Accredited accounting degree programs in California open many different career paths across the country for graduates. Studies in accounting give students the necessary knowledge and understanding of accounting principles and theory to write their Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) exams. It prepares them for careers in either the public or private sector or to start their own businesses. Students with a graduate degree in accounting or taxation become respected professionals in their roles as management consultants and financial and systems experts. As the corporate world evolves and becomes more diverse and complex with the globalization of business, corporate restructuring, increased government regulation and the revolution of computers, graduate accounting degrees are in very high demand.

Azusa Pacific University (APU)

School of Business and Management, The Leung School of Accounting

APU’s Master of Professional Accountancy program prepares students coming from an undergraduate degree in accounting for a career as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). The pragmatic and ethically based curriculum combined with in-depth coursework equips graduates to succeed on the CPA exam. The opportunity for an internship with a public accounting firm allows students to apply their studies while advancing in their careers with hands-on learning. Students graduating from this rigorous program learn to solve complex accounting problems through the development of strong character building and research skills. Emphasis is placed on practical experience and career placement after graduation.

Master of Professional Accountancy

The experienced-based, accelerated 12-month program prepares students for graduation with a relevant, marketable education. The expertise they develop in preparation for their careers as Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) culminates with an intense review using the Becker CPA Exam Review model. Students are able to combine their knowledge of accounting theory and principles learned in the classroom with the official review model to excel on the CPA exam. Students will gain valuable insight into the profession as they study alongside accounting professionals whose expertise brings a wealth of knowledge about the profession to the classroom. The APU program meets the required 150 credit hours of coursework for certification as a CPA. With the experience students gain as interns at public accounting firms along with the intense coursework and exam preparation, students succeed on the CPA exam. Graduates of the APU Master’s in Accountancy program go on to become leaders in business and society. They benefit from valuable networking opportunities hosted by alumni and faculty throughout the academic year.

Accreditations

  • International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE)
  • Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

Contact

John M. Thornton, Graduate Chair
Azusa Pacific University
901 E. Alosta Ave.
P.O. Box 7000
Azusa, CA 91702-7000
Phone: (626) 812-3095
Fax: (626) 815-3802
Website: http://www.apu.edu/business/accounting/mpa/

California Polytechnic State University – San Louis Obispo

Orfalea College of Business, Faculty of Accounting and Law

The Orfalea College of Business believes in teaching students of their programs their “learn by doing” philosophy, which integrates learning with an opportunity for international study. The broad curriculum has been developed to provide graduates with unique insights and experiences. Through work with alumni, recruiters and members of the Business Advisory Council the school is able to identify how to strengthen the competencies of the graduates of their programs. Students are taught how to solve relevant business problems in an ethical manner by a faculty that is passionate and dedicated to challenging, mentoring and guiding students. Class sizes are kept to a level that is conducive to learning at the top-notch facilities.

Master of Science, Accounting (MS Accounting)

The accredited accounting degree program in California at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo is a one-year intensive program that meets the 150-hour educational requirement for students to write the Certified Public Accountant exam in California. After graduation students are qualified for careers in fields such as state or federal governmental tax agencies, public accounting firms or in management positions in the private sector. The program offers specialties in Tax (MSA–Tax) and Financial Accounting (MSA–FA), with the curriculum of each program requiring 45 units of study. A tax specialization teaches students to apply professional and ethical concepts in the field of tax. Critical thinking skills are stressed as students analyze and solve compliance issues. Financial Accounting specialists are taught in a unique, multi-disciplinary approach that integrates advanced audit curriculum, financial accounting and in-depth courses in database structures and information systems. They learn to conduct business valuations, analyze financial statements and effectively communicate their research results.

