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Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA)

Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA)

The Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA) prepares students for a wide range of employment opportunities in public accounting, industry, finance, government and nonprofit organizations, and higher education. The program is designed to prepare graduates who 1) possess knowledge and skills in professional accounting, 2) can successfully pursue professional certifications (e.g., CPA, CMA, etc.), 3) are capable of becoming leaders who exhibit high standards of professional ethical conduct, and 4) are interested in pursuing doctoral and research studies.

The Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA) online Option delivers the regular MSA program in an online mode and is offered through the College of Extended and Global Education.

The Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA) 3:2 Option is a variant of the regular MSA program. It provides CSUSB accounting students with an accelerated route to a graduate degree, with simultaneous awarding of both bachelor’s and master’s degrees. The 3:2 Option allows students to earn graduate credit for several elective courses taken during the junior and senior years. The 3:2 Option provides a seamless process whereby students can progress from undergraduate to graduate status.  Student admitted to 3:2 MSA can transfer credits of up to three 5000 level courses (ACCT 5440, ACCT 5360, and ACCT 5390) to graduate program from undergraduate program.

CPA (Certified Public Accountant), Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA), and Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA) 3:2 option

 Uniform CPA Examination Book

Educational Requirement (Tip Sheet)

 

Uniform CPA examination handbook shows that to qualify to take the CPA Exam, you must meet the following minimum educational

requirements:

A baccalaureate degree or higher conferred by a degree-granting college or university (or foreign equivalent evaluated by a CBA-approved foreign academic credentials evaluation service) accredited by a United States regional institutional accrediting agency or national accrediting agency

  • 24 semester units of accounting subjects
  • 24 semester units of business-related subjects

Once you have successfully passed all four parts of the CPA Exam, you must meet the

following additional educational requirements prior to CPA licensure:

  • 150 total semester units
  • 20 semester units in accounting study subjects
  • 10 semester units in ethics study subjects

Our Master of Science in Accountancy and Master of Science in Accountancy 3:2 option are designed to assist students to fill educational requirements to be CPA license holders.