Resume
Transcripts
Professional References
MAcc Admissions
We know applying to graduate school can feel intimidating, so we've put together this list to help you navigate the application process.
Everything You Need to Know About the MAcc Application Process
The application for the MAcc Class of 2026 is open. This is the cohort that will begin studies in August 2025 and graduate in May 2026.
We look forward to receiving your application! Contact us with any questions; we’re here to help you.
Application Deadlines
| Decision Round | Application Deadline |
|---|---|
| Round 1 | Friday, October 11, 2024 |
| Round 2 | Friday, January 10, 2025 |
| Round 3 | Friday, April 11, 2025 |
Interested in the Rice MAcc?
Application Requirements
Applicants need to have completed an introductory financial accounting course before submitting an application. See the program prerequisites page for more information.
Read below for details on the materials needed to complete your Rice MAcc application.
Essays
Essay
Write a Statement of Purpose essay describing who you are and why you're interested in pursuing a graduate accounting degree. You also have the option to submit a scholarship essay.
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Required Essay
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 10 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.
Optional Scholarship Essay
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."
Resume
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Your resume should be one page in length and in PDF format. It should highlight your academic, extracurricular, and professional achievements. Review your resume to make sure it's up to date and free from errors.
Transcripts
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Rice Undergraduates and Alumni
You do not need to submit your Rice transcripts; we will retrieve your Rice transcript ourselves. You only need to submit unofficial transcripts from any other institution you attended whose credits were not transferred to Rice.
Undergraduates and Alumni From Other Institutions
Unofficial U.S. transcripts will suffice for your application. If you are admitted and enroll, you will 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).
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.
Professional References
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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.
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.
Standardized Tests
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The Rice MAcc program doesn't require applicants to provide a GMAT or GRE standardized test score as part of your application. However, you are still 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.
Online Application
Online Application and Fee
Once your application has been submitted and the application fee of $100 has been paid, the Admissions Committee will begin reviewing your application.
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The $100 application fee is automatically waived for Rice undergraduates and alumni. The fee is also waived if you are an undergraduate or alumni from Austin College or Southwestern University.
International Applicants
International Applicants
International students follow most of the same application procedures as domestic students, with these additions.
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English Proficiency Exam
Applicants who did not earn a bachelor’s degree from an English-speaking institution are also required to submit an English proficiency exam test score from one of the following:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
- Use Rice University Jones School of Business code #7320
- iBT score of at least 90 required
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- IELTS score of at least 7 required
- Duolingo Test of English Proficiency
- Select "Rice Business - Jones Graduate School"
- Duolingo score of at least 115 required
Transcripts
To ensure credential standardization, we require that all transcripts from non-U.S. degree-granting institutions be reviewed by a third-party transcript evaluation service. You are welcome to use any of the three companies below for this process. The evaluation will fulfill the requirement of an official transcript for that institution.
Transcript evaluations should be emailed directly from the transcript evaluation service to: RiceMAcc@rice.edu or mailed to:
MAcc Program Admissions
6100 Main St., MS-531
Houston, TX 77005 - Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
Our Process
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.
Admissions Interview (By Invitation Only)
The admissions interview is an opportunity for you to showcase your motivations for pursuing a MAcc degree at Rice Business. Interviews will be conducted via Zoom.
Due to the number of applications received every year, we are not able to extend an invitation for every applicant.
Admission Events
Our Blog
MAcc Career
The world’s financial markets are demanding greater corporate transparency and higher quality financial reporting. As a result, there is growing need for highly trained accounting professionals with superb critical thinking skills and integrity.
MAcc Programs
Accounting is a high-demand skill that provides excellent earning potential to Master’s graduates. As a result, regardless of undergraduate major or background, a graduate degree in accounting can transform your career trajectory in as little as one year.
