Frequently Asked Questions

We offer four different graduate programs at McCoy:

- Master of Business Administration (MBA)

- Master of Accountancy (MAcy)

- Master of Science in Accountancy and Information Technology (MSAIT)

- Master of Science in Human Resource Management (MSHRM)

The MBA Flex Program is offered both at the San Marcos and Round Rock campuses. The Full-Time Cohort MBA, MAcy, MSAIT and MSHRM programs are offered exclusively at the San Marcos Campus.

The application process consists of the ApplyTexas online application (and associated fee), submitting your undergraduate transcripts to the university, and submitting your official GMAT or GRE score. You must also submit two letters of recommendation, two written essays, and a detailed resume. You also have the option of submitting a cover letter or personal statement along with your application.

Please review this page for complete information regarding the application process.

The Priority Deadline for fall applications is Feb. 1* (see below).

The regular deadline for fall applications is June 1.

The deadline for spring applications is October 1.

Under no circumstances can you begin your application after the stated deadline. In other words, if you go to ApplyTexas on June 1 (or October 1) the option to apply for fall (or spring) will not be available. There are no exceptions.

HOWEVER, if you began your application prior to the deadline we do allow supporting documentation (letters of recommendation, essays, GMAT/GRE, etc) to be submitted later.

For students not classified as an "International Applicant", the deadline to submit supporting documents is July 15 for fall applications and November 15 for spring applications.

For International Students, the deadline for supporting documents is June 15 for fall applications and October 15 for spring applications.

*The February 1 Priority Deadline for fall applicants allows you to also apply for scholarships and fellowships in that academic year (March 1 is the common deadline for most scholarships and fellowships). Please note that meeting the fall Priority Deadline does not automatically grant eligibility for financial aid- it simply affords you the opportunity to apply should you wish to do so. Scholarship and fellowship applications are separate from your graduate program application.

Please do not wait until the deadline to submit your application! The admissions committee meets weekly to review complete applications, so submitting your application early could result in a quicker decision.

GMAC, the company that administers the GMAT exam, has a policy of reporting GMAT scores to the institutions you specify within 20 business days.

ETS, the company that administers the GRE exam, has a policy of reporting GRE scores to the institutions you specify in 10-15 days for the computer-based exam, and up to six weeks for the paper-based exam.

The essay questions are designed to allow you the opportunity to elaborate on your views on a topic. There is no requirement regarding length, however, your essay should succinctly and completely state your position on the topic. Generally speaking: two paragraphs is too short and four pages is too long. Be aware that grammar, punctuation and layout are considered along with content. Ask someone you trust to review your essays and give you honest feedback (and edits) prior to submission. For most applicants, two pages per essay is about right.

The GMAT or GRE exam is a required component of the application process for applicants to any of the McCoy graduate business programs. The test is valid for five (5) years so if you've already taken one of these exams within that window you should be able to submit your existing score.

The only exception to this requirement is if you already hold an advanced degree. (see next FAQ)

There's a good possibility that we can waive your GMAT/GRE requirement if you hold an advanced degree from an accredited U.S. college or university. Examples include MA, MS, JD, MD, DVM, DDS, and Ph.D. degrees. Please contact us to initiate the process of requesting a GMAT/GRE waiver as they are handled on a case-by-case basis.

The GMAT/GRE cannot be waived based on work history, undergraduate GPA or certifications. We cannot waive the exam requirement in cases where an advanced degree was earned outside of the U.S.

Yes, either the GMAT or the GRE can be submitted for the purposes of applying to all McCoy graduate business programs (MBA, MAcy, MSAIT and MSHRM). There is no preference given to either exam.

Yes. Once you have been accepted to one of our programs you can defer your start date by one semester without having to re-apply. Please contact the Graduate College for more information.

The short answer is no, but your score must be competitive. The average GMAT and GRE scores for students successfully admitted into the McCoy MBA program can be viewed here.

Yes, you may retake the exam. The application review committee will only consider the highest score.

