Main Content
SUPPORTING OUR STUDENTS SUCCESS
Accounting Hub
Hands on support and learning
A welcoming place for accounting students providing pathways to academic success and lifelong learning.
Graduate Accounting Mentorship Program
Connecting students with accounting professionals with industry, non-profit, and government experience
Public Accounting
Mentorship Program
Connecting students with accounting professionals in public accounting.
Our mentors come from industry, government, as well as the Big 4, regional, and local accounting firms.
Featured Faculty
Gary Viers, CPA
Gary Viers earned his Master of Accounting from the University of Washington Tacoma in 2013. He is an Assistant Teaching Professor and is passionate about the integration of technology in accounting.
Accounting Advisory Board
A Community of Support
Working collaboratively to support accounting education at the Milgard School of Business.
Accounting Student Association
The mission of the Accounting Student Association (ASA) is to enhance the academic experience of all students interested in the field of accounting.
The SAP LAB - UW Tacoma
University Alliances
Students are offered a unique and valuable opportunity to earn certificates as they learn features of the state-of-the-art accounting platform currently used by the world's top corporations.
IRS Tax Preparation Training
Student volunteers work with tax accounting professionals in public accounting with VITA.
Professional tax preparers mentor our student volunteers who help members of our local community benefit from significant tax savings and advantages.
Where Our Alumni Work
Milgard Success Center
Resources to Advance Your Career
The Milgard Success Center works with current and former students to think about career paths early in their college experience. From practical professional advice to internships and job placement that fuels career development, the Center gives students the edge they need to launch their livelihoods. It also creates opportunities for alumni to network, develop additional skills and give back to their alma mater.
9-Month Program
The Master of Science in Accounting (MSAcc) 9-month program is designed primarily for applicants who have an undergraduate degree with an accounting option or major. The program consists of 11 classes and an internship (45 credits) offered over one academic year.
The Master of Science in Accounting (STEM) program (MSAcc) 9-month option is designed primarily for applicants who have an undergraduate degree with an accounting option or major. Our program will train you in internal audit, taxation, forensic accounting, accounting analytics, and professional communication and leadership.
From late September through early June, students take classes that prepare them for the opportunities, challenges, and experiences of work in the accounting profession and satisfy the additional credits required to sit for the CPA exam in the State of Washington.*
*Non-business majors may require additional business courses to qualify to sit for the exam
Our 45-quarter credit program consists of 10 four-credit courses, and a five-credit internship. Students apply program knowledge to a specific area of accounting during the internship, providing valuable experience within a supportive academic environment.
- Earn your degree in nine months
- Classes after 4:30 p.m. to accommodate working professionals
- Internships with companies and accounting firms
- Small class sizes taught by world-class UW faculty
- Membership in the prestigious Milgard Alumni network
Graduate school minimum admission requirements
The Milgard School is waiving the GMAT requirement for admission, for both the 9 & 18 month MSAcc programs, for international and domestic students.
Applicants must meet the UW Graduate School Admission Requirements to be eligible for admission to the UW Tacoma's MSAcc Program:
- Hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university in the U.S. or its equivalent from a foreign institution.
- Prefer at least a 3.0 grade-point-average (on a 4 point scale) for the last 90 graded quarter credits or 60 graded semester credits.
- Be proficient in English: Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency. The ways in which proficiency can be demonstrated are outlined in Graduate School English Language Proficiency Requirements.
The UW Tacoma's MSAcc Program selects prospective students on the basis of their academic achievements, their ability to communicate effectively, and their record of personal accomplishments. Admission is based on a number of criteria including:
- Satisfactory completion of prerequisite accounting and business classes before you start the MSAcc program.
- Scores from the GMAT exam. - Waived for most students
- International students: Proof of English proficiency. The TOEFL institution code for UW Tacoma is 4854
- Well-written admission essay.
- Internship (include on your resume even if you haven't started work yet), and/or any work experience.
- Volunteer and student activities.
