Frequently Asked Questions

What undergraduate majors are eligible for the MAcc program?
The Rice MAcc is open to all undergraduate majors. We embrace students who come from varied academic backgrounds and who possess the ability to synthesize ideas across disparate disciplinary areas.

Note that the Rice MAcc does have some accounting and business prerequisite course requirements. See the "Program Prerequisites" section below and view our program prerequisites page to learn more.

Do I need to have already earned my bachelor's degree to apply to the Rice MAcc?
No, current undergraduates are eligible to apply as early as the summer after your junior year. 

Before I apply to the Rice MAcc, do I need to have completed any specific class?
Yes, before applying to the MAcc program, you must have completed an acceptable introductory financial accounting undergraduate course.

For Rice undergraduates, that course is BUSI 305: Financial Accounting.

Non-Rice undergraduates should email the syllabus of their introductory financial accounting course to RiceMAcc@rice.edu for evaluation of the course prior to submitting their application.

Are there accounting courses that I have to complete before starting the MAcc program?
Yes, in addition to an acceptable introductory financial accounting course, there are two other accounting course prerequisites:

• Intermediate Financial Accounting I
• Auditing

For Rice undergraduates, those courses are BUSI 405: Issues in Financial Reporting I and BUSI 440: Auditing, respectively. 

If you haven't completed one or both courses prior to finishing your bachelor's degree, you have two options. Rice offers an intensive 3-week online version of both courses during Rice's Summer Session I, which runs mid-May to early June. Note that additional tuition will be charged for the pre-term courses. Alternatively, you may take the direct equivalent of these courses through another institution, subject to the MAcc Admission Committee's approval. Email the syllabi of your prospective direct equivalents of BUSI 405 and BUSI 440 to RiceMAcc@rice.edu for an evaluation of direct equivalency.

Learn more about the program prerequisites here.

Are there non-accounting courses that I have to complete before beginning the MAcc program?
Yes. If you are planning to seek CPA licensure through the state of Texas, the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy (TSBPA) requires CPA candidates to have completed 24 credits of related business subjects. Nine of these 24 credits will be taught through the MAcc program, leaving 15 credits that you need to have completed before beginning the MAcc.

Please refer to the TSBPA’s website to determine whether you have fulfilled the “related business” coursework requirement. You may contact Professor Ben Lansford, MAcc Program Director, with questions regarding your progress toward meeting the “related business” requirement.

Download a PDF version of the related business coursework requirements.

Rice undergraduates: both Rice’s business major and minor curriculum satisfy the needed 15 credits of “related business.” If you are not majoring or minoring in business, use this interactive tool to determine your progress toward meeting the 15 credit related-business requirement. Contact Professor Ben Lansford, MAcc Program Director, with any questions regarding the “related-business” requirement.

If you would like to sit for the CPA Exam through another jurisdiction (another state), contact Professor Ben Lansford for guidance on needed prerequisite coursework.

Is the GMAT or GRE required to apply to the Rice MAcc?
No, the Rice MAcc program does not require applicants to provide a GMAT or GRE standardized test score as part of their application. However, you are welcome to provide a GMAT or GRE test score if you believe it will help demonstrate your aptitude to the Rice MAcc Admissions Committee. A strong test score may also increase your chances for a merit-based scholarship award.

Is there a work experience requirement for admission?
Full-time work experience is welcomed but not necessary. Most students enter the MAcc program directly after completing their bachelor’s degree.

How long is the MAcc program?
The Rice MAcc is a 10-month program. Coursework begins in August and students graduate in May of the following year.

How many credit hours does the MAcc program entail?
The program consists of 36 credit hours. There are four half-semester academic terms (Fall I, Fall II, Spring I and Spring II). Students also take four week-long "Intensive Learning Unit" (ILU) courses, which are held between terms and are designed for content that is better delivered in a concentrated seminar format.

Does the Rice MAcc have concentrations?
Our MAcc does not have concentrations or electives. Each academic year, the cohort of MAcc students takes the same classes, which foster camaraderie among the students. The Rice MAcc coursework positions students to pass the CPA Exam and enables graduates to pursue careers in audit, tax, advisory, consulting, and finance.

When do students begin the program?
All students begin the program in the fall semester. It is not possible to begin the program in the spring semester.

Can I complete the program on a part-time basis? Is distance learning, evening coursework, or an online format available?
No. We offer the Rice MAcc program in a full-time, traditional classroom format.

Can I work while I attend the MAcc program?
No. Classes are held during the day, and the rigorous nature of the program does not make it feasible to work simultaneously.

Is the MAcc program STEM certified?
Yes. Rice Business has obtained STEM designation for all of our master degrees. The STEM designation is a direct response to the data-driven business environment, employer needs, and student interest.

Where do Rice MAcc graduates work?

We’re proud of our strong relationships with companies that consistently recruit Rice MAcc students, including the Big Four accounting firms. 98% of our students secure jobs before graduation. As a Rice MAcc graduate, your experience makes you versatile and in-demand across industries and sectors, and your opportunities continue to grow throughout your career. Our graduates become managing directors, heads of strategy and planning, executive vice presidents, CFOs and CEOs.

Where do I apply for the MAcc program?
To apply, please complete our online application.

How much is the MAcc application fee?
The application fee is $75. The fee is automatically waived if you are an undergraduate or alumni from Rice University, Austin College, or Southwestern University.

Are there scholarships available for the MAcc program?
Yes, merit-based scholarships are available and are awarded on a competitive basis. Applicants who wish to be considered for a scholarship will submit an additional essay that describes the unique background, talents, experiences, or skills that set them apart from other applicants.

