MSA

“With guidance from world-class

staff and faculty, I have been able
to grow both as an individual and
as an accountant.”
- Jesse Martinez, MSA (2016)
Audit Associate, BKD CPAs and Advisors

PROSPECTIVE
STUDENT GUIDE
The Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) degree from the University of Colorado
“The MSA
Colorado Springs is an excellent choice for those with an undergraduate degree in
accounting or business with an emphasis in accounting who want to pursue an helps graduates
accounting career and/or licensure as a CPA. develop a deep
The MSA helps graduates develop a deep knowledge of accounting. This 30
knowledge of
credit hour program, together with a student’s undergraduate degree in business accounting.”
or accounting, is designed to satisfy the 150 credit hour requirement for licensure
in Colorado and most other states.

Keep reading to learn more about how the MSA program can
help you advance your career.

MSA PROGRAM UCCS.edu/MSA | GSBA@uccs.edu | (719) 255-3408

 MSA

More info and help INFORMATION SESSIONS/WEBINARs

with the process Learn more about the program and the application process.
To RSVP, call (719) 255-3408 or email gsba@uccs.edu.

Can this work with COURSE INFORMATION

my schedule? • Fall/Spring class meeting times: 4:45-7:20 pm or 7:30-10:05 pm
• 16-week Fall and Spring semesters
• Campus courses meet once a week.
• Summer semester class meeting times: Will vary
• 8-week Summer semester
• Flexible Scheduling: Business (non-Accounting) electives may be
taken fully online

What is the time Students may also fast-track through the MSA, completing their
degree requirements in an accelerated 12-month time frame.
commitment?
What Do I need APPLICATION CREDENTIALS
to apply? In addition to the online graduate application, students submit official
transcripts documenting a regionally accredited bachelor’s degree in
accounting, official test scores on the GMAT/GRE or GMAT waiver
form and supporting documents. International applicants must also
show support for English Proficiency (i.e. TOEFL, IELTS, etc.)
Complete application information is available at
www.uccs.edu/msa

Important Priority Deadlines

Dates! Fall: June 1st
Spring: November 1st
Summer: April 1st

Apply Application Materials should be sent to:

Here University of Colorado Colorado Springs
Office of Admission and Records
1420 Austin Bluffs Parkway | Colorado Springs, CO 80918
719-255-3408 or 800-990-8227 or email gradapp@uccs.edu

MSA PROGRAM UCCS.edu/MSA | GSBA@uccs.edu | (719) 255-3408


PRIORITY
DEADLINES:
FALL: JUNE 1ST
SPRING: NOV. 1ST
SUMMER: APR. 1ST
Application Materials
should be sent to:
University of Colorado
Colorado Springs
Office of Admission and
Records
1420 Austin Bluffs Parkway |
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
719-255-3408 or
800-990-8227 or email
gradinfo@uccs.edu
MSA PROGRAM
MSA
MSA
APPLICATION CHECKLIST
Following the checklist below will ensure a smooth application process. There are three
admission terms during the year. We recommend starting the application process two
to four months prior to the deadlines listed below. Typically, you will be notified of the
admission decision within 30 days of submitting your application package.
Complete and submit the graduate school online application
$60 non-refundable application fee
Goal statement:
Tell us why you are interested in pursing an MSA at UCCS. How will you
contribute to the program and what do you hope to gain? (1-2 pages)
Current resume
Letter of recommendation (Optional)
Official scores for the GMAT or the GRE
GMAT Information: Program code (PS4-4-f-02), UCCS will be listed
under “Part-Time MBA Programs”
GRE Information: UCCS School Code (4874), Business Department
Code (4201), applicants should take the general test ONLY
Waiver: Well-qualified applicants may be eligible for a GMAT waiver
(see reverse for details)
Official transcripts from EVERY institution
of higher education attended
International applicants must also
submit the following documents:
• Proof of English Proficiency (i.e. official TOFEL, IELTS, UCCS KITE Exam, etc.)
• Copy of Visa, Alien Registration Card, or I-94
• Non-US transcripts must be evaluated (course-by-course) by a NACES
member
Learn more at uccs.edu/mba/international
UCCS.edu/MSA | GSBA@uccs.edu | (719) 255-3408
 MSA

GMAT & GRE RESOURCES

Graduate entrance exams provide one measure of a prospective student’s qualification for advanced
academic study. The UCCS Graduate School of Business Administration accepts either the Graduate
Management Admission Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Records Examination (GRE) for this purpose.
We generally receive official test scores within 2-4 weeks of testing.

