Fullerton College Accounting Pathway

Program Overview

The Fullerton College Accounting Pathway (FCAP) is a four-year program designed to prepare Fullerton College students for long-term career success in accounting. As part of the program, students receive academic support, mentorship, and professional development opportunities while attending Fullerton College and transferring to Cal State Fullerton.

As part of the program, students complete:

2+ years at Fullerton College, earning a Business Administration Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T)
2 years at Cal State Fullerton, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration (Accounting Concentration)
(Optional) 1 additional year at Cal State Fullerton to complete a Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA)

Benefits

1. Seamless Pathway to Cal State Fullerton

Students benefit from a clear pathway designed to make transferring to Cal State Fullerton smooth. Through dedicated academic advising, staff from both Fullerton College and Cal State Fullerton provide personalized support to help students stay on track for transfer, graduation, and long-term career goals.

This pathway also includes a structured academic plan with a clear course roadmap created specifically for FCAP students, ensuring they complete classes at the right time. Students participate in dedicated FCAP cohort courses at Fullerton College, where they learn alongside peers in a supportive and focused academic community.

2. Career-Ready Skill Development

FCAP prepares students for success in the accounting profession by offering hands-on and career-focused development opportunities. Students gain valuable exposure to industry professionals through networking opportunities with top accounting firms, including Deloitte, RSM, and Wright Ford Young & Co.

Technical training sessions in Excel and PowerPoint further help students build practical skills that are essential for internships and future careers in business and accounting. Additionally, FCAP members have the opportunity to attend Cal State Fullerton's Business Career Fair each semester, where they can connect directly with employers to advance their professional goals.

3. Student Support & Engagement

FCAP supports student success through a range of academic and professional resources that keep students engaged throughout their journey. Students can meet with a dedicated student assistant to discuss professional development goals, including recruiting strategies, resume reviews, and interview preparation.

Additionally, the program offers opportunities for FCAP members to connect with current Cal State Fullerton students who have relevant internship experience in accounting and can provide guidance on balancing academics, career development, and navigating the transfer process.

FCAP Alumni Testimonials

Testimonial 1 – From a First-Generation FCAP Graduate

"As a first-generation student balancing family and work, I never thought accounting was for me—until Professor Tran's ACCT 101AF class. His flipped classroom, real-world audit simulations, and personalized guidance through FCAP gave me the structure and confidence I needed. The clear transfer steps to CSUF removed every barrier. Today, I'm an Audit & Assurance Associate at PwC, and I mentor current FCAP students to pay it forward. Professor Tran didn't just teach accounting—he changed my life."

— Christian M., FCAP Alum & PwC Associate

Testimonial 2 – On Building Confidence and Technical Skills

"Enrolling in FCAP felt overwhelming at first, but Professor Tran's high standards combined with hands-on practice and extended office hours made complex topics like financial reporting accessible and exciting. He connected everything to real careers, encouraged me during tough times, and walked me through the guaranteed CSUF transfer path. I graduated with my ADT, transferred seamlessly, and now thrive in public accounting. FCAP and his mentorship turned doubt into determination!"

— A. Ramirez, Recent CSUF Transfer & Accounting Professional

Testimonial 3 – Highlighting Mentorship and Career Preparation

"Professor Tran's passion for accounting and belief in every student inspired me to switch my major and commit to FCAP. His cohort classes built strong technical skills through case studies and ethical discussions, while his advocacy helped me land internships and recruiting events. The program's clear roadmap—3.0+ GPA, cohort courses, priority CSUF master's options—made CPA goals feel achievable. Thanks to him, I'm now working in audit and giving back by guest-speaking in his classes."

