Master of Science in Accountancy (MS in Accountancy)

A Master of Science degree in Accountancy form Cal State L.A.ís College of Business and Economics provides a choice among numerous career paths in private industry, public accounting, and government.  The possibilities include: 

• General Management
• Internal Auditing
• Public Accounting
• Managerial and Cost Accounting
• Tax Accounting

 Graduates of the program are prepared to successfully challenge the professional examinations for certification in their selected area such s Certified Public Accountant, Certified Management Accountant and Certified Internal Auditor.  Moreover, as additional states adopt the ì150-hourî education requirement for CPA certification, a masterís degree in accountancy will become even more relevant. 

Many of the most successful business leaders in the United States ñ and the world ñ were trained as accountants.  Accounting is truly the language of business and is one of the best fields of study to advance your career. 

The College is nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report and is fully accredited by AACSB International, a testament to the quality, practicality and rigor of its curriculum. 

The M.S. in Accountancy Curriculum

 The curriculum contains four parts: Foundations of Business courses (prerequisites ñ 16 quarter units), Foundations for Accounting courses (prerequisites ñ 20 quarter units), Required Core courses (24 quarter units), and Option courses (21 quarter units). 

Applicants who earned a bachelorís degree in a field other than accounting are required to complete the prerequisite Foundations of Business and Foundations of Accounting courses.  This can be accomplished in one year or less.  Evaluation of previous course work for possible waiver of these courses occurs upon admission to the College of Business and Economics.  Applicants who earned a bachelorís degree in business administration from a nationally accredited university may be exempt from some or all of the foundations courses.  In addition, foundations courses may be waived by examination or demonstrated competency. 

All students, irrespective of background, must also demonstrate competence in writing skills by passing the Writing Proficiency Examination (WPE) in their first quarter at Cal State L.A. 

Please refer to the University Catalog (or its online version) for complete course descriptions.

 The Program

 Required Core: 24 units

The required core courses in accounting cover advanced concepts and theories in the field of accounting that prepare students for upper management and executive level positions. 

 Students who have taken ACCT 424A, ACCT 424B, and ACCT 495, or equivalent before entering the MS Accountancy program are exempt from ACCT 524A, ACCT 524B, and ACCT 595.  These students must complete an additional 12 units of 500 level courses selected with adviser approval from the option courses.

M.S. in Accountancy Options

 Required: 21 units

 Cal State L.A.ís M.S. in Accountancy program allow students to select one of the following three options: 

• Accounting Information Systems
• Financial and Public Accounting
• Managerial and Cost Accounting

 Accounting Information Systems Option

 Select 21 units from the following: 

 Financial and Public Accounting Option

Select 21 units from the following: 

 Managerial and Cost Accounting Option

Select 21 units from the following: