Accountancy, M.S.

(30 units)

The Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA) program in the College of Business is a rigorous program providing intensive, focused coursework to prepare students for a successful career in accounting. The program enhances students’ depth of technical knowledge, breadth of understanding and communication skills, and fosters recognition of the importance of ethical conduct in the profession. With a focus on research and analytical thinking, the program improves students’ judgment and decision-making skills and helps address State of California requirements for CPA licensure requirements.

The M.S. Accountancy program is an 11-month, full-time, cohort-model program. Classes are offered on weekday evenings at 6PM; Saturdays are possible depending on instructor availability. The program requires summer session enrollment. Students in this program take 3 classes in both the Fall and Spring semesters as well as 2 courses in the summer session.

Application and Admission Process

Prerequisites Application Procedure International Applicants Information Sessions

Current CSULB College of Business undergraduate accountancy students with a 3.0 GPA or higher are eligible to apply for the MS Accountancy program through our Fast Track Application process.

Program Requirements

The curriculum for the M.S. Accountancy program requires 30 units of coursework. Students must maintain a GPA of at least 3.0 (B) throughout the program.

All students must complete the culminating experience, ACCT 699 (Accountant’s Professional Responsibilities and Ethics) during their final semester. Students must receive a “B” or better to satisfy the culminating activity requirement.

Advancement to Candidacy

To be eligible to advance to candidacy, a student must:

Complete all First Semester Core Requirements, with no grade lower than “C”.

Maintain an overall minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA, including transferred coursework from other institutions, and a minimum 3.0 GPA in all work completed at this University.

Major Requirements (26 units)

ACCT 601 - Corporate Governance and Financial Reporting (4 units)
ACCT 603 - Financial Statement Analysis (4 units)
ACCT 604 - Forensic Accounting (2 units)
ACCT 605 - Seminar in Accounting Information Systems (4 units)
ACCT 611 - Seminar in Auditing and Assurance Services (4 units)
ACCT 622 - Taxation of Partnerships & S Corporations (4 units)
ACCT 623 - Taxation of C Corporations and Shareholders (4 units)

Culminating Experience (4 units)

ACCT 699 - Accountant’s Professional Responsibilities and Ethics (4 units)
This course examines theories of the accountant’s professional responsibilities and ethics. The course emphasizes the need to make ethical decisions and meet regulatory obligations as preparers, auditors, and users of financial statements.

The culminating experience is a comprehensive project to be reviewed by faculty and professionals. Students must receive a “B” or better to satisfy the culminating activity requirement.