GMAT
Official GMAT Website: MBA.com
Cost: $275
Scores: Range is 200-800 for the combined
quantitative and verbal sections. Average score
of admitted UCCS MBA students is 550.

GRE Test Prep ed2go.com/uccs

Official GRE Website: TakeTheGRE.com Resources PowerScore.com
for Both KapTest.com
Cost: $205
Exams 800score.com
Scores: Range is 130-170 each for the verbal
and quantitative sections. A score of 152 or PrincetonReview.com
higher on each section will make an applicant TestPrepPractice.net
a strong candidate for our program.

Test preparation websites are provided as a resource only and should not be interpreted
as an endorsement by UCCS or the Graduate School of Business Administration.

GMAT Waiver Option (MSA)

The College of Business values the varied academic background and real world experience that students bring into the
classroom. Applicants who meet any of the following criteria may petition for a GMAT waiver.
Option A: Current seniors and recent graduates (last 3 years) from UCCS or another AACSB-accredited business school with
a bachelor’s degree in accounting or in business with an emphasis in accounting AND an undergraduate GPA of 3.5 or higher
in the last 60 hours of completed coursework.
Option B: If you have earned an advanced degree (equivalent to a U.S. master’s or higher) from a regionally accredited
institution with 3.0 GPA or higher.
If your degree is from outside of the U.S. you might also have to provide an official evaluation from any NACES evaluation
company that shows your master’s is equivalent to a U.S. master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
Option C: Five (5) or more years of meaningful professional work experience in accounting (Three of which are under
the direct supervision of a licensed CPA) AND an undergraduate GPA of 3.25 or higher.
A $125 fee is required and one letter of reference from a CPA supervisor who can verify your work experience and
scope of responsibility is required. Experience working as an accountant for your own business does not qualify toward
the 5 years of professional work experience.

MSA PROGRAM UCCS.edu/MSA | GSBA@uccs.edu | (719) 255-3408

 MSA
MSA ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
AND PROGRAM OUTLINE
Admission Requirements for the master of science in accounting (MSA)
The Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) degree is designed for students with an undergraduate
degree in accounting or a business degree with an emphasis in accounting.
Admission to the program is based on the following:
• A four-year undergraduate degree in accounting or business with an emphasis in accounting from
a regionally accredited institution.
• Successful completion of the prerequisite courses or their equivalents* as listed below.
• A grade of C or higher earned in all prerequisite coursework.
• All prior accounting coursework must have been taken within the last 10 years immediately
preceding admission to the MSA program.
• Successful applicants will generally have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, particularly in their
upper-division classes and accounting.

Prerequisite Course Title UCCS Course Number

Intermediate Accounting I ACCT 3010
Intermediate Accounting II ACCT 3020
Cost Accounting ACCT 3110
Individual Income Tax ACCT 4210
Auditing ACCT 4600
Plus three (3) additional hours of upper-division accounting ACCT 4XXX
* Applicants who are missing one or two prerequisite courses may be admitted on a provisional basis. Please
contact us at GSBA@uccs.edu if you’d like to have your transcripts evaluated for prerequisites prior to applying.

MSA Program Outline (30 Credit hours)

Course Title UCCS Course Number
Required Accounting courses (15 credit hours):
Seminar: Financial Accounting Theory ACCT 6010
Accounting Ethics & Institutions ACCT 6510
Advanced Auditing ACCT 6620
Advanced Financial Accounting ACCT 6750
Federal Tax Research & Planning (prereq. ACCT 4220 or equivalent) ACCT 6770
Plus one (1) of the following Accounting electives (3 credit hours):
Internal Auditing ACCT 6200
Corporate and Partnership Taxation ACCT 6720
Introduction to Accounting Systems ACCT 6730
Accounting for Governments & Not-For-Profit Organizations ACCT 6740
Topics in Accounting – Graduate ACCT 6950
Additionally, students take 12 credit hours of electives from the following:
Graduate Business Courses
(Excluding STRT 6000 & MBA Foundation courses)
Graduate Accounting Courses (excluding ACCT 5500 and ACCT 6100)
Graduate Internship in Accounting ACCT 6960
Graduate Business Certificate

MSA PROGRAM UCCS.edu/MSA | GSBA@uccs.edu | (719) 255-3408

 MSA

MSA CURRICULUM
MSA students choose their business electives from any 6000-level business courses in the
MBA program (except STRT 6000, ACCT 6100, and MBA foundation courses). Students
may also focus their electives in a specific area to earn a business graduate certificate. The
accounting faculty recommend the following classes as being particularly relevant to future
accounting professionals.

