Office of Graduate Programs

The M.S.A. program reviews applications on an individual basis looking at both quantitative and qualitative aspects of an applicant's professional and academic background. The committee seeks to assess an individual's potential for academic success and future professional growth. The MSA program is also designed to fulfill the requirements to sit for the Uniform CPA Exam in the state of Ohio and other states. Nationwide, the CPA candidates who qualify to sit for the CPA exam with an M.S.A. degree have the highest pass rates.

admission and course requirements

College of Graduate Studies scholarship information

Search for COBI scholarships. (Applications open October through February 1.)
Search for Office of Financial Aid scholarships.

GENERAL
How long does it take to complete the MS program?
What are the academic credentials of admitted MS students?
What is the demographic breakdown of current MS students?
What is the approximate cost of the MS program?
How is a graduate program different from an undergrad program of study?
How do the classes in the MS program align with the information tested on the CPA exam?
What is the difference between MBA and MSA?

APPLYING
When are the deadlines to apply?
How long will my application remain valid?
Where should I send my transcripts and other documents?
How many hours do I need to take to be a full-time student?
Can I enroll part-time?
Are interviews part of the application process?
Can I check my application status over the telephone? 
How long does it take to get a response?

GMAT/GRE
Which test is preferred?  The GMAT or the GRE?
What is the minimum GMAT score considered?
What school code should I use for the GMAT?
Can I take the GRE instead of the GMAT?
I am a UT student. Am I required to take the GMAT?

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
What are the minimum TOEFL scores considered for international students?
What school code should I use for the TOEFL?
When should I send my financial proof?
Does the MSA program grant international students with “Conditional Admissions”?

GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP
What is a graduate assistantship? 
Does a graduate assistantship cover tuition cost?
What are the minimum requirements to be considered for a graduate assistantship?
I am a UT student. Do I need to take the GMAT/GRE to be considered for the graduate assistantship?
When do I apply for a graduate assistantship?

CONTACT
Where can I schedule an inquiry appointment?

GENERAL

How long does it take to complete the MSA program?
Most students complete the program 9 -12 months.

What are the academic credentials of admitted students?
The average undergraduate GPAs for the MSA students were a 3.45 overall and a 3.32 in their accounting program, and their average GMAT score was 540 for the period 2009-2015.

What is the demographic breakdown of current MSA students?
The average for years 2009 through 2015 is made up of 53% UT undergraduate students, 20% undergraduates from other domestic universities, and 27% international students.  On average, the MSA program is composed of 61.9% female and 38.1% male students.

What is the approximate cost of the MSA program?
The cost of the MSA program is the same as the MBA program. Please click the below link for the cost (http://www.utoledo.edu/offices/treasurer/tuition/).

How is a graduate program different from an undergrad program of study?
The curriculum in a graduate class focuses on the application of knowledge through in class discussion, group projects, and written based assignments.

How do the classes in the MS program align with the information tested on the CPA exam?
Through the core and elective accounting classes offered, you will get more in-depth exposure to the various fields tested on the CPA exam which many undergraduate programs do not have time to cover.

What is the difference between MBA and MSA?
MBA programs focus on general business areas. MBA degrees are a good choice for students looking to broaden their knowledge of general business theory. MSA programs help students develop skills to become highly educated and trained accountants with general business knowledge.

APPLYING

When are the deadlines to apply?
Below are the application deadlines; however, early applications are encouraged.

Domestic   Students		International   Students
Fall semester admissions August   1		Fall semester admissions May   1
Spring semester admissions November   15		Spring semester admissions October   1
Summer semester admissions April   15		Summer semester admissions March   1

Note: For international students additional time is required to complete immigration documents. For example, materials received after May 1 could result in a delay for a Fall admission.

How long will my application remain valid?
An application for admission is good for one year beyond the initial application date.

Where should I send my transcripts and other documents?
Our application system is on-line. We do not accept any documents sent to the accounting department. Any documentation received will not be considered part of your application.  Please send any transcripts to:

The University of Toledo 

The College of Graduate Studies
2801 W. Bancroft St., MS 933
Toledo, OH 43606-3390

How many hours do I need to take to be a full-time student?
A student carrying 9 credit-hours in a fall or spring semester is considered a full-time student.

Can I enroll part-time? 
Yes, you can enroll as a part-time commitment.

Are interviews part of the application process?
No interview is required.