In selecting the entering class, the Milgard School also strives to create an environment that fosters a rich and satisfying learning experience and is representative of society as a whole. We believe that a diverse student body helps create such an environment.
All prerequisite classes must be completed before the start of the MSAcc (STEM) program.
The following prerequisites or their equivalents must be taken at a college or university, either at the undergraduate 300, 400 or graduate level:
- Intermediate Accounting I, II, III (or equivalent series)
- Cost Accounting
- Auditing
- Individual Income Tax
The MSAcc 9-month program is designed primarily for applicants who have an undergraduate degree with an accounting option or major. Generally, students with such a degree would not need to complete any course prerequisites prior to applying for the program.
See our course descriptions here in the UW Tacoma course catalog. http://www.washington.edu/students/crscatt/
Program costs for the entire program (2024-2025)
9-month program*
- Washington Residents: $21,600
- Non-Washington State Residents: $24,750
Cost per credit (2024-2025)*
- Washington Residents: $480 per credit
- Non-Washington State Residents: $550 per credit
- Technology Fee
- Approximately $14 per course
*Costs are subject to change without notice.
This is a fee-based program and it is possible for students to qualify for some federal and state grants, loans, or the work study program, as well as Milgard scholarships. Students in all fee-based programs and fee-based degrees are ineligible for the tuition exemption program, institutional tuition waivers and the Undergraduate/Graduate University Grant programs, including the Husky Promise program. For information on federal or state aid, contact the UW Office of Student Financial Aid.
Start your application
1. Create a profile & complete the application
- Create a New Applicant Profile at the University of Washington Graduate School Application Website.
- Select your application type: Graduate
- Select your graduate program: Accounting - Milgard School of Business (Tacoma) - MSAcc 9-month program
- Complete the rest of the new application. Be sure to indicate the quarter and year you wish to enter.
2. Provide supporting documentation
Master of Science in Accounting supplemental application materials are available online as part of the UW Graduate School application system.
- Admission essay
- 3 Professional/academic references (only contact information is required)
- Resume
- Apply to the Milgard scholarship on our scholarship webpage (Optional but recommended)
3. Upload your transcripts
The online application will allow you to upload your unofficial transcripts showing all undergraduate and post-baccalaureate coursework. A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution (regardless of field or major) is required prior to enrolling in the program. As such, applicants are not required to have earned their baccalaureate degree when applying but must have earned their degree prior to enrolling in the program.
- If you are admitted, an official transcript from your degree-granting institution will be required by the Graduate School in Seattle.
- If you earned your degree from the University of Washington, you do not need to submit an official transcript.
4. GMAT exam - Waived for most students
Applicants who don't meet the GMAT waiver categories below must submit official Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) scores. Test scores are valid for 5 years from the test date. If you take the GMAT multiple times we will consider your highest score for admission purposes.
- GMAT Website: http://www.mba.com
- MSAcc Program Code: ZRZ-NM-39
5. Submit application and acknowledgement
An $85 application fee is required to apply to UW Tacoma's MSAcc Program. A credit card is required to pay the application fee. Information on Fee Waivers. Login to the UW Graduate School Application Website to confirm receipt of your application materials. All required materials must be received before your application will be reviewed.
6. Optional: Complete the Graduate Scholarship Application on the Scholarship webpage for the 2024-25 academic year. Deadline to apply is May 1 (both Spring and Autumn quarter admits).
If you are unable to submit your application online, please email us at uwtmsacc@uw.edu.
GMAT WAIVER POLICY
AUTOMATIC WAIVER – 9 month and 18 month program
NO PAPERWORK REQUIRED
The GMAT requirement is automatically waived for students who meet any of the following requirements:
- Candidates who possess a 4-year degree from a US university
- Candidates who possess an undergraduate degree from an international university and have two years of work experience
- Candidates who have obtained a Graduate (Masters) degree from an international university
- Candidates who possess an active professional license in accounting (e.g., Chartered Accountants (CA) recognized by the Institutes of Chartered Accountants in Canada, U.K., Australia and New Zealand or Cost Accountants recognized by the Institutes of Costs and Management Accountants in the aforementioned jurisdictions) or in a closely related field.