— J. Lopez, FCAP Graduate & Big Four Auditor

How to Apply & Application Process

Complete the FCAP Application Form
Students must enroll in ACCT 101BF (Managerial Accounting) as part of the FCAP cohort.
- Students who have already completed ACCT 101BF outside the cohort are not eligible to join FCAP.
3.0 CSU GPA (Recommended)
- Students may apply to FCAP with a cumulative CSU GPA below 3.0, but must have a 3.0 CSU-transferable GPA once their ADT is completed to qualify for guaranteed admission to CSUF's Business Administration Major (Accounting Concentration).
BUS 100 (Introduction to Business) or BUS 211 (Critical Reasoning and Writing for Business) do not need to be completed prior to the second year.
Meet with a Fullerton College counselor for a Comprehensive Student Educational Program Plan (SEPP) that reflects completion of the Associate in Science Degree for Transfer (2.0).
- Students can schedule an appointment with a Fullerton College counselor by visiting their website at counseling.fullcoll.edu .

Meet the Team

Dr. Jenny Zhang

Associate Dean and Lead for FCAP Program at CSUF

As Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs and Student Success in the College of Business and Economics at Cal State Fullerton, I oversee initiatives that support undergraduate student success, including academic advising, career services, tutoring, and curriculum development.

In collaboration with the faculty and staff at Fullerton College, we developed the Fullerton College Accounting Pathway (FCAP) to support students' successful transition to CSUF's Accounting program through academic support, career development, and connections with the accounting profession.

I am committed to helping students achieve their education and career goals and welcome ideas and feedback to continue strengthening the FCAP experience. You can reach out to me at [email protected].

Brandon Tran

Lead Faculty and Accounting Department Coordinator, FCAP Program

As the coordinator for FCAP, I oversee the program's academic structure, dedicated cohort classes (ACCT 101AF/BF), student mentoring, business skills workshops, and partnerships with CSUF to ensure a smooth 4+1 pathway to the B.A. in Business Administration (Accounting Concentration) and potential master's programs.

With extensive experience teaching financial, managerial, audit & assurance services, and financial statement analysis, I am passionate about helping students build strong technical skills, professional networks, and the confidence to excel in accounting careers and sit for the CPA exam.

Feel free to reach out anytime at [email protected].

Diana Hsueh

Adjunct Faculty, Accounting – Supporting FCAP Program

As an adjunct instructor in the Accounting Department, I teach key FCAP cohort courses such as Financial Accounting (ACCT 101AF) and Managerial Accounting (ACCT 101BF), helping students build a solid foundation for the transfer pathway to CSUF and successful accounting careers.

I focus on clear, step-by-step explanations, lots of guided practice, and creating a supportive classroom environment where students feel confident to ask questions and grow. I'm passionate about seeing FCAP scholars thrive and prepare for CPA eligibility and professional success.

Reach out anytime at [email protected].

Preston Lam

Student Assistant, FCAP Program

As the Student Assistant for FCAP, I support Fullerton College students as they learn about the program, explore accounting opportunities, and prepare for recruiting. I am currently pursuing an MS in Accountancy at Cal State Fullerton, and I use my experience with audit and tax recruiting to help students better understand public accounting and what professionals look for during the hiring process.

Through FCAP sessions and related events, including those connected to Beta Alpha Psi and the Accounting Society, I help cover topics such as public accounting, audit and tax service lines, recruiting timelines, networking, application materials, interviews, and what to expect during an accounting internship. My goal is to help students feel more confident, prepared, and supported as they begin their recruiting journey with public accounting firms.

I am committed to learning, stepping outside my comfort zone, and sharing useful resources and knowledge with students who are working toward their goals.

Feel free to reach out anytime at [email protected] .

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When is the earliest a student can begin the FCAP program?

Students can enroll prior to taking ACCT 101AF and ACCT 101BF.

Are students accepted for Fall and Spring ACCT 101AF and ACCT 101BF cohorts?

Yes, students will be accepted for Fall and Spring 101AF and 101BF.

When is the FCAP application due for Fall and Spring?

For the latest information regarding FCAP application deadlines, please contact Brandon Tran at [email protected].

How do FCAP students apply to Cal State Fullerton?

Students apply to CSUF for Fall or Spring admission using Cal State Apply. Students do not need to indicate on their application that they are a part of the FCAP program.