For students who have recently completed their undergraduate degree, undergraduate performance is often a good indicator of anticipated graduate performance. It is difficult to accept students into a graduate program who have a marginal undergraduate GPA and no work experience. The critical importance of your undergraduate GPA decreases as your work experience increases.

The McCoy MBA Flex program offers a high degree of–wait for it–flexibility. If you are admitted to the program and then find you need to take a semester off because of job or family responsibilities you may do so. We do not require that you ask permission to sit out a semester.

Upon returning to the program, the Graduate College requires that you update your application information by filling out and submitting this form. Please note that this is an administrative form and not another application.

The McCoy Full-Time Cohort program requires that students adhere to a predetermined schedule in order to complete the program in an expedited manner. Should a Full-Time Cohort student need to alter their schedule they can convert to the Flex program. Once converted, however, you cannot re-enter the Cohort program.

You will need to complete a new ApplyTexas application. The system does not allow you to alter the semester you are applying for once you have completed the application and paid the required fee. You can, however, request to defer your enrollment in the program by one (1) semester once are accepted to the program.

It is understood that sometimes a student’s undergraduate experience may begin slowly. Stated another way: many of us had a little too much fun as freshmen and sophomores. We get it. The admissions committee considers your GPA from the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework.

Yes. For more information please click here.

For enrollment verification, you may contact the Registrar’s Office at 512.245.2367 or registrar@txstate.edu. To make payments or get a detailed list of tuition and fees, please contact Student Business Services at 512.245.2544.

Approximately eight times a year we host MBA information sessions, both at the main campus in San Marcos and at the Round Rock Campus. Information on upcoming information session dates can be found here. You may also contact Matt Painter, MBA Program Director, at 512.245.3591 or mpainter@txstate.edu. He has office hours every week at both campuses and is availble to answer questions about the MBA programs.

Assuming that an MBA student takes six hours per semester, a Texas resident can complete the 42-hour MBA program for approximately $24,600 excluding books and incidental expenses. Please click here for more information on program costs.

Opportunities for study abroad range from faculty-led summer programs to semester-long exchange programs. McCoy College has exchange agreements with universities in Chile, Germany and France that give students the opportunity to enroll in semester-long courses. Each year a faculty-led study abroad experience to Santiago, Chile, is available to McCoy Flex MBA students during the summer session. This group experience offers two courses (six credit hours) that count toward elective requirements. Class meetings are held at Texas State prior to and following the nine-day trip to Chile. This component of the Flex MBA program is highly recommended and receives excellent reviews from the students who participate. Study Abroad is a mandatory requirement for Full-Time Cohort MBA students.

The McCoy Full-Time Cohort MBA spans 21 months. This expedited format adheres to a preset schedule and cannot be altered.

The McCoy Flex MBA can also be completed in as few as 21 months, although the average completion time is 28 months (and can be longer if needed).

The McCoy Full-Time Cohort MBA program is offered exclusively at our main campus in San Marcos.

The McCoy Flex MBA program is offered both at the main Texas State campus in San Marcos and at the Texas State Round Rock Campus. Classes in both locations are taught by the same qualified graduate faculty and students may take courses at either or both locations.

The McCoy Full-Time Cohort MBA program is 42 credit hours.

Students within the McCoy Flex MBA program may choose either the 42-hour General MBA or a 45-hour option which allows for an optional area of emphasis.

Full-time Cohort MBA students take nine credit hours in the fall, nine credit hours in the spring and six credit hours in the summer.

Students in the Flex MBA program can take either three, six or nine credit hours in the long (fall and spring) semesters and either three or six hours in the summer. The majority of our Flex MBA students are working professionals and we know from experience that a manageable course load for working students is six hours in the fall, six hours in the spring and either three or six hours in the summer. Ultimately the decision is up to you, and we will provide you with guidance and best practices when creating your course schedule.

Full-Time Cohort students do not have the option for an area of emphasis or concentration.

