Accounting jobs are in high demand these days. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, total employment for accountants and auditors is expected to increase 6% between 2023 and 2033. The accounting industry has shifted dramatically in recent years. Gone are ledgers and even Excel documents, and here to stay are new AI tools.
The Cal State Fullerton College of Business and Economics is at the cutting edge of preparing students for the high-tech world of 21st century accounting through its technology-forward MS in accountancy program.
The college is the only in Orange County and one of just a few nationally that is accredited both for general business and accounting education by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), demonstrative of our research, teaching and student outcome acumen.
Two master’s in accounting program tracks are available – a traditional and cohort model. The traditional model has two to four evening courses per semester, while the cohort model has four primarily daytime courses. The traditional model is complete in one to two years depending on course load, while the cohort model is completable within 10 months along with an optional winter internship in one of the most rapid master’s programs available to contemporary business students. In either case, the 30-unit master’s degree in accounting is designed for students who already have an undergraduate accounting background and meets California’s 150-hour requirement for a CPA license.
“Both our Traditional MSA and our Cohort MSA programs provide students with an opportunity to grow their careers in accounting, as well as with a clear pathway for CPA success,” explains Megan Grady, assistant professor of accounting. “Whether they are a full-time employee, or prefer to be a full-time student, our programs are designed to allow people to find the best fit for their goals, schedule and experience as a business professional.”
According to Vivek Mande, director of the School of Accountancy, the new cohort MS in accounting program that launched this fall has many benefits. “The program involves small classes, greater interaction with the firms, and a curriculum blending theory and practice. The two-semester program also allows our students to pursue a full-time internship with the firms during the busy spring season, ensuring full career competence at graduation.”
Among the many alumni of the CSUF MS in accounting programs who can testify to its strength and benefit is Jessica De La Torre ’23. She is currently an experienced AWM tax associate at PwC, one of the Big Four accounting firms. De La Torre maximized her master’s in accounting through involvement with the Accounting Society and Beta Alpha Psi, student organizations open to both undergraduate and graduate students. De La Torre speaks to the depth of both the teaching faculty and extracurricular experiences.
“The MS in accountancy program at CSUF not only strengthened my foundation in accounting but also exposed me to insightful conversations, meaningful connections and career opportunities that have been instrumental to my post-graduation success,” she says. “The curriculum not only better prepared me for the CPA exams but also the concepts and skills I apply daily in my current role. The quality of professors at CSUF is significant and I always appreciated their genuine interests to help their students understand concepts and push us to think big. We were always encouraged to attend school events and conferences, providing valuable insights and expanding my perspective on the accounting profession.”
De La Torre advises future students to embrace the full Master’s of Science in accountancy program and Business Titan experiences. “Immerse yourself in your students, connect with your professors, engage in campus events, and participate in student organizations. By actively investing your time and efforts in the program, you’ll maximize its value, build meaningful connections, and set yourself up for long-term success.”
For more on our MS in accounting program, visit the Business Graduate Programs website. Or apply today for fall 2025 admission.
