Master of Accounting Science Program

The Master of Accounting Science Program (MAS) is our graduate degree for students who have completed their bachelor's in accountancy. The program provides an opportunity to obtain a more comprehensive foundation in accounting and, through electives, advanced knowledge in areas such as data analytics, finance, taxation, information systems, and more. The MAS program also fulfills Illinois' CPA requirements for those interested in pursuing this prestigious license.

Looking for peer feedback about the MAS program?

We offer prospective students the opportunity to speak with our MAS student ambassadors. These are current MAS students who give their time to speak to you about any questions or concerns you may have about our program. There are also information sessions that occur every year, so keep an eye out for those as well in Gies Groups.

Concerned about the cost of the program?

You can find more information on the tuition and fees here and additional information through the Office of the Registrar. We also offer a variety of scholarships, teaching assistantships and a fellowship to help students with the cost of the program.

Curriculum and Concentrations

Students will select either Financial Reporting & Assurance (FRA) or Tax as a core accounting concentration and then have a wide choice of graduate electives. By design, the program emphasizes the emerging trend of data analytics in the practice of accounting, with a standard course plan that leads to a graduate concentration in data analytics in accountancy to fulfill the graduate electives. Elective concentrations are also available in information technology & control, finance, and supply chain management. For more information about our concentrations, please see our drop down menu below. To see sample plans for all combinations of our concentrations, please click here.

  • Data Analytics

    The Data Analytics in Accountancy Concentration is designed to develop leaders who understand (1) how to apply data analytics in a variety of accounting and business contexts, (2) critically solve business problems using data-intensive business and accounting information, and (3) synthesize and effectively communicate data-intensive information, findings, and conclusions to other environment-constituents, including supervisors, peers, and subordinates, clients, and regulatory agencies. This concentration will not only provide a strong foundational knowledge of data analytics, but also provide students multiple opportunities to apply this knowledge via experiential learning opportunities.

  • Finance

    Accountants with expertise in finance are increasingly highly valued by many employers. The graduate concentration in Finance is designed to allow students in the MAS program to demonstrate substantive competency in the field of Finance through courses in advanced corporate finance, derivatives, and investments.

  • Information Technology and Control

    The concentration in Information Technology and Control is designed to develop leaders in various business fields who understand (1) how to leverage information technology to create value for customers, external partners, and shareholders by designing better information systems to improve business processes and controls; and (2) how managers can assess the strategic, financial, and economic benefits of investing in advanced information systems. The concentration will provide not only a strong foundation in the IS/IT area but could be tailored to fit the specific career needs of our students.

  • Supply Chain Management

    The concentration in Supply Chain Management is designed to develop leaders who understand (1) how to assess the trade-offs and make the decisions necessary to sustain high quality products and services at lower costs while maintaining the flexibility necessary to adapt and to respond to evolving market trends; and (2) how to coordinate and integrate supply chain solutions across various intra-organizational and inter-organizational interfaces in any business or organization. The minor or concentration not only will provide a strong foundation in supply chain management principles and practices, but also can be tailored to fit the specific needs of students interested in careers across a wide variety of industries

How to Apply for the MAS Program

MAS 1st Stage (Optional)

The MAS 1st stage is a phenomenal opportunity for University of Illinois accounting and agricultural accounting students interested in pursuing the MAS program. This program allows these students to take up to 8 credits of MAS coursework (4 credits for agricultural accounting) in their final semester of their undergraduate degree, time and space permitting. In fact, getting into the MAS 1st stage does not require you to take MAS courses in your final semester, so we recommend speaking with an advisor to see what you have room in your schedule for.

Also, although this program is optional, we still strongly recommend prospective MAS student consider entering this program as it is a great way to demonstrate your interest in the MAS program, get a head start on your MAS coursework, and you would then qualify for the MAS 1st stage scholarship. However, it is important to note that getting into the MAS 1st stage does not guarantee a spot in the MAS program, and students in the 1st stage will still need to complete the MAS 2nd stage application (the Graduate College Application).

  • MAS 1st Stage Application Process

    Eligibility:

    • You are a University of Illinois student in good standing with a declared major in accounting or agricultural accounting.
    • Your ACCY GPA is a 3.0 or higher, this includes ACCY 201 & 202.
    • Your overall GPA is a least a 3.0 or the last 3 semester of undergraduate coursework, summers included.
    • You are enrolled in, or have completed, ACCY 303 & 304.

