Cal State Fullerton’s M.S. in Taxation has been redesigned under the leadership of Accounting Lecturer Barry Gershenovitz ’85 (accounting) to focus on a more flexible format for today’s working students and those who might be balancing education and family responsibilities yet incorporating the benefits of in-person instruction and interaction. At the heart of the program is a professional-focused specialized master’s degree designed for students seeking to advance in tax careers.

For 32 years, Gershenovitz was a tax partner with EY, one of the Big Four accounting firms. Since 2017, he has been focused on leading and teaching in the taxation master’s program, ensuring the degree is relevant with the latest technology and regulatory trends. Additionally, he has an independent tax practice for individual and small business clients.

Redesigned With Tech and the Global Economy in Mind, the M.S. in Taxation is an Industry Leader

Over the past few years, the M.S. in Taxation has been streamlined to better meet industry needs. “We’ve redesigned the program to 10 classes. Our capstone class is about technology, analytics and ChatGPT. We’re in line with our competition as well as how firms are using the latest AI tools.,” explains Gershenovitz. “There is a final group case study in which students discover how technology is used in the real world. When our students hit the ground running, they have full knowledge of the latest technology.”

At the graduate level, Gershenovitz teaches ACCT 572 – Seminar in Taxation of Corporations and Shareholders Corporation II and ACCT 580 – Seminar in Taxation of S Corporations, LLCs and LLPs. Additionally, his undergraduate ACCT 408 – Taxation of Business Entities course is an elective for M.S. in Taxation students.

In today’s global economy, the international perspective is increasingly relevant. Under Gershenovitz, the CSUF taxation master’s offers an international tax course, giving the program a unique value-add. “U.S. taxpayers with operations overseas are impacted by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and One Big Beautiful Bill, which have international implications,” he says. “Our government wants more manufacturing in the U.S. But many clients are international. Balancing the priorities in the global economy is essential. Our course seeks to help students understand how a U.S. company would do business abroad.”

M.S. in Taxation Lecturers Are Constantly Learning in the Field

There are 15 lecturers in the M.S. in Taxation program, who stay atop the latest trends in private practice in the industry, specializing in local, state, federal or international tax.

“Though I’ve been in the field for nearly half a century, I’m constantly learning through training classes,” says Gershenovitz.  “It’s a great career because the tax field will always be relevant and always changing. Taxes are global and companies and individuals must pay. Firms are still hiring in tax given the changes at all levels. You’ll always be relevant in ensuring your clients pay their fair share. Tax planning and giving advice is very satisfying.”

You’ll Be Primed to Thrive as an M.S. in Taxation Alum

In the tax field, the M.S. in Taxation is essentially a terminal degree, meaning students who complete the degree have a wide range of professional and teaching opportunities.

“You can participate in internships and recruiting events and the Accounting Society and Beta Alpha Psi clubs while being a grad student,” explains Gershenovitz. “If you get a job out of your undergrad, take the job. But I got my master’s when I was working, which was a huge benefit, because I was learning on the job and in the classroom. If you’re an undergrad and already have 150 credits, take the job, but come back and get your masters. You only have one tax class that’s required, so you don’t have enough knowledge, which is why this program is so valuable. Plus, many firms will help finance your degree, making it even more attainable.”

Getting Started on Your Journey

Think the M.S. in Taxation at Cal State Fullerton is your best path? Applications are open for fall 2026. Discover more about the program by reading our articles on the M.S. in Taxation.