Accreditations

  • American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU)
  • National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges
  • Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

Contact

Heather Gamble, Administrative Coordinator
Orfalea College of Business
Cal Poly State University
1 Grand Avenue
San Luis Obispo, CA 93407
Phone: (805) 756-1543
Fax: (805) 756-6347
Website: http://www.cob.calpoly.edu/academic/accounting-and-law/

California State University – Los Angeles

College of Business and Economics

Accredited accounting degree programs in California equip students with the professional and intellectual tools they require for careers in accounting. Graduates of the CSU, Los Angeles program seek careers in local, state and federal government agencies, private industry as well as public accounting firms. The unique program produces graduates who are well prepared for their CPA, CMA or CIA exams. The curriculum incorporates up-to-date teaching strategies and technologies while placing an emphasis on achieving high academic standards. The talented and versatile faculty are well versed in technical knowledge and remain innovative in their areas of expertise through special training programs and regular professional activity.

Master of Science Degree in Accountancy (MS Accountancy)

The Master of Science degree program at CSU, Los Angeles graduates students who excel on their professional examinations, including the CPA, CMA and CIAs, for entry into their selected career fields or for post-graduate doctoral work or research positions. The course meets the 150-hour education requirement for CPA certification. Teachings of the program include using accounting information to indicate an organization’s relative financial position at a specific point in their business cycle and using the same information to determine how they have done in the past and to indicate how they may perform in the future. A strong emphasis is placed on ethics in the workforce as it relates to guiding accounting principles; students learn financial accountability pertaining to both the private sector and the government. Graduates of the program enter into careers in government tax agencies, tax accounting firms, internal auditing firms, private sector management positions, and managerial and cost accounting positions.

Accreditations

  • Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
  • Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB-International)

Contact

Kathryn Hansen, Department Head
Department of Accounting
College of Business and Economics
California State University, Los Angeles
5151 State University Dr., ST F517
Los Angeles, CA 90032-8121
Phone: (323) 343-2800 ·
Fax: (323) 343-2813
Website: http://cbe.calstatela.edu/acct/degrees.php

California State University – Northridge

David Nazarian College of Business and Economics

The innovative 18-month Master of Science in Taxation program at CSU, Northridge is geared towards mid-career professionals who want to prepare for career advancement in fields such as the government sector, public accountancy, professional tax advisors and consultants in public accounting firms. The accredited accounting degree program in California employs professionals who are leading practitioners in the field to teach the courses. The blend of outstanding scholarship and expertise the faculty brings to the program adds great depth to the practice-oriented academic experience. Throughout the curriculum students are taught to integrate theory and practice to obtain optimal results and gain valuable practical experience.

Masters of Science in Taxation

Courses in the Master of Science in Taxation program are taught in the cohort format which allows students to take advantage of valuable networking opportunities with the faculty and their classmates who are fellow taxation professionals. The skills-based program teaches students highly specialized research and writing skills. One of the distinguishing features of the program is a seminar which explores strategies for intricate and sophisticated taxation planning. The classes meet one evening per week and one Saturday per month and the course is in compliance with the 150-hour requirement for CPA licensing in California. Emphasis is placed on teaching professional ethics through giving students a controversial situation involving taxation, potential penalties and the relevant codes of conduct. They learn the intricacies of partnership, sole proprietorship and corporate tax expertise by analyzing situations, identifying pertinent tax issues and applying the applicable laws. Students are taught to effectively and efficiently research complex tax problems through various resources.

Accreditations

  • Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
  • Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)

Contact

Rafi Efrat, CPA, J.D., J.S.M., J.S.D.
Director and Professor
Graduate Programs in Business
18111 Nordhoff Street
Juniper Hall 3109
Northridge, CA 91330-8380
Phone: (818) 677-3952
Fax: (818) 677-4892
Website: http://www.csun.edu/busgrad/masters-science-taxation

California State University – San Bernardino

College of Business and Public Administration

The AACSB accredited accounting program at California State University in San Bernardino offers students a rigorous and comprehensive course load. The accounting program is very highly regarded in international financial circles. Graduates of the Master of Accountancy program score well on the CPA, CMA and CIA exams, with one of the highest passing rates in the CSU system. Students find that our graduate studies program is one of the most affordable and best in the CSU system. Studies are offered in real estate, financial planning and accounting and finance concentrations. All graduates have the knowledge and understanding to prepare financial reports, integrate business law concepts and execute auditing tasks.