18-Month Program
The Master of Science in Accounting (MSAcc) 18-month program is designed primarily for applicants who have a undergraduate degree in business or another field. The program consists of 17 classes and an internship (80 credits) offered over two academic years.
The Master of Science in Accounting (STEM) program (MSAcc) 18-month option is designed primarily for applicants who have an undergraduate degree in business or another field. This program is open to recent graduates and professionals seeking to solidify their accounting skills to succeed in professional careers. Our program will train you in internal audit, taxation, forensic accounting, accounting analytics, and professional communication and leadership.
From late September through early June for two academic years, students take classes that prepare them for the opportunities, challenges, and experiences of work in the accounting profession and satisfy the additional credits required to sit for the CPA exam in the State of Washington.*
* Non-business majors may require additional business courses to qualify to sit for the exam
As a full-time program, it is ideal for international and military students.
Our 80-quarter credit program consists of 17 classes: 7 five-credit courses and 10 four-credit courses, and a five-credit internship experience. Students apply program knowledge to a specific area of accounting during the internship/independent study, providing valuable experience within a supportive academic environment.
-
Earn your degree in eighteen months
-
Classes after 3:30 p.m. to accommodate working professionals
-
Internships with companies and accounting firms
-
Small class sizes taught by world-class UW faculty
-
Membership in the prestigious Milgard Alumni network
Graduate school minimum admission requirements
The Milgard School is waiving the GMAT requirement for admission, for both the 9 & 18 month MAcc programs, for international and domestic students
Applicants must meet the UW Graduate School Admission Requirements to be eligible for admission to the UW Tacoma's MSAcc Program.
- Hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university in the U.S. or its equivalent from a foreign institution.
- Prefer at least a 3.0 grade-point-average (on a 4 point scale) for the last 90 graded quarter credits or 60 graded semester credits.
- Be proficient in English: Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency. The ways in which proficiency can be demonstrated are outlined in Graduate School English Language Proficiency Requirements.
The UW Tacoma's MSAcc Program selects prospective students on the basis of their academic achievements, their ability to communicate effectively, and their record of personal accomplishments. Admission is based on a number of criteria including:
- Satisfactory completion of prerequisite accounting and business classes before you start the MSAcc program.
- Scores from the GMAT exam. - Waived for most students
- International students: Proof of English proficiency. The TOEFL institution code for UW Tacoma is 4854
- Well-written admission essay.
- Internship (include on your resume even if you haven't started work yet), and/or any work experience.
- Volunteer and student activities.
In selecting the entering class, the Milgard School also strives to create an environment that fosters a rich and satisfying learning experience and is representative of society as a whole. We believe that a diverse student body helps create such an environment.
All prerequisite classes must be completed before the start of the MSAcc (STEM) program.
- Earned a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- A minimum of 8 quarter credit hours with at least one course each in financial and managerial accounting. Must have earned a B (GPA of 3.0 on a 4-point scale) or better in each of these courses. Equivalent UWT courses would be TACCT 210, 220 and 230.
See our course descriptions here in the UW Tacoma course catalog. http://www.washington.edu/students/crscatt/
Program costs for the entire program (2024-2025)
18-month program*
- Washington Residents: $37,000
- Year One: $15,400
- Year Two: $21,600
- Non-Washington State Residents: $44,000
- Year One: $19,250
- Year Two: $24,750
Cost per credit (2024-2025)*
- Washington Residents:
- Year One: $440 per credit
- Year Two: $480 per credit
- Non-Washington State Residents:
- Both Years: $550 per credit
- Technology Fee
- Approximately $14 per course
*Costs are subject to change without notice.