While the Rice MAcc application does not require a GMAT or GRE test score, submitting a strong test score may increase your chances for a merit-based scholarship.

What materials will I need to submit to apply to the MAcc program?
All non-Rice undergraduate applicants are required to submit:

1. Your statement of purpose
2. Your professional resume
3. Your unofficial academic transcripts
4. Two professional references
5. Optional: your GMAT or GRE test score

Learn more about our application requirements here.

Which of the MAcc admissions criteria are most important?
We review applications comprehensively, which means that not any piece of the application is viewed as more important than the others. Rather, we evaluate the quantitative and qualitative elements of your application together to determine your overall fit with the program.

How many essays are required within the MAcc application? And what are the topics?
All applicants will submit a Statement of Purpose. The essay prompt is, "Describe your short-term and long-term career goals, and how the MAcc will help you achieve those goals. Include in your discussion: Where do you see yourself in one, five and ten years after completing the MAcc, and why are you interested in earning a MAcc degree from Rice? (Maximum 750 words)". Make sure you directly address each aspect of the essay prompt.

If would you like to be considered for a merit scholarship, you also will submit a scholarship essay. Its prompt is, "Describe for the Admissions Committee what unique background, talents, experiences, or skills sets you apart from other applicants."

Learn more about our application requirements here.

How do I submit my resume for the Rice MAcc application?
You will upload your resume within the online application system. Your resume should be one page in length and in PDF format. It should highlight your academic, extracurricular, and professional achievements.  

What transcripts, diplomas and/or degree certificates do I submit with the Rice MAcc application?
You will need to upload your unofficial U.S. transcripts for your application. If you are admitted and enroll, you will then be required to send us official (physical or electronic) transcripts from each bachelor's or graduate degree earned from U.S. degree-granting institution(s). If you are a current or former Rice student, you do not need to submit your Rice transcripts; we will retrieve your Rice transcript ourselves.

It is not necessary to submit transcripts from summer or study abroad coursework if those classes were not required for your degree, they total fewer than nine credit hours, or completion of those courses is already reflected on your primary transcript.

Who should I select as my professional references for the MAcc application?
Select two people who, based on their relationship with you, can vouch for your potential to succeed in an intensive graduate accounting program and in a subsequent professional business career. We prefer that at least one of your references be a professor who taught you a quantitively-oriented class.

Use your best judgment in selecting references; if you feel it necessary, you may also include a note in your application explaining your choice. Personal friends, relatives, or family acquaintances are not appropriate people to serve as a reference. 

How do I provide my professional references for the MAcc application?
You provide the name, email address, title, and relationship to this person in your application for both references. They will be contacted should the Admissions Committee judge it helpful to evaluate your candidacy for the program.

When will my professional references be contacted?
After you have submitted your application, references will be contacted should the Admissions Committee judge it helpful to evaluate your candidacy for the program.

Is an interview part of the MAcc application process?
Due to the number of applications received every year, we are not able to extend an invitation for every applicant. If you are invited for an interview, it will be conducted via Zoom. The admissions interview is an opportunity for you to showcase your motivations for pursuing a MAcc degree at Rice Business. 

When is the MAcc application deadline?
Admissions decisions are performed in three rounds. View our application deadlines here.

Will you inform me when you receive my MAcc application?
Yes, an automated email will be sent to you upon your submission of the application.

How will I know when my MAcc application is complete?
Once you submit your application, the online application system will be updated automatically to show which materials we have received. Please check the application website periodically to see if your application is complete.

When and how will I be notified of the MAcc Admissions Committee's decision?
The Admissions Committee will review your application after it is complete. Once a decision has been made, the online application will be updated with your admission status. Please log in to your application periodically to check your status.

Can I request feedback on my MAcc application if I am not offered admission?
Due to the volume of applications we receive each year, the admissions committee does not offer feedback on individual applications.

I am an international student. Am I eligible?
The Rice MAcc will admit highly qualified international students who demonstrate superior communication and writing skills. The strongest international applicants typically have an undergraduate degree from an English-speaking institution or have worked in an English-speaking country.

How is the Rice MAcc application process different for international students??
International students follow most of the same application procedures as domestic students, with some exceptions.

International applicants who did not earn a bachelor’s degree from an English-speaking institution are required to submit an English proficiency exam test score.

We require all non-U.S. transcripts to be evaluated (on a course-by-course basis) and submitted directly to us through one of the three following companies:

• Educational Credential Evaluators
• SpanTran: The Evaluation Company
• World Education Services

You should request that the evaluator send the evaluation directly to Rice at:

MAcc Program Admissions
6100 Main St., MS-531
Houston, TX 77005

Note that we cannot assure that graduates who are non-U.S. citizens and F-1 or other temporary visa holders will be eligible to work in the U.S. after graduation.

Do you require an English proficiency exam?
International applicants who did not earn a bachelor’s degree from an institution where the primary language of instruction was English must submit a valid score report from one of the following:

1. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) (use Rice University Jones School of Business code 7320)
2. International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
3. Duolingo (select Rice Business - Jones Graduate School)

All test scores are valid for two years. Please allow at least four weeks for your test results to reach us.

Applicants should score at least 90 on the iBT (internet-based) TOEFL or at least 600 on the paper-based TOEFL. For students who choose to take the IELTS in lieu of TOEFL, the minimum score is 7. The required minimum score for the Duolingo exam is 115.