Can I check my application status over the telephone? 
No, for purposes of confidentiality, we will not give information regarding your application status via telephone or e-mail. An e-mail acknowledging receipt of your application will be sent to you at the time you submit your application on-line. A letter from the College of Graduate Studies will be sent to you with the admission decision.  However, you may check the status of your application via the on-line application portal.

How long does it take to get a response about my application?
It takes two weeks, on average, after your application is complete.

GMAT

Which test is preferred?  The GMAT or the GRE?
The MSA Program will accept a test score report from either the GRE or the GMAT. Preference to one exam is not given over the other

What is the minimum GMAT score considered?
We admit applicants with a minimum GMAT score of 500.  Our average GMAT score is 540.

What is the minimum GRE score?
The minimum GRE score 297 and our average is score is 310.

What school code should I use for the GMAT/GRE?
The university code for the GMAT, GRE, and TOEFL is 1845.

I am a UT student. Am I required to take the GMAT?
The GMAT may be waived for applicants who have earned a:

• Undergraduate degree from UT (minimum 3.00 GPA) within the last ten years, or
• MBA or Masters in economics (minimum 3.00 GPA) within the last ten years, or
• Active CPA/CMA, or passed the CPA/CMA exam within the last ten years

*Contact the College of Business and Innovation Graduate Programs Office regarding GMAT waivers.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

What are the minimum TOEFL scores considered for international students?
In the case of students whose native language is not English, a score of at least 550 (paper based), 213 (computer based), or 80 (internet based) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or a 6.5 on The International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

Please note:

1. Test scores for TOEFL cannot be older than 2 years from the first day of the term that the student begins their program.
2. We do not accept IELTS as a form of English language proficiency.

What University code should I use for the TOEFL?
The University code for the TOEFL is 1845.

When should I send my financial proof?
It is recommended that financial proof is sent once accepted into the program.

Does the MSA program grant international students with “Conditional Admissions?”
No. The MSA program does not grant international students “Conditional Admissions.” 

GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP     

What is a graduate assistantship? 
Graduate Assistants (GAs) will work with a faculty member in one of the COBI departments, assisting with research, class preparation, and special assignments.

Does a graduate assistantship cover tuition cost?
A full graduate assistantship includes a tuition waiver for three classes each Fall and Spring, 20 hours of work per week on campus, and a stipend. A half graduate assistantship includes a tuition waiver for two classes each Fall and Spring, 10 hours of work per week on campus, and a stipend. Most GA awards do not cover Summer semesters. All GA awards include approval to purchase faculty/staff parking permits.

What are the minimum requirements to be considered for a graduate assistantship?
The minimum requirements to be considered for a full GA award are an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher, and a GMAT/GRE score of 500/297 or higher. Scoring well on the GMAT/GRE is the best way to increase the likelihood that you will be selected for a GA award.

I am a UT student. Do I need to take the GMAT/GRE to be considered for the graduate assistantship?
No. UT accounting students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 can be considered for half GA without GMAT/GRE. However, to be considered for a full graduate assistantship you need a minimum GMAT/GRE score of 500/297.

When do I apply for a graduate assistantship?
We offer graduate assistantship as decisions are made. The deadline for application is March 1st each year.  However, early applications will be considered. Applications to the MSA program must be completed by March 1st in order to qualify for a graduate assistantship.

CONTACT

Where can I schedule an inquiry appointment?
Dr. Diana Franz
Professor and Chair, Department of Accounting
MSA Director
College of Business & Innovation
(419) 530-4264
Diana.Franz@utoledo.edu

Each year the College of Business and Innovation (COBI) offers Graduate Assistantships to MBA students with a history of academic excellence. We are only able to offer Graduate Assistantship (GA) awards to a very small percentage of applicants, so being selected is a great privilege.

The deadline to apply is March 1st each year, however early applications will be considered. The minimum requirements to be considered for a full graduate assistantship (GA) award are an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher, and a GMAT score of 500 or higher. Scoring well on the GMAT is the best way to increase the likelihood that you will be selected for a GA award. UT accounting students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 can be considered for half GA without GMAT/GRE.

You must do the following by March 1st to be considered for an award:

• Submit all program application materials to the College of Graduate Studies
• Submit a complete Graduate Assistantship Application, and a one-page resume, to the COBI Graduate Programs Office.
• Send an electronic copy of your resume to COBIGradPrgms@utoledo.edu.

Graduate Assistantship awards will be announced as decisions are made and in late April or early May