This is a fee-based program and it is possible for students to qualify for some federal and state grants, loans, or the work study program, as well as Milgard scholarships. Students in all fee-based programs and fee-based degrees are ineligible for the tuition exemption program, institutional tuition waivers and the Undergraduate/Graduate University Grant programs, including the Husky Promise program. For information on federal or state aid, contact the UW Office of Student Financial Aid.
Start your application
1. Create a profile & complete the application
- Create a New Applicant Profile at the University of Washington Graduate School Application Website.
- Select your application type: Graduate
- Select your graduate program: Accounting - Milgard School of Business (Tacoma) - MSAcc 18-month program
- Complete the rest of the new application. Be sure to indicate the quarter and year you wish to enter.
2. Provide supporting documentation
Master of Science in Accounting supplemental application materials are available online as part of the UW Graduate School application system.
- Admission essay
- 3 Professional/academic references (only contact information is required)
- Resume
- Apply to the Milgard scholarship on our scholarship webpage (Optional but recommended)
3. Upload your transcripts
The online application will allow you to upload your unofficial transcripts showing all undergraduate and post-baccalaureate coursework. A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution (regardless of field or major) is required prior to enrolling in the program. As such, applicants are not required to have earned their baccalaureate degree when applying but must have earned their degree prior to enrolling in the program.
- If you are admitted, an official transcript from your degree-granting institution will be required by the Graduate School in Seattle.
- If you earned your degree from the University of Washington, you do not need to submit an official transcript.
4. GMAT exam - Waived for most students
Applicants who don't meet the GMAT waiver categories below must submit official Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) scores. Test scores are valid for 5 years from the test date. If you take the GMAT multiple times we will consider your highest score for admission purposes.
- GMAT Website: http://www.mba.com
- MSAcc Program Code: ZRZ-NM-39
5. Submit application and acknowledgement
An $85 application fee is required to apply to UW Tacoma's MSAcc Program. A credit card is required to pay the application fee. Information on Fee Waivers. Login to the UW Graduate School Application Website to confirm receipt of your application materials. All required materials must be received before your application will be reviewed.
6. Optional: Complete the Graduate Scholarship Application on the Scholarship webpage for the 2024-25 academic year. Deadline to apply is May 1 (Autumn quarter admits).
If you are unable to submit your application online, please email us at uwtmsacc@uw.edu.
GMAT WAIVER POLICY
AUTOMATIC WAIVER – 9 month and 18 month program
NO PAPERWORK REQUIRED
The GMAT requirement is automatically waived for students who meet any of the following requirements:
- Candidates who possess a 4-year degree from a US university
- Candidates who possess an undergraduate degree from an international university and have two years of work experience
- Candidates who have obtained a Graduate (Masters) degree from an international university
- Candidates who possess an active professional license in accounting (e.g., Chartered Accountants (CA) recognized by the Institutes of Chartered Accountants in Canada, U.K., Australia and New Zealand or Cost Accountants recognized by the Institutes of Costs and Management Accountants in the aforementioned jurisdictions) or in a closely related field.
International Students
The UW Tacoma is proud to attract a global student body. About 7 percent of our student population come from outside the United States. Students who require a student visa (F-1 or J-1) to study in the U.S. are considered international students for admission to UW Tacoma.
International students often have very specific questions regarding language, financial requirements, I-20 requests, and employment opportunities. For additional questions please contact International Student and Scholar Services.
In addition applicants must also submit the following:
1. Transcripts
In addition to the transcripts listed above, international students must submit their OFFICIAL transcripts and degree statements from all institutions attended with certified translations in English to the UW Graduate School.
2. English Proficiency Exam scores
Proficiency in English is required for graduate study at the University of Washington. Therefore, every applicant whose native language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency. For proficiency requirements, see https://grad.uw.edu/policies-procedures/graduate-school-memoranda/memo-8-graduate-school-english-language-proficiency-requirements/
3. After you have been admitted
International students who need or have an F-1 visa, will need to submit documents in order for UW Tacoma to issue an I-20. For more information, see https://www.tacoma.uw.edu/oga/isss-i20