Master of Science in Accountancy

The Master of Science in Accountancy (M.S. Accountancy) program gives students the knowledge and skill set to work with non profit organizations, governments, industry and finance companies and in public accounting firms. By gaining a thorough understanding of Professional Accounting and Accounting Information Systems through the in-depth courses students become committed professionals who excel to the highest levels of their selected careers. Graduates of the program are well qualified to write the professional examinations for entry into their selected areas. Students are taught how important ethical standards and conduct are in the profession. Many go on to prepare for their doctoral degrees or take research positions.

Accreditations

  • Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
  • National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA)
  • Western Association of Schools & Colleges (WASC)
  • Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME)

Contact

Dr. Vishal Munsif, MS, EA
Coordinator, MSA Program
California State University, San Bernardino
5500 University Parkway, San Bernardino CA 92407-2318
Phone: (909) 537-5720
Website: http://msa.csusb.edu/degreesCerts/index.html

California State University – East Bay

College of Business and Economics

California State University at East Bay provides students with an education that grooms them to be successful in their chosen career paths. They are taught how to adapt to changes in the business environment that involve rapid advances in technology, continual demands for innovation in both service and quality, broad spectrum growth with respect to organizational and individual learning and the ability to understand and develop the skills needed to succeed in the global marketplace. With a workforce that is continually evolving faculty members use their recognized academic backgrounds and years of practical experience to teach students how to adapt.

Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA)

The high quality Master of Science in Accountancy program at California State University, East Bay allows students to pursue professional accounting careers in a broad range of areas, including corporations, nonprofit organizations, public accounting firms and government agencies. The program consists of 36 courses in accounting education units required to sit for the Certified Public Accountancy (CPA) exam. Students work together closely while gaining understanding and knowledge of the business environment, regulation for firms in the public and private sectors, attestation and auditing standards, and reporting standards for financial accounting. Students are taught to understand ethical standards in a collaborative environment that stresses teamwork and leadership skills in a multicultural business program. The accredited accounting degree program in California teaches students the competencies they need to understand how to apply their knowledge to analyze and prepare financial reports, execute attestation and auditing tasks, and the integration of business tax and law concepts.

Master of Science in Taxation

Courses at California State University, East Bay Master of Science in Taxation directs students towards a career as a taxation professional. Graduates of the program seek careers in the private sector, government agencies and public accounting sectors. Coursework teaches U.S. Federal Taxation while also offering courses in International and State Income Taxation. Fundamental taxation principles governing corporations, estates, limited liability companies, trusts, sole proprietorships, and partnerships are strongly emphasized in the course of study. Giving students practical problems to solve as a collaborative group is one of the principle teaching techniques in the program. Students in the program must demonstrate their knowledge and skill in understanding Treasury Regulation, Internal Revenue Code and judicial decisions. Great importance is placed on teaching the process of contemplating alternative tax solutions, interpreting tax literature and how to research tax questions. Graduates of the program are expected to have a comprehensive knowledge of professional ethics, corporate and partnership tax expertise and the ability to research and solve complex and unfamiliar taxation problems using electronic resources.

Accreditations

  • Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
  • Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)

Contact

Graduate Programs Office
25800 Carlos Bee Blvd.
Hayward, CA 94542
Phone: (510) 885-2419
Website: http://www20.csueastbay.edu/cbe/ms-acct/

California State University – Fullerton

Mihalyo College of Business and Economics

Mihaylo College of Business and Economics at CSU is the largest business school on the West Coast that is accredited by the AACSB. They are recognized nationally for their world-class business education and accounting programs. Graduates are taught best business practices, functional applications of learning principles and award-winning research methods while making use of the state-of-the-art technology on campus. The school believes in balancing practical experience with applied theory while integrating the guiding theme of overall program quality. Many consider the programs at the Mihaylo College of Business and Economics to be the driving force behind business in Southern California.

