Accountancy, M.S.

The Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA) program in the College of Business Administration is a rigorous 11 month full-time lock-step program providing an intensive, focused coursework to prepare students for a successful career in accounting. The program is intended to enhance student’s depth of technical knowledge, breadth of understanding and communication skills, and importance of ethical conduct in the profession. With a focus on research and analytical thinking, the program is intended to improve judgement and decision making skills. The program is designed to address the needs of individuals across the state of California to take the mandated 30 semester units of specialized coursework to complete the CPA licensure requirements effective January 1,2014. Students admitted to the program specialize in Professional Accountancy.

Application Procedure/ Prerequisites

Students interested in applying to the MS in Accountancy program at CSULB have to file a CSULB Graduate Program application using the California State University’s online application program called Cal State Apply at www.calstate.edu/apply.
Bachelor’s degree in Accountancy or a bachelor’s degree and equivalent accounting-related coursework from a regionally-accredited university.
Admission GPA to the CBA Master’s programs as per the University.
GMAT exams or GRE exams.
Resume.
Video Statement of purpose.
Two letters of recommendation.
For international students - English proficiency requirements by taking TOEFL or written portion of GMAT, GRE, or IELTS exams.

Course requirements

Completion of 30 units of approved graduate courses (including culminating experience).
Maintaining GPA of at least 3.0 (B) throughout the program.

Requirements

ACCT 601 - Corporate Governance and Financial Reporting (4 units)
ACCT 602 - Advanced Cost Accounting (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 612 - Governmental and Non-Profit Accounting & Taxation (4 units)

Culmination

The culminating experience, ACCT 699 Accountant’s Professional Responsibilities and Ethics will be a comprehensive auditing project to be reviewed by faculty and professionals. (Note: In order to satisfy the culminating activity requirement (thesis, project, or comprehensive examination dependent upon the program), students must earn at least three (3) units and no more than six (6) units related to the completion of the culminating activity.

Advancement to Candidacy

Students admitted must file an application for Advancement to Candidacy for the degree after completion of their first six units. Prior to advancement to candidacy, a student must:

Be accepted into the MS in Accountancy Program.
Maintain an overall minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA, including work transferred from other institutions, and a minimum 3.0 GPA in all work completed at this University.
Completion with a minimum GPA of 3.0 of at least six units of courses required on the student’s program of study.
Fulfill the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) or receive a 4.0 or better on the writing portion of the GMAT or GRE.
Prepare an official student program in consultation with the CBA Graduate Programs Office.
File the application for Advancement to Candidacy with the CBA Graduate Programs Office for approval by the Graduate Program Director.