Flex MBA students usually choose the General MBA which provides the most elective course options. In addition to the General MBA we currently offer concentrations in Computer Information Systems, International Business, Engineering Technology, Human Resource Management and Health Administration.

If you are pursuing a General MBA within the Flex program you may take up to six credit hours of elective courses outside of the McCoy College of Business if the courses are business-oriented and have been pre-approved by the Associate Dean of Graduate Programs before you register. Students enrolled in the Full-Time Cohort program or in the Flex program with an area of emphasis are required to take electives specified for their program.

Full-Time Cohort students will be provided a course schedule at orientation.

Flex MBA students are encouraged to request a meeting with your academic advisor, Mrs. Brittany Naylor, to plan out your class schedule. There are many variables within the Flex MBA program and Mrs. Naylor is happy to review these options with you to determine the best plan to meet your goals. You may request an appointment by e-mailing bnaylor@txstate.edu or calling 512.245.3591. Please include your student ID number (A########) in the subject line of all correspondence.

You may declare an emphasis (or change your current one) after enrollment, but it is best to decide this fairly early in the program. This ensures that you can complete the required classes without delaying your graduation date.

The MAcy program is designed to prepare students to be CPA eligible and enter the accounting profession. The MSAIT is designed to provide opportunities for students who may or may not want to be CPA eligible, those that want more than just accounting, and individuals looking for increased knowledge in the area of information technology, creating a distictive difference when looking for employment.

Anyone interested in a career that combines accounting and technology are prime candidates for the MSAIT. Accounting graduates who are interestedin accounting but not interested in getting their CPA and business graduates that want to differentiate themselves by learning more about accounting and technology would be good candidates for the program.

Job opportunities for MSAIT graduates cover both accounting and technology fields. Depending on the choice of electives, an MSAIT graduate can look forward to opportunities in accounting firms and businesses looking for someone with technology skills and additional accounting knowledge. Potential jobs include internal auditing, IT auditing, security, risk management, and compliance.

Leveling courses allow student without a business background, or students with a business background but little accounting coursework, to meet the prerequisites for graduate level accounting and business courses. Leveling courses provide a basic understanding of fundamental accounting concepts necessary for successful progress through the program.

No, but the MAcy and MSAIT programs have significant accounting requirements. Your accounting background will determine how many leveling courses will be required before you can begin the degree program.

No, however, both the MAcy and MSAIT are business degrees and have business requirements. If you are preparing the sit the CPA exam there are business hour requirements. How many business courses you have previously taken and whether you plan to sit the CPA exam will determine how many business courses you will need to take.

The MAcy program can be completed in 33 hours. Depending on the student's background it is possible that additional leveling courses will need to be completed first.

The MSAIT program is 36 hours with the possibility of 9 additional hours of leveling courses to be completed first.

Generally, any student with a business undergraduate background will be eligible upon completion of their MAcy degree. Non-business background students should contact the MAcy academic advisor for planning. The official requirements of the TSBPA can be found here.

The MSAIT is not designed to meet CPA eligibility. However, for students meeting the prerequisites on graduate accounting courses, careful elective selection can enable one to meet the educational requirements necessary to take the CPA exam.

If leveling courses are not required, full-time students can typically complete either program in a year to a year and a half.

Yes, classes are offered during both the day and the evening for both programs. The MAcy program is primarily designed for full-time students although it can accommodate part-time students as well. The MSAIT program can also be completed as a full- or part-time student.

Competitive scholarships are available through the accounting department. Additionally, the PSBPA offers a 5th year scholarship that pays up to $7,500 for qualifying MAcy students. For more information on funding, please contact the Financial Aid and Scholarship Department.

Currently, MAcy courses are only offered at the San Marcos campus. Most CIS courses for the MSAIT program are offered in Round Rock but currently the accounting classes will have ot be taken in San Marcos.

Students interested in the MAcy or MSAIT programs may contact the Accounting Department at (512) 245-2566 to set up an appointment with the academic advisor.

Yes, course offerings have expanded and are available at both the Round Rock and San Marcos campuses.