Admissions

Your academic history—particularly your undergraduate degree—indicates to us your ability to succeed in a structured study program.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is required. Bachelor’s degree in business with a major in accounting, or equivalent, from an accredited institution is required.
• An equivalent degree includes taking all of the following courses:
  • Introductory Financial Accounting (equivalent to ACCT I S 100 or ACCT I S 300)
  • Introductory Managerial Accounting (equivalent to ACCT I S 211 or ACCT I S 300)
  • Intermediate Financial Accounting (equivalent to ACCT I S 301 and ACCT I S 302)
  • Cost Management Systems (equivalent to ACCT I S 310)
  • Accounting Information Systems (equivalent to ACCT I S 340)
  • Taxation (equivalent of ACCT I S/LAW 329, ACCT I S 620, or ACCT I S 621)
  • Foundations of Auditing (equivalent to ACCT I S 630)
  • Business Law (equivalent to GEN BUS 301)

International applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or a comparable degree from an international institution. View the minimum degree equivalents for different countries. You may wish to have your transcript evaluated by World Education Services (WES) to ensure you meet the requirements.

International applicants who are seeking a CPA but do not meet the degree equivalency requirements should consider applying to the Master of Science-Business: Financial Management and Accounting program.

Essay responses are limited to 600 words each.

1. What are your career goals and how will the MSABA program help you achieve these goals?
2. Please share an example of a time when you demonstrated your respect for people and their differences. How did you work to understand the perspectives of others?

Essay responses are limited to 600 words each.

Please use this optional essay to communicate additional information about yourself that is not otherwise represented in the application, and that you feel would benefit the admissions committee.

Include past work experience, educational accomplishments, demonstrations of leadership, and ways in which you have grown professionally.

• You can submit your application with unofficial transcripts; certified copies of transcripts from your degree institution are required once admitted.
• The preferred method to receive official transcripts is electronically from your institution. Please access the Parchment website or contact your institution to make this request and send to masters@wsb.wisc.edu. Official transcripts may also be mailed directly from your undergraduate institution in a sealed and stamped envelope to:

MBA & Master’s Program Office
Wisconsin School of Business
2450 Grainger Hall
975 University Avenue
Madison, WI 53706

Official transcripts must be received on or before July 1. If your official transcript, with degree posted, is not available by July 1, you must send an updated unofficial transcript with all course grades by July 1.

• $75 for both domestic and international students (additional $6 processing fee for international students).
• Fee waivers available if you have been on active duty in the U.S. military within three years of applying.
• Payment by credit or debit card through the online application system; receipt required to learn of the admissions decision.

The Wisconsin specialized master’s programs require the GMAT or GRE to assess academic readiness. However, applicants who can demonstrate strong quantitative and analytical preparation through prior academic achievement and professional experience may request a test waiver.

Test waivers are granted selectively and do not guarantee admission.

Criteria:

Applicants must meet all baseline eligibility requirements and demonstrate readiness through specific quantitative indicators.

Baseline requirements (all required)

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited (or equivalent international) college or university
• 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA
  • International GPAs must be equivalent to a 3.0 GPA
• One area of demonstrated quantitative readiness and a quantitative statement

Demonstrated Quantitative Readiness (Must Meet at Least One)

Applicants must demonstrate strength in at least one in any of the following areas:

Academic Indicators

• Undergraduate or graduate degree in STEM, business, economics, finance, accounting, mathematics, statistics, engineering, computer science, or similar quantitative field
• GPA of 3.2+ overall or strong performance (B or higher) in quantitative coursework (e.g., calculus, statistics, finance, accounting, econometrics)
  • Quantitative coursework must be evaluated based on at least 3 courses

Professional Indicators

• 2+ years of progressively responsible experience in an analytical, financial, technical, or quantitative role

Credentials

• CPA, CFA, PE, FRM, or similar quantitative certification
• Submission of Executive Assessment, MCAT, LSAT, PCAT, or expired GMAT or GRE score
• Successful completion of an MBA prep course: MBA Math, GMAC Business Fundamentals, or HBS CORe

Advanced Degrees

• Master’s or terminal degree (JD, MD, PhD, MS)

Submitting a Request

To request a waiver, applicants must:

1. Start (but not submit) their master’s application
2. Submit a Test Waiver Request Form (in the application) including:
   • Resume
   • Unofficial transcripts (all institutions attended)
   • 250-word “Quantitative Readiness Statement” outlining evidence of preparedness

Waiver requests must be submitted at least 1 week prior to the application deadline for the desired round.

Decisions are released within 10 business days. After approval, applicants will be able to submit their application.

• Candidates who wish to submit a test score can submit a GMAT, GMAT 10th Edition, GMAT Superscore, or GRE score with their application.
• A TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo score is required for international students. The requirement can be waived if you have an undergraduate or master’s degree that was taught in English.

You may submit a letter of recommendation as part of your application; however, it is not required. Select a recommender who is qualified to evaluate your potential for leadership or management. They should have a strong understanding of your abilities and be familiar with solid examples of your accomplishments. This individual may be a current or past supervisor or manager, a client or vendor, or a representative of a volunteer or community organization in which you are involved.