Caterina Vivirito, a 2025 M.S. in Taxation graduate from Cal State Fullerton, is now a full-time staff member at Big Four accounting firm EY in Irvine, exemplifying the opportunities available to graduates of the taxation program at the College of Business and Economics. Vivirito, who also earned her undergrad in accounting at CSUF three years ago, began her EY experience with an internship in summer 2024 during her M.S. in Taxation experience.

“Going through the M.S. in Taxation program played such a large role in my transition into the workforce,” she says. “Being familiar with the tax language made it easier for me to understand what was going on and not being completely lost in the dark. It is a rewarding feeling knowing that I will be applying what I learned in real life. It makes me so grateful for going through the program.”

Achieve More with Instructors Who Have Professional Accounting Experience

Vivirito points to the instructors in the CSUF M.S. in Taxation with combined professional and academic experience as the most memorable aspect of her grad school days at Cal State Fullerton. Many of these instructors work simultaneously in public accounting, creating connections that can lead students to job openings.

“They all had many years of experience and translated that into their teaching. Trying to read the tax laws and learning about all the grey areas can be difficult, but they presented it in a way that was easy to understand,” she says.

Vivirito credits Ryan Woodhouse, Ronda Spires, Roger Idnani, Jeff Bogan and Jon Durrant with influencing her career progression. She especially values the encouragement and support of Barry Gershenovitz, the tax program head and accounting instructor. Vivirito’s decision to apply to the M.S. in Taxation program after her undergrad and to apply for the EY roles began with Gershenovitz’s advising.

“I am so thankful because I genuinely learned so much and really believe everyone who wants to pursue tax go through this program,” she says.

Leveraging Experience and the CPA to Get Started

Vivirito recommends that young professionals entering the tax field gain as much experience as possible. She notes that opportunities extend beyond the Big Four, and that internships at small and medium-sized firms offer valuable preparation for advanced roles. She also encourages students to make the most of their graduate programs.

“Even though you won’t remember every detail and won’t necessarily be applying what you learn in the beginning, it will help you be more familiar with the concepts and language when you are in meetings with the managers and/or clients. It’s all about repetition,” she says. “When I was studying for the CPA, one of the instructors told us, ‘The more you hear it, read it, and write it, the more you’ll remember it.’”

The M.S. in Taxation is also focused on preparing students for CPA exams. Vivirito encourages her fellow Titans to study for the exams and pass them before entering the industry.

“When you are in school, you are already in study mode, and I feel like it is easier to accomplish them when you are already in that mindset,” she says. “You will learn a lot of the study material for the REG and TCP exams in the M.S. in Taxation program, so it makes it that much easier. I truly believe getting a master’s degree should be a requirement for the CPA.” 

For More Information on the M.S. in Taxation

Affordable tuition, a flexible schedule, world-class faculty and a vast alumni network make the M.S. in Taxation at Cal State Fullerton’s College of Business and Economics one of the best programs in California.

To get started on your journey to an M.S. in Taxation, apply today for fall 2026 or read more of our articles on this degree path.