Admissions

Your application, supporting documents and personal interview are all very important to us, but most of all, we want to get to know you.

Applying for the Cox MSA

Application Resources

Please reach out to us with your questions, try to visit us on campus so we can meet in person, and consider attending an admissions event or class. Studying at 夜色王朝Cox is an intimate experience and connections matter — starting now.

The 夜色王朝Cox Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) is an Early Action 4+1 program. Meeting certain criteria, Cox undergraduates can supplement their business education by joining the MSA program immediately after graduation. The 4+1 program comes with a guaranteed scholarship. Ask us how!


MS Accounting Background Course Requirements

We welcome candidates from all academic backgrounds to apply. To be prepared for the program candidates must complete the set of background courses listed below in preparation for the program start.

Candidates must have completed the below courses before submitting their application with the appropriate grades listed.

  • Fundamentals of Accounting I/Financial Accounting, with a grade of B or higher
  • Fundamentals of Accounting II/Managerial Accounting, with a grade of B or higher

Candidates will also be required to have the following four courses completed before the program begins in August with the appropriate grades listed. These courses can be completed through a candidate’s bachelors degree, be in progress when the application is submitted, or completed at 夜色王朝in person over the summer beginning in late May/early June. Candidates who have completed these courses internationally or below the grade requirement will be required to retake them at the Cox School.

  • Intermediate Accounting I, with a grade of B or higher.
  • Intermediate Accounting II, with a grade of B or higher.
  • Federal Income Tax, with a grade of B or higher.
  • Audit, with a grade of B or higher.

If you have specific questions regarding your academic background or coursework you have completed, please email gradadmissions@smu.edu.

What You Need to Apply

All Applicants students will need these items to complete an online application:

  • Current resume
  • Written essays
  • Unofficial transcripts or degree progress reports
    • Degree progress reports must show cumulative GPA and grades for each course taken
    • Official transcripts from bachelors degree institution, institutions where 12 or more credit hours were taken, and graduate degrees are required for candidates offered admission.
  • Two references
    • Name and contact information only
    • Recommendation letters are not required nor are they requested from references
  • Optional: Unofficial GMAT or GRE score report

International Students have the additional option to submit a TOEFL/IELTS score as a part of their application. This testing component is not a requirement. For applicants without a test score, we will assess the application based on a holistic review process that takes all your application components into consideration.

Application Deadlines

The 夜色王朝Cox Master of Science in Accounting deadline dates are below. If you are ready to submit your application, please do not wait for a specific deadline. We will process your application when it is submitted.

Deadlines for 2026 - 2027 Entry
Round  Application Due
 (11:59pm CST day of deadline)
1* October 14, 2025
2* January 13, 2026
3 March 10, 2026
4 April 21, 2026
 Rolling Admissions based on availability after April 21, 2026

*Priority deadline for scholarships and fellowships



Tuition and Financing

Financing the 夜色王朝Cox MSA

A graduate education is one of the most important investments you will ever make.  The returns can be measured in enhanced job opportunities, self-confidence and post-MSA success.  This is why you should seek an accounting program that prepares you for your career rather than just the CPA Exam.  It is not surprising that 夜色王朝Cox MSA students are highly sought after by national and regional accounting firms.

Merit-Based Scholarship

夜色王朝Cox is able to offer some merit-based scholarships to students exhibiting high academic potential. These scholarships are currently offered only to full-time students. All students whose completed application is received by the second round deadline for fall admission or the final deadline for spring admission will be considered for these scholarships. Track of choice and the applicant's citizenship are not considered in awarding of scholarships.

Additional Resources

Other sources of financial assistance are available for U.S. citizens and permanent residents which may help defray the cost of your education and living expenses including student loans.  Information on some of these sources can be obtained at: http://www.smu.edu/EnrollmentServices/FinancialAid/TypesOfAid.  Applicants may also seek out outside scholarships including those offered through the AICPA, state CPA societies and other outside accounting groups.

Scholarships offered through the program are available to students without regard to citizenship.

31 Credit Hours Estimated Annual Tuition & Fees:

Tuition

$44,202

University and Program Fees

$9,780

Health Center Fee
$300
International Student Orientation Fee*
$100
International Student Fee*
$250

Total

$54,632

Estimated Living Expenses*:

Housing

$23,830

Books and Supplies

$2,000

Transportation

$2,524

Misc. Expenses (Health Ins.)

$4,260

40 Credit Hours Estimated Annual Tuition & Fees:

Tuition

$55,266

University and Program Fees

$13,373

Health Center Fee
$300
International Student Orientation Fee*
$100
International Student Fee*
$250

Total

$69,289

Estimated Living Expenses*:

Housing

$31,776

Books and Supplies

$2,000

Transportation

$2,524

Misc. Expenses (Health Ins.)

$4,877

"*This fee may not apply to all students and depends on international student status.

**This estimated total is based on a 9-month school year for the 2025-26 academic year. The cost may be more or less depending on the student's lifestyle, whether the student lives on-campus or off-campus and whether any family members accompany the student. If family members accompany the student, add $9,000 if 1 dependent (spouse or child) and $4,500 for each dependent after 1.

FAQs

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