    Deadlines:

    • If you are taking ACCY 303 & 304 in the Fall or Summer, September 1st.
    • If you are taking ACCY 303 & 304 in the Spring, March 1st.
    • If you already have credit for ACCY 303 & 304 and/or missed the deadline, please reach out to accy-mas@illinois.edu to see if you can still apply.

    How to Complete the Application:

    1. Open the Graduate College Application and select “2025 Pre-Graduate Programs Application” and then “2025 MAS 1st Stage Application.
    2. List the Current Semester for the question “date most recently attended.”
    3. Select your references: Select two (2) references who can speak on your ability to complete the MAS program while maintaining at least a 3.0 GPA. Only the reference’s name and email are required, no letters of recommendation are required.
    4. Upload your resume after making sure it is up to date with all your work/internship experiences, education and any achievements/awards you have received.
    5. (Optional) Apply for the 1st stage scholarship by select ‘yes’ to apply for the scholarship in the application.
    6. Complete the short answer questions. If your ACCY or cumulative GPA is below a 3.0, you can explain this here.
    7. Submit your application.

MAS 2nd Stage (Required)

  • MAS 2nd Stage Application Process (Graduate College Application)

    Eligibility:

    • Admission to the University of Illinois, in good standing with a declared major in accounting or agricultural accounting and at least 120 semester hours of credit by the start of the term for which the student seeks admission, including ACCY 405.
    • ACCY GPA of at least 3.0. Accountancy major GPA includes all accounting courses, including 201/202.
    • Overall GPA of at least a 3.0 for the last three semesters (including summers) of undergraduate coursework.

    Deadlines:

    Fall MAS Admissions:

    • February 1st: Priority deadline for financial aid consideration.
    • March 1st: Priority deadline for international students.
    • April 1st: Final deadline for all applicant.

    Spring MAS Admissions:

    • October 1st: Priority deadline for financial aid consideration.
    • November 1st: Priority deadline for international students.
    • December 1st: Final deadline for all applicants to be considered.

    How to Complete the Application:

    1. Open the Graduate College Application and select “2025 Graduate Application." Then click "Open Application" and select the MAS program to begin.
    2. Select your desired concentration: MAS students can select their preferred concentration from data analytics, finance, information technology and control, and supply chain management. Space may be limited in certain concentrations. The concentration admission process occurs separately from program admissions.
    3. Upload your unofficial transcript (this can be downloaded through Self Service).
    4. Upload your resume after making sure it is up to date with all your work/internship experiences, education and any achievements/awards you have received.
    5. Upload your academic statement and personal statements (see prompts below).
    6. Upload your references. At least one should be an accounting faculty member who can speak on your ability to complete the program with a 3.0 GPA. No letters of recommendation are required unless you are applying for an Accountancy Fellowship.
    7. (Optional) Apply for MAS Scholarships or other financial aid. For a full list of our financial aid options and their application requirements, please follow this link here.
    8. No GMAT/GRE is required for Gies/ACES undergraduates!

    Additional 2nd Stage Requirements for International Students:

    1. Provide proof of funding and Declaration and Certification of Finances Form: This document should be uploaded directly into your Graduate College application. Click here for more details.
    2. TOEFL Scores: A TOEFL score is not required for admissions, but a valid TOEFL score is required for all non-native English speakers to apply for an assistantship. Official test scores are due by the application deadline, and a minimum speaking score of 24 is required to obtain a teaching assistantship. Scores can be sent to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign using our institution code, 1836. Students are exempt from demonstrating English proficiency if they originate from, or have attended English-medium schools continuously since age 13 (or younger) in, any of the following countries: Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Canada, Dominica, Fiji, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, New Zealand, Nigeria, Philippines, Scotland, Sierra Leone, Singapore, South Africa, St. Kitts, Trinidad & Tobago, Uganda, United Kingdom, United States, and Zimbabwe.
  • Essay Prompts

    Academic Statement (Required - 500 Words Max):

    Please write and upload one (1) statement that answers the following questions:

    • How has your academic and professional background, including any professional training, prepared you for graduate study? How will our program help you achieve your intellectual and professional goals?
    • How will our program help you achieve your intellectual and professional goals?
    • What are your academic interests, and why do you wish to pursue graduate studies in this specific program?

    Personal Statement (Optional - 250 Words Max for Each):

    1. Please address any concerns you may have in your application. If, for example, you do not believe that your academic credentials demonstrate your true capabilities, please explain why. Also, describe any gaps in your academic career and work experience or any extenuating circumstances in your profile of which the admissions committee should be made aware.
    2. If there is something that you would like to highlight that you have yet to discuss in other areas of the application, please do so here.