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Application Requirements

Programs Master of Accounting Admissions Application Requirements

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It’s easy to get started.

Don’t worry, we’ll do this together in just a few easy steps. Our graduate program doesn’t have prerequisites and it’s open to anyone who has a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, regardless of undergraduate major or professional experience. Whether you prefer to learn online or on campus, the degree you receive is exactly the same. Let’s gets started.

First, decide on the format that’s best for you.

On-campus: Open to students from all backgrounds. A 12-month, full-time program geared toward non-accounting majors. On-campus students start the program in June.

OR

Online Traditional: Open to all students regardless of your undergraduate major or coursework. A flexible program completed in 12-36 months, depending on your desired pace. Online students can start the program in January (December OLI), March, June, or September.

Online Advanced Standing*: Open to all students who have earned an undergraduate degree in accounting from the last 5 years. A flexible 30-credit program completed in 12-24 months, depending on your desired pace. Students can start the program in January (December OLI), March, June, or September.

*To apply for Advanced Standing, submit your resume and transcript for eligibility review. Our Admissions team will review and approve your information within 48 hours (excluding weekends and holidays). Once your eligibility for Advanced Standing is confirmed, follow the steps below to complete your application.

START YOUR APPLICATION

Then, start your application.

We’ve outlined the application requirements below:

  1. Unofficial transcripts*: We need a record of all your undergraduate classwork, including:
    o The institution(s) at which you received a degree
    o Any institutions that are noted as transfer credit on any transcript
    o Summer sessions or extension programs
    o Any other institutions at which you took one or more courses for credit
  2. Two recommenders: Choose two people that know you reasonably well and who can provide honest feedback via a short online survey. After you make your selections, we will conveniently contact them for you.
  3. Essay: Your background and motivation are important to us. It’s what makes you unique. Our two-part essay is your opportunity to tell us about what sets you apart and how you’ll leverage your strengths to contribute to the in-person or online classroom culture. We also want to know how accounting fits into your professional goals and why the UNC Kenan-Flagler MAC Program is the best choice for your career goals. The two-part essay should not exceed 300 words per part. The average time to complete the essay is 15-20 minutes.
  4. Resume (or a link to your LinkedIn profile): Your resume or profile should include your educational, employment, and achievement history with headings and dates. View/download “Crafting a Rock-solid Resume” (PDF). Or, view/download “Applying to the UNC MAC with your LinkedIn Profile” (PDF).

Test Scores are not required: A GMAT or GRE test score is not required to apply. You may submit scores voluntarily in support of your application. At the admissions committee’s discretion, additional information, including test scores, may be needed to evaluate your application.

If you do choose to submit test scores, our school codes for the GMAT are D40-HL-00 (online format) and D40-HL-13 (on-campus format). Our school code for the GRE is 0348.

If English is not your native language and you did not complete your undergraduate degree in a native English-speaking country, you’ll also need to take the TOEFL, IELTS or PTE Academic. Our institution code for the TOEFL is 3474.

* We only need your unofficial transcripts for application review. Simply upload them during the application process. If you studied outside of the United States, you must have a college-level education equivalent to an American undergraduate or baccalaureate degree. If the original language of the academic record and diploma is not English, please submit a certified English translation with the original document.

Submit your completed application: All finished? Outstanding. Submit your completed application and pay the application fee.

If you have any questions, please contact us directly at mac_info@unc.edu or 919-962-3209. We’re here to help every step of the way.

We're here to help!

Navigating the application process may seem overwhelming, but our Admissions team is here to assist you every step of the way. They offer personalized guidance and support to assist you in crafting a standout application. Book an appointment today!

Schedule An Appointment

What happens after you submit your application.

We know that every applicant to our program is distinct, and, when reviewing your application, we take into consideration your unique educational background, work experience, and life achievements. Our staff uses a holistic approach that considers the entirety of your application when reviewing it, so no one section is taken into consideration without deliberation of your entire application. We look forward to receiving your application to our program.

Your interview and admissions decision.

Get interviewed: We want to meet you. After a preliminary screening of applications, the MAC Admissions Committee selects finalists to be invited for virtual interviews. Applicants are contacted via email to schedule an interview after their application is complete. Business attire is expected for the interview.

Get a decision: We’re just as eager as you are to make our selections final. Decisions are often made on a rolling basis. Please apply early to have the best opportunity for fellowship and financial aid assistance. Also, check out our fellowship tips, “How to Put Yourself in Line for a Merit-Based Fellowship.” [PDF]

I’m interested!

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