Admissions

Online application

Applicants must complete the online application for admission to graduate studies at Michigan State University and pay the application fee.

The deadline for applications is January 15 but earlier submission is highly recommended. Completed applications will be reviewed as they are received and will continue to be reviewed until positions are filled. All accepted students begin the doctoral program in August – there are no spring or summer starts.

College transcripts

We require college transcripts showing grades received while pursuing all prior undergraduate degrees as well as graduate degrees, if any. Official copies should be sent directly to the Department of Accounting and Information Systems:

Business College Complex
632 Bogue St Rm N270
East Lansing, MI 48824

The Office of Admissions will accept the following as certified copies:

• The copy is notarized with name/stamp/seal/date and submitted by the applicant in a sealed envelope.
• The copy of the original is attached to an MSU faculty written translation signed and dated by faculty member when original is not in English.
• The copy is stamped “true copy” or “duplicate” by the international institution (must be in sealed envelope).
• The original transcript is viewed by an MSU department employee.
  The employee makes a copy and stamps the copy “compared with original.” The applicant and employee must both sign and date the copy.

References

We require three letters of reference from individuals who are able to appraise your personal interests, abilities and the likelihood that you will successfully complete your Ph.D. program. There is no specific recommendation form. Letters of recommendation should be uploaded via the recommendation portal. Alternatively, you may mail the letters to the department’s address (see above) or email to acct@broad.msu.edu.

Standardized test scores

To be considered for admission, you must submit a valid GMAT score (less than five years old). The Michigan State University Ph.D. in Accounting code for the GMAT is QH0-5P-04. International students must submit valid TOEFL scores (less than two years old) in order to be considered for admission. The Michigan State University code for TOEFL score is 1465.

Written statement of personal goals

This statement should address (a) the area(s) of accounting in which you are interested, (b) why you believe the program and faculty at Michigan State University fit your interests, and (c) your career objectives upon completion of your degree. This statement should be no longer than two pages (double-spaced).

Please note that when you complete the online application, you will be asked to complete an “academic statement” and a “personal statement.” Your statement of personal goals can be used for both the academic statement and the personal statement.

For answers to questions that you might have, please email acct@broad.msu.edu