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APPLICATION PROCESS AND REQUIREMENTS

Applying to the MSFA program at Portland State University is a two-step process which involves applying to both Portland State University’s Office of Admissions and Records and the Graduate Business Programs Office.


Requirements for Admission into the MSFA Program

The MSFA degree is for students who have already completed undergraduate accounting coursework. Because the MSFA program is only 49 credits, it requires that applicants have the necessary business background that an undergraduate degree in business or Post-Baccalaureate Accounting Certificate (PBAC) would provide prior to starting the program. Applicants that do not meet this requirement may need to complete the PBAC or the following prerequisites prior to admission into the MSFA program:

  • Managerial and Financial Accounting (BA 211 and BA 213)
  • Micro and Macro Economics (EC 201 and EC 202)
  • Statistics (STAT 243 and STAT 244)
  • Finance (BA 303)
  • Intermediate Accounting (ACTG 381, ACTG 382 and - starting Fall 2009 - ACTG 383)

For more info on the PBAC, please click here.

 

Application Process

The entire application process can take up to 12 weeks, so it is best to apply early, taking care to ensure everything is completed properly. An admissions coordinator will contact you with a confirmation once your application is received at the Graduate Business Programs Office. After the admissions committee has reviewed your complete application, competitive applicants will be invited for an interview.

Although the priority application deadline has passed, there is still some room available. If you are interested to start the MSFA program in Fall 2009, please apply soon. 


STEP 1:

Submit the following to:
Office of Admissions & Records
Portland State University
PO Box 901
Portland OR 97207

  1. Completed PSU Graduate Application form
     

  2. $50 (U.S.) non-refundable Application Fee
    - The fee is good for one year. You may pay by credit card, check or money order (make out to Portland State University).

  3. One (1) copy of all official transcripts from each college or university attended.
    - Transcripts should be sent in original, unopened envelopes from the issuing institution. Unofficial transcripts will only be accepted from coursework completed at Portland State University.

    Transcripts should reflect:
    - The equivalent of a four-year U.S. bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.

    -A minimum undergraduate cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 or higher, or a graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher based on 9 or more graduate credits.

International Students ONLY

  1. All graduate students whose first language is not English must meet the English language proficiency requirement prior to enrollment in academic classes. This applies to all students, including resident aliens and citizens. To learn how to fulfil the English Proficiency requirements please visit the website section on International Graduate Admission.

  2. Immigration Fact Sheet

  3. Evidence of Financial Resources
    Required for applicants who plan to reside in the United States with an F-1 or J-1 visa. You must show proof of adequate financial support for at least the first year of study at Portland State University by submitting:

    – Statement of Financial Support
    – Declaration of Finances

  4. Certified English Translation of Transcripts and Diplomas


STEP 2:

Submit the following to:
MSFA Program
School of Business Administration
Portland State University
PO Box 751
Portland OR 97207

  1. Complete the online MSFA application.
    You will be asked to:
    a. submit a current resume and
    b. answer two short essay questions.

  2. Two (2) Letters of Recommendation
    Submit via online application or mail to the Graduate Business Programs Office.


  3. One (1) copy of all official transcripts from each college or university attended.
    Transcripts should be sent in original, unopened envelopes from the issuing institution. Unofficial transcripts will only be accepted from coursework completed at Portland State University.

    Transcripts should reflect:
    – The equivalent of a four-year U.S. bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.

    – A minimum undergraduate cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 or higher, or a graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher based on 9 or more graduate credits.


  4. Official GMAT score report sent from the Educational Testing Service to the Portland State University
    For test preparation and appointment information, go to www.mba.com. See GMAT Prep Info for more information on the GMAT.

  5. A petition for any extraordinary circumstances that might influence consideration of the applicant.
    – If your undergraduate GPA is between a 2.74 and 2.5, you will need to submit the petition form.

    – If your cumulative undergraduate GPA is below a 2.5, PSU will require you to enroll and take 9 graded graduate credits and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher. This must be completed before you can apply to any of the Graduate Business Programs.
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