Master's admissions Take your education to the next level at Columbia College

Advance your degree while still meeting work and personal obligations.

At Columbia College, we offer programs online and in seat at some locations. Eight-week classes start six times a year, meaning you could earn a master's in as little as 12 months. Or go at your own pace.

We offer fully accredited degree programs through the Higher Learning Commission.

Admission for graduate school requires applicants to have a baccalaureate degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher[1] from a regionally accredited institution.

You may apply to graduate-level courses without pursuing a master's degree as a non-degree seeking student. Or apply as a post-baccalaureate student.

Questions? We make it easy to apply. If you need help at any point, do not hesitate to contact Admissions.

Admissions requirements

Complete our application for admission. For the application you will need to:

  • Upload your professional resume into the application form.
  • Be prepared to submit a personal goal statement of between 300 and 500 words. 

Send official transcripts from all previously attended colleges/universities and verification of a completed bachelor’s degree to

Office of the Registrar
1001 Rogers St.
Columbia, MO, 65216

1 Students who do not meet the 3.0 GPA requirements may be considered for conditional admission at the discretion of the respective academic department. Conditionally admitted students are limited to taking one course per session for their first six hours and must receive a grade of “B” or higher before being considered for full admission.

International students will need to provide additional documentation.

Program-specific admissions requirements

Prerequisites

Applicants who have recently completed undergraduate studies are encouraged to enter the workforce prior to seeking admission to the MBA program. Exceptions will be made only under compelling circumstances. The following five MBA prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of B or higher (exception: one grade of C in any one of the five undergraduate prerequisite courses is acceptable) in order to be considered for full admission:

  • ACCT 280[1] Accounting (Financial)
  • ACCT 281[1] Accounting II (Managerial)
  • FINC 350[1] Business Finance
  • MKTG 210 Principles of Marketing
  • MGMT 230 Principles of Management

1 ACCT 280, ACCT 281, and FINC 350 must be taken sequentially.

Prerequisites

In addition to a cumulative undergraduate 3.0 GPA and the five general MBA prerequisites, admission to the Accounting emphasis of the MBA program requires the following undergraduate prerequisites with grades of B or higher (exception: one grade of C is any of the eleven undergraduate prerequisite courses is acceptable) in order to be considered for full admission:

  • ACCT 381 Federal Income Tax-Individuals
  • ACCT 382 Intermediate Accounting I
  • ACCT 383 Intermediate Accounting II
  • ACCT 385 Accounting Information Systems
  • ACCT 386 Cost and Managerial Accounting
  • ACCT 489 Auditing I

Prerequisites

In addition to a cumulative undergraduate 3.0 GPA and the five general MBA prerequisites, admission to the MS in Accountancy program requires the following undergraduate prerequisites with grades of B or higher (exception: one grade of C is any of the eleven undergraduate prerequisite courses is acceptable) in order to be considered for full admission:

  • ACCT 381 Federal Income Tax-Individuals
  • ACCT 382 Intermediate Accounting I
  • ACCT 383 Intermediate Accounting II
  • ACCT 385 Accounting Information Systems
  • ACCT 386 Cost and Managerial Accounting
  • ACCT 489 Auditing I

Prerequisites

Applicants may have a baccalaureate degree in any field. Applicants not meeting admission requirements may be approved for conditional admission at the discretion of the Dean of the School of Humanities, Arts, and Sciences.

Prerequisites

Applicants should provide a copy of teaching certificate. Applicants may seek admission to the M.Ed. program during their second year of teaching or after, beginning coursework the second semester of the second year, at the earliest. Students not meeting admission requirements may be approved for conditional admission at the discretion of the M.Ed. Graduate Program Coordinator.

Prerequisites

In addition to a cumulative undergraduate 3.0 GPA, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • A baccalaureate degree in criminal justice

Or have completed the following MSCJ prerequisite courses with an earned grade of B or higher in each course:

  • CJAD 101: Introduction to Criminal Justice 
  • CJAD 415 Criminal Procedures

Conditional admission for graduate students

Students who have not completed all required prerequisite courses at the time of applying to a graduate program but fulfill all other admissions standards may be considered for post-baccalaureate admission or conditional admission. If admitted under this status, all prerequisite courses must be successfully completed with a grade of B or higher prior to enrollment in graduate coursework.

The MAT post-baccalaureate program is for students who have a bachelor's degree and wish to fulfill Missouri teacher certification requirements established by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

 
 
 
 

Reap the benefits of a master's degree

Having a master's degree positions your for advanced positions and higher earning potential. Complete your master's at Columbia College quickly and affordably. Apply today to get started.

Apply to Columbia College today
Apply with the Common Application