Frequently Asked Questions

• The Traditional MPAcc Program is designed for students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree (or will have earned a bachelor’s degree by the time of admission to the MPAcc Program) from any 4-year accredited institution or U.S. equivalent.
• The Combined Degree Program is designed for students admitted to MSU Denver who have not earned a bachelor’s degree. Upon completion of the Combined Degree Program, students will earn a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree.

• Currently, most courses are offered in the evenings from 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm, with the occasional afternoon course. All courses are offered one night per week.
• However, as the program grows, more classes and times may be available.

• Typically, classes are all in-person as the program places a heavy emphasis on the development of written and oral communication skills, teamwork, and critical thinking skills. Students will take advantage of small class sizes and high peer and instructor contact.

• Students typically complete the degree in 1.5 – 2 years.
  • Note: If you plan on working full time, or have other commitments, plan completing the program in 2 years or more.
• All students are required to complete the degree within six (6) calendar years.

Students are considered full-time if they are registered for six (6) credit hours (or two classes) and part-time if they are registered for three (3) credit hours (or one class).

• As noted above, a full-time graduate student takes 6 credit hours (2 courses) versus a full-time undergraduate takes 12 credit hours (4 courses). It is important to note graduate courses are more rigorous than undergraduate courses as 2 graduate courses is the equivalent of 4 undergraduate courses. Additionally, MPAcc courses only meet once per week and typically have significant reading and writing loads.
• Graduate courses are not structured in the same grading format as undergraduate courses. Grades are evaluated off different pieces of work versus the undergraduate structure is homework/test based. Graduate courses are discussion-based, they go in depth versus in breadth.  It is not always the letter grade faculty are looking for, they want to see how you logically or critically think about answers.

• Yes! To schedule an appointment, please email [email protected] or call 303-615-1111.
• For more information on how to reach us, please visit our Contact Us page.

No. The Combined Degree Program is a package deal: Students will receive both a bachelor’s degree and the MPAcc degree when requirements for both degrees are completed.

• No. The Combined Degree Program is only available to current MSU Denver undergraduate students.
• If you are not pursuing an Accounting major or minor at MSU Denver currently, you should apply for the Traditional MPAcc program once you have earned your bachelor’s degree.

We do not have a minimum GPA requirement. Past experience indicates that a 3.0 GPA or better is the common threshold for successful graduate-level students.

Yes. In order to increase your chances of acceptance, it’s highly suggested you should either retake the GMAT or try to increase your GPA by retaking classes.

• Yes, the GMAT is required unless you meet our criteria to waive the GMAT. Please contact our team at [email protected] or 303-615-1111 to learn more about our GMAT waiver options.
• Please request your scores be reported directly to MSU Denver by using our school code: S51-6H-08.
• It is recommended that you take the exam at least 20 days before the application deadline. As we want to ensure we receive your scores prior to the deadline.
• There is no minimum score requirement, however your index score must be 1000 or higher to move your application through admissions.
  • GMAT Index Score calculations:
    • GMAT + (GPA x 200) = 1200 or greater = Auto Acceptance
    • GMAT + (GPA x 200) = 1000 – 1199 = Committee Review
• GRE scores are not accepted in place of the GMAT.

Yes. The GMAT is available both in-person at a testing center or online. For more information on the exam, visit the GMAT website.

• Yes, unless you meet one of the other required documents or the GMAT waiver criteria. The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is required for all applicants. For more information on the documentation needed to complete your application, visit our Admissions page.
• Most accredited graduate business degree programs will require the GMAT exam for acceptance into their programs.

• If your scores are below average, we still encourage you to apply. Regardless, we will calculate an index score to see if you have meet the minimum index score of 1000.
• To improve your index score, you may want to consider retaking the GMAT. Check out free GMAT prep resources here.

• The program recommends that you allow at least 20 days for the school to receive official scores. For information on the GMAT, you can call 1-800-GMAT-NOW or visit the GMAT website.
• Please give yourself plenty of time to study and review GMAT exam content. Here are a couple of additional links to assist you with practicing: 10 Best Practices to Prepare for the GMAT Exam & GMAT Exam 8-week Study Plan.
• You can also find more prep information and free content through The Princeton Review and Magoosh.

• Yes! Both the Traditional MPAcc Program and Combined Degree Program are able to accept international students.
• For more information on the international student application process, please check out MSU Denver’s Graduate Studies international admissions page.

Please reach out to our International Student Support team at [email protected].