MSA Business Electives

Course Title UCCS Course Number
Service Management BUAD 6700
Corporate Financial Management FNCE 6000
Problems and Policies in Financial Management FNCE 6100
Investment Management & Analysis FNCE 6200
International Financial Management FNCE 6400
Business Cycle Theory & Practice FNCE 6500
Legal Issues in Managing Human Resources MGMT 6400
Applied Principles of Negotiation & Conflict Management MGMT 6550
Service Marketing MKTG 6400
Managing Projects for Competitive Advantage OPTM 6300

MSA + CERTIFICATE OPTION

The MSA program requires students to choose any four (12 credits) graduate business
electives. The MSA+ provides an opportunity for students to earn an MSA degree plus a
graduate certificate in a non-accounting business area. Students take their four business
electives in a specialized area of study. Adding a graduate business certificate enhances the
strong accounting foundation obtained in the MSA program with a concentration in another
business management area.

Though students can earn a certificate from various disiplines, the most popular graduate
certificates for MSA students: Finance, Management, or Service Management. Other
Graduate certificates are available in Health Care Administration, Innovation Management,
International Business, Marketing, Operations Management, and Project Management. Some
certificate courses are only available on campus, some are only available online and some are
available in both delivery methods.

MSA PROGRAM UCCS.edu/MSA | GSBA@uccs.edu | (719) 255-3408

 MSA

MSA TUITION
2021-2022 ACADEMIC YEAR
The investment in a quality graduate program can pay dividends throughout your career. The
MSA program at UCCS provides a tremendous value to our students. The academic rigor,
breadth and depth, and flexibility of the program deliver convenience and quality - all at an
affordable price.
The UCCS MSA program qualifies for federal financial aid, Veteran educational benefits, and
employer reimbursement programs. Graduate level fellowships and scholarships are available.
Please visit the UCCS Financial Aid website for more information. (uccs.edu/finaid)

Colorado Resident Campus Non-Resident Campus Non-Resident Fully

and/or Online* Classes and/or Online* Classes Online* Program

1 Course (3 credit hours) $2,488 $4,192 $2,653

2 Courses (6 credit hours) $4,595 $8,003 $5,305

3 Courses (9 credit hours) $6,703 $11,815 $7,958

4 Courses (12 credit hours) $8,810 $15,626 $10,610

5 Courses (15 credits hours) $10,916 $19,436 $13,263

* Online classes have a $100 per course online program fee.

MSA accounting courses are only offered on campus; however, graduate business
courses can be taken on campus or online.

The table above includes most of the other student fees. Visit the Bursar’s Office website to
estimate your bill. (uccs.edu/bursar)
The maximum course load in fall/spring is 12 credit hours.
The maximum course load in summer is 6 credit hours.
A course load of 15 credit hours requires special permission.

MSA PROGRAM UCCS.edu/MSA | GSBA@uccs.edu | (719) 255-3408

 MSA

WHY CHOOSE A GRADUATE DEGREE

FROM UCCS…
AACSB Accredited
The College of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools
of Business (AACSB International). This represents the highest standard of achievement
for business schools worldwide. Only 5% of business schools globally and 30% of
business schools nationally have earned this distinction.

Top Ranked business program

The UCCS College of Business has consistently ranked as a Top Business Program by
U.S. News & World Report and is one of the top public, master’s granting universities in
the western region.

Consistently ranked a Military Friendly School

We are proud to serve our active duty, reserve, and retired service personnel and their
families. Our Office of Veteran and Military Student Affairs partners with the College of
Business to ensure accurate and timely service and support.

Daniels Fund Ethics Initiative

Reflecting Bill Daniels’ personal commitment to ethics and integrity, the Daniels Fund
Ethics Initiative was established in 2010 to foster a high standard of ethics in students
and strengthen the teaching of principle-based ethics at the college level.

among the top programs cited by Military Times

The UCCS College of Business was among the top 100 programs cited by Military Times
among four year schools. It’s our fourth consecutive top 100 ranking. The Military
Times newsweeklies and digital platforms are a trusted source for independent news and
information for service members and their families.

MSA PROGRAM UCCS.edu/MSA | GSBA@uccs.edu | (719) 255-3408