ethnic data form, official transcripts from all universities previously attended, a resume, a response to an essay question, three letters of recommendation, the graduate assistantship application (if applying), official GMAT scores, and the application form itself. The check or money order should be payable to Kent State University.
The application form and fees should be mailed to:
Graduate School of Management
Kent State University
P. O. Box 5190
Kent OH 44242-0001
An online application is available on this website.