Master in Accounting

Master of Science in Accounting

A Master of Science in Accounting from the CSUDH College of Business Administration and Public Policy will help you accelerate your career in accounting and prepare you for CPA licensure.

 Request Information Now

Our program is designed for those with bachelor degrees in accounting disciplines to help you earn qualifications toward the certified public accountant license or advance your professional development.

Program Features

Students of the program:

  • Are prepared for CPA licensure
  • Work towards professional certifications including Certified Fraud Examination and Certified Internal Auditing
  • Have high demand options
  • Enjoy the flexibility of evening course schedule for the working adult

Program Overview

The program is a 30 unit degree designed for working adults. Courses are scheduled in the evenings between 7 pm and 10 pm on the CSUDH campus two nights a week. This 18 month program is designed for working professionals seeking to complete the degree in a timely manner. The program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

In partnership with the College of Continuing and Professional Education, the program tuition costs are based per unit at $725. The approximate tuition cost is $22,000. 

Learning Objectives

MS Accounting graduates will:

  • Demonstrate advanced proficiency in research written and communication skills tailored to the accounting discipline.
  • Demonstrate an ability to perform independently, both intellectually and professionally, within the accounting discipline at graduate level. Students will determine the impact of different accounting procedures to decide upon best method for a given set of contingencies within business, non-profit and governmental accounting fields.
  • Students will demonstrate advanced proficiency in accounting principles in GAAP and IFRS and an understanding of global perspectives, enabling them to navigate the complexities of domestic and/or international financial environments.
  • Demonstrate responsible ethical and professional conduct related to the accounting discipline in all facets of their educational and professional lives. Students will discern ethical behavior from unethical behavior by learning real life case studies in the business/accounting field.
  • Demonstrate skills designed to contribute to the development of the accounting discipline at the economic, social and civic policy levels. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the environmental issues and the responsibility of business enterprises towards their immediate communities and the environment.

Employment Outlook

Licensure - CPA/CertificationsThe CSUDH MS Accounting will help you to obtain your CPA. The benefits to your career of getting a CPA are numerous, and include the following: 

  • CPAs generally can earn ~10%—15% more than non-CPA’s.
  • Earning a CPA credential enhances credibility, expertise, and knowledge in  the field of accounting.
  • Holding a CPA helps to fast track staff level employees into management positions.
  • CPAs keep current on their knowledge of accounting changes and updates through continuing professional education.
  • CPAs have networking opportunities at conferences or seminars with peers by joining the various accounting organizations such as: CalCPA, AICPA, and other organizations.
  • Only CPA’s are allowed to perform audits, and auditors charge a great deal for their services.
  • To be a partner in a CPA firm, you must have a CPA.
  • A CPA is considered a person with a certain expertise in accounting and taxation, and thus able to charge significantly more than consultants without CPAs who provide similar services.
  • For some jobs, such as many CFO jobs, the job description requires that the candidates have their CPA license.