Program Overview

Why get a CSUF MS in Accountancy degree?

A graduate degree in accounting can move your career forward faster than an undergraduate credential alone. Cal State Fullerton's College of Business and Economics is a preferred recruiting school for the Big Four firms, and interest in the program keeps growing as more students see the return on an MS in Accountancy degree. Whether you're a working professional balancing a career or a recent graduate ready to commit full time, the MS in Accountancy program gives you a stronger foundation for long-term growth.

Choose Your Track

CSUF offers two MS in Accountancy formats, so you can choose the one that fits your schedule and where you stand in your career.

  • MS in Accountancy Traditional
  • MS in Accountancy Cohort

Program Options

Compare the pace, schedule and experience of each option before choosing the path that works best for you.

MS in Accountancy Traditional

Developed for students who are already balancing a full-time career, the Traditional track lets you keep working while earning your degree. Classes meet in the evenings, so you can maintain your job and income during the program.

  • Fall or spring admission
  • Evening classes
  • 12 to 24 months, based on course load
  • Designed to help students reach 150 units required for CPA eligibility

MS in Accountancy Cohort

Built for recent graduates who want to start graduate school right away, the Cohort track is a full-time, 10-month program that takes you from bachelor's degree to CPA eligibility within two semesters.

  • Fall admission only
  • Primarily daytime classes
  • Optional winter internship
  • CPA prep course and built-in leadership development

Traditional

Cohort

Program Start

Fall or spring semester start

Fall semester start only

Orientation and boot camps run three weeks before the semester begins.

Schedule

Two to four courses per semester

Courses offered in the evenings

Four courses per semester

Courses offered primarily during the day

Program Length

12 to 24 months, based on course load

10 months

Key Features

Balance a full-time career while attending classes part-time.

Reach 150 hours and become CPA eligible.

Complete an optional winter internship while attending school full-time.

Gain additional leadership skills to be workforce-ready.

Reach 150 hours and become CPA eligible.

Admissions
Requirements

Additional prerequisite coursework may be required for students with non-accounting backgrounds.

GMAT or GRE is strongly recommended for applicants with GPAs below 3.3.

International applicants may submit TOEFL with a minimum 570 paper or 88 iBT.

Completion of all accounting prerequisite courses listed in the University Catalog is required.

GMAT or GRE is strongly recommended for applicants with GPAs below 3.0.

Course Highlights

Specialized Program Curriculum

The MS in Accountancy coursework strengthens the technical knowledge, data analytics skills and theoretical foundation needed to solve the complex challenges accounting professionals face. Students explore key areas such as financial reporting, auditing, accounting information systems and taxation, while applying concepts to real-world business scenarios.

Accounting Theory and Professional Research

Accounting theory and professional research builds an analytical framework for managerial decision-making and teaches students to research the FASB Codification to address professional accounting problems.

Accounting Data Analytics

Accounting data analytics introduces data extraction, analysis and visualization tools used in business today, with hands-on practice transforming raw data into actionable knowledge.

Professional Accounting Communication

Professional accounting communication develops the ability to prepare accounting reports and client presentations, including working papers, engagement letters, management advisory reports and prospectuses.

Accounting Information Systems

Accounting information systems uses case studies of computer-based accounting systems to examine accounting information, reporting and internal controls across organizations such as universities, banks, industrial corporations and CPA firms.

Careers in Accounting

Why get an MS in Accountancy?

The CSUF MS in Accountancy prepares graduates to move confidently into public practice, corporate roles or government agencies, with the credentials and skill set needed to stand out in a competitive hiring market.

Graduates of the MS in Accountancy pursue careers in the following areas:

  • Public Accounting (Audit, Tax and Advisory)
  • Corporate Accounting and Financial Reporting
  • Forensic Accounting and Internal Audit
  • Government and Nonprofit Accounting
  • Accounting Technology and Data Analytics

Program Cost

Invest in Your Future

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Cal State Fullerton College of Business and Economics combines a high-quality graduate education with competitive tuition, delivering exceptional value as you prepare for the next stage of your academic and professional journey.

Earn a respected graduate business degree that strengthens your qualifications, expands your expertise and supports your long-term career goals.

Explore Program Cost

How to Apply

Admission Process

Visit the graduate admissions page for the complete application process, admission requirements and current filing deadlines. Admission is based on a holistic review of academic background, professional experience and preparation for graduate study.

Review the requirements and application steps below, then submit all required materials by the applicable deadline.

Admissions Requirements

CBE at Cal State Fullerton

Review the admission requirements for GPA, test score, transcript and international applicant details before you start your application.

Application Deadlines

  • Jul 1 Spring 2027 Applications Open
  • Nov 15 Spring 2027 Applications Close
  • Aug 1 Fall 2027 Applications Open
  • Jun 15 Fall 2027 Applications Close

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Stories and News

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Frequently Asked Questions

Find Out More

Is an MS in Accountancy worth it?

Yes. A specialized accounting master's helps you reach CPA eligibility, deepens your technical skill set and signals to employers that you are ready for advanced responsibility. Demand for the degree keeps rising, with applications increasing year over year as more students see the value of pairing a graduate credential with a clear path to licensure. At Cal State Fullerton, the program combines coursework with practical, technology-driven training to prepare graduates for public accounting, corporate accounting and government careers.

How long does the MS in Accountancy take?

It depends on the track. Cohort students finish in 10 months through a full-time schedule with classes primarily during the day, built for recent graduates ready to move quickly toward CPA eligibility. Traditional students typically take 12 to 24 months, attending evening classes that let them keep working full time while earning the degree.

Do I need an accounting degree to apply?

No. Both tracks welcome students regardless of undergraduate major, though completion of prerequisite coursework listed in the University Catalog is required before starting graduate-level classes.

Is the CSUF MS in Accountancy program accredited?

Yes. The program is offered through the College of Business and Economics at Cal State Fullerton, which is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). CSUF is also the only business school in Orange County with dual AACSB accreditation in both business and accounting.

Is the GMAT or GRE required to apply?

GMAT and GRE scores are not required to apply. You are welcome to submit an application with or without test scores. That said, a strong score can help strengthen your application if you do not have a quantitative background, academically or professionally.

What's the difference between the Traditional and Cohort tracks?

The Traditional track fits working professionals who need flexibility, with evening classes and a pace that can stretch from 12 to 24 months. The Cohort track is ideal for recent graduates who want to move straight into their career, with daytime classes, a fixed 10-month timeline and the same peer group from start to finish.