How a CSUF Master’s in Accounting Opens Doors to High-Demand Careers | College of Business and Economics at CSUF (how-a-csuf-masters-in-accounting-opens-doors-to-high-demand-careers)

Accounting is an in-demand career path like never before in today’s economy, with AI radically transforming the field and thus requiring new skillsets and knowledge from practitioners. This, alongside the retirement of Baby Boomers, provides a great opportunity for the next generation.

Graduates of the Cal State Fullerton College of Business and Economics M.S. in Accountancy program are particularly prepared for powerful career potential due to a diverse and versatile alumni base, the insights and connections of student peers, and a strong accounting job market in Orange County.

Top Careers and Industries for M.S. in Accountancy Grads

In the public sector, one of the fastest-growing subsets of accounting is forensic accounting and cybersecurity, with roles in the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and other regulatory agencies at both the federal and state levels. The School of Accountancy at Cal State Fullerton is a leader in connecting students with internships and entry-level positions in these areas, with agencies regularly in attendance at career fair events.

Private sector accounting opportunities are numerous and varied, including managerial roles in Big Four accounting giants such as EY, Deloitte, KPMG and PwC, as well as boutique and local firms such as Green Street Advisors. These positions can often lead to C-suite roles in these companies. Additionally, technology-focused positions, such as information systems, data security, and data analysis, are also viable paths within these firms.

In today’s complex and ever-changing regulatory environment, there are also plenty of tax-specific opportunities. From managerial, technological and analytical roles at tax preparers such as H&R Block and Jackson Hewitt, to tax advisory roles at major corporations and firms ranging across all industries, both public and private. The CSUF M.S. in Accountancy offers numerous tax-related courses and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program to provide hands-on applied experience in these areas. Plus, the M.S. in Taxation provides even more opportunities to explore tax-related career paths.

Finally, the academic world offers opportunities for teaching and research related to accounting, auditing, taxation and finance.

M.S. in Accountancy Salary Potential

According to Research.com, the median annual salary for professionals with an M.S. in Accountancy in 2023 was $122,000, well above national and state averages for graduate-level career opportunities generally. And these roles are in demand and growing: Employment of accountants and auditors is projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations

Resources to Help You Reach Higher

Students in the Cal State Fullerton M.S. in Accountancy are provided numerous resources to maximize their career potential. The School of Accountancy itself hosts numerous events and workshops open to both graduate and undergraduate students, including Meet the Firms and various career fairs.

From résumé and cover letter tips to LinkedIn profile review to mock interviews to career fairs and job listings, Business Career Services is a vital resource for Business Titans of all majors. The center’s Graduate Career Advisor, Kayleen Garvey, provides dedicated support specific to the graduate student community.

Graduate Business Programs also works to facilitate connections to internships and entry level jobs. Your graduate advisor is an outstanding resource to learn more about the industries.

Alumni Successes

Alumni of the M.S. in Accountancy have developed a reputation and track record of career advancement. One such graduate is Parsa Safdari ’22, who credits his career trajectory from Marcus & Millichap to EY and now to FirstElement Fuel Inc. to this specialized master’s program. “The program provides the same opportunities as private schools, but at a fraction of the cost, making it one of the best values in graduate education,” he says.

Thanks to supportive and achieving alumni such as Safdari, who look forward to giving back to the next generation of accounting students, our M.S. in Accountancy graduates are primed for top-level connections that can translate to coveted job opportunities.

Get Started on Your M.S. in Accountancy Journey Today

For more on the M.S. in Accountancy and how it can transform your career trajectory, read more of our articles about graduate accounting education and alumni successes at Cal State Fullerton. Or register or learn more about the program.