Master of Science in Accountancy

Students of the MS in Accountancy program are taught a conceptual understanding of accounting theory and given appropriate technical competence to prepare them for a career in professional accounting. Students learn how to deal with issues involving accounting policy and ethics while teachings place an emphasis on the development of a professional attitude. Students are taught to work together as a collaborative team while learning effective leadership skills. Communication skills, both verbal and written, are stressed so that graduates will be able to effectively communicate with stakeholders and their peers. Professional accounting competencies are taught so students graduate with an understanding of how to prepare financial reports, how to integrate tax concepts and the importance of ethical responsibilities. Business concepts, regulation for the public and private sectors, financial reporting standards and analysis of business law are all emphasized in the program. Accounting theory foundations and technical skills are stressed while building a sound knowledge base to be applied in business administration.

Master of Science in Taxation

The Master of Science in Taxation at CSU, Fullerton is specifically designed for working professionals and is the only program of its kind in Orange County. Courses are offered in eight week terms with classes held two nights a week. Students are able to graduate in as few as two years. Accommodations are made for students of the program during the busy tax preparation season. Students are prepared for a career in the field of taxation by providing them with a conceptual understanding of underlying accounting principles and teaching them the technical competence they require with state-of-the-art technology. Fundamental substantive tax law, the process of how to research difficult tax questions, considering alternate solutions to complex tax problems and interpreting tax literature are all emphasized in the program teachings. Graduates of the program seek employment with corporations, government tax agencies and at CPA and law firms in the taxation department.

Accreditations

  • Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
  • Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)

Contact

Jamie Henry
Recruitment Specialist, Masters Programs
Mihaylo College of Business and Economics
Steven G. Mihaylo Hall
California State University, Fullerton
P.O. Box 6848
Fullerton, CA 92834-6848
Phone: (657) 278-8580
Website: http://business.fullerton.edu/graduateprograms/

Chapman University

Argyros School of Business and Economics

The Master of Science in Accounting Program at Chapman University prepares students for a successful career in the field of accounting. They are given a competitive edge to their career by gaining the skills, knowledge and networking skills by interacting with industry professional both inside and outside classes. Curriculum is taught with a global perspective, emphasizing marketing plans, start-up requirements and business strategies for growing and established companies throughout the nation. Students at the Argyros School have access to corporate executives at the regional, national and international level to help them succeed as professionals in their field of study.

Masters of Science in Accounting (MSA)

The Masters of Science in Accounting program grooms students to prepare for the California Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam. The highly personalized learning environment teaches graduates of the program how to communicate persuasively and effectively with all levels of management. They are taught how accounting in business organizations plays a strategic role in the success of the corporations by gaining a keen understanding of the tactical role it plays. Using professional research and relevant academic knowledge taught in the course of their studies, the students gain valuable expertise in the field of accounting. They learn responsibilities in accounting and ethical principles as part of the curriculum so they can apply the knowledge in their careers. The 30 credit course requirement may be completed compromised of business courses in the MBA program based on the undergraduate accounting courses students have completed. The flexible program takes 10 months to complete with classes meeting in the afternoon and evening.

Accreditations

  • Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
  • Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)

Contact

Dawn Brewer
Program Coordinator
Chapman University
Office of Graduate Admissions
One University Drive
Orange, CA 92866
Phone: (714) 744-7694
Fax: (714) 532-6081
Website: https://www.chapman.edu/business/graduate/masters-in-accounting.aspx

Students who have chosen a career in accounting have a wide variety of accredited accounting degree programs in California to choose from. Accounting professionals are in high demand in the competitive job market due to society’s concerns with business and government accountability with respect to financial matters. A graduate degree in either accounting or taxation gives students the knowledge and skills they need to succeed as professionals in both the public and private sectors.