MPS in Management – Accounting Specialization admissions overview

Students interested in this specialization must possess, at a minimum, a business minor or its equivalent including six business-related courses (18 credits) that must include Financial Accounting, Finance, Economics, Marketing, Management and Statistics and complete an undergraduate degree involving 120 credits or more. Students must also take Business Law (3 credits) and Intermediate Accounting I (3 credits) before matriculation.

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Submit unofficial transcripts from all colleges or universities attended. If admitted, you will be required to provide official transcripts for verification.

Transcripts must include:

• All completed courses
• Grades for each course
• Degree earned and date conferred

Important notes:

• Redact or cover your Social Security Number before submission.
• If your transcript is not in English, include a certified English translation along with the original.
• Applicants with non-U.S. degrees must have a recognized equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree. If your credentials differ in title or duration, consider submitting a credential evaluation (e.g., through World Education Services).
• Admitted students must submit official transcripts before enrollment.

The MPS in Management – Accounting Specialization program requires a GMAT or GRE score, though there is no minimum score requirement. Scores are valid for five years, and the highest score will be considered if multiple exams were taken. The program accepts the GRE General Test at Home, GMAT Online, and GMAT Focus.

GMAT scores should be sent via mba.com using code 5811; GRE scores should be sent through ETS using Cornell code 2098. Unofficial scores may be used for review, but official scores are required before enrollment.

Applicants may request a GMAT/GRE waiver through the application if they can demonstrate strong quantitative ability through academics or work experience. Waiver decisions are sent within seven business days, and approved applicants are not disadvantaged in admissions review.

Submission of two letters of recommendation is required: 

• One from a current or former instructor addressing your academic potential
• One from an advisor, mentor, coach, or supervisor addressing your professional potential

Please use the academic statement of purpose to describe, within 500 words:

1. Your academic interests,
2. Your academic background, preparation, and training, including any relevant professional experiences,
3. Your reasons for pursuing graduate studies in this specific program, and
4. Your professional goals.

Please describe (within 300-500 words) how your background and experiences influenced your decision and ability to pursue a graduate degree. For additional suggestions on how to write a personal statement, please see the Graduate School’s website. 

Please submit a resume or CV with your application. While not required, related experience and demonstrated interest in the industry can strengthen your application and support success in the program.

After submitting your application, you will be sent an email invitation to complete a video interview, where you will be asked to give short verbal responses to pre-recorded questions.

Note, the invitation to the video interview will be sent automatically after submitting your application. Please monitor your inbox carefully. We advise that you use the most up-to-date version of Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge to complete the video interview.

A non-refundable application fee of $105 is required. Payment must be made through the online application using either an e-check in U.S. dollars drawn on a U.S. bank, or a Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover credit card.

The application fee will be waived for:

• Current or former United States military members
• Cornell students and recent alumni (graduates within two years of application date).

Contact gradadmissions@business.cornell.edu for a fee waiver code prior to submitting your application if eligible.

All applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English. Applicants may demonstrate English proficiency either by submitting TOEFL, IELTS Academic, or Duolingo English Test (DET) testing scores, or meeting the criteria for an English proficiency testing waiver. Cornell accepts official TOEFL, IELTS Academic, or Duolingo English Test scores sent directly from the testing agency. TOEFL “My Best Score” reports are not accepted, and applicants must meet Cornell Graduate School minimum sub-scores:

IELTS Academic:

• An overall band score of at least 7.0

TOEFL iBT*

Score requirements for exams taken before January 2026

• Speaking: 22 or higher
• Reading: 20 or higher
• Listening: 15 or higher
• Writing: 20 or higher

Interim score requirements for exams taken beginning January 2026

• Speaking: 4 or higher
• Reading: 4 or higher
• Listening: 3.5 or higher
• Writing: 4 or higher

*Beginning January 21, 2026, ETS will launch an updated version of the iBT featuring a new score scale. The minimum score requirements published here are subject to change for future terms.

Duolingo (DET)

• Minimum score of 130

Test scores must be within two years of the application deadline. Duolingo scores should be sent to the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business. For more information on submitting TOEFL or IELTS scores, please see the Graduate School’s website.