The Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA) program, offered by the Lucas College and Graduate School of Business , prepares students for careers in public and corporate accounting. Students develop and apply an analytics-oriented mindset to audit, tax, advisory and managerial scenarios. Course work is structured to combine academic learning and accounting internship experience in a well-rounded preparation for careers in professional accounting. The program balances technical study and preparation for the CPA exam with business soft skills needed for recruitment and a career in accounting. The MSA is a full-time, 9-month, daytime program, although students with flexible employers may be able to study part-time. The 30-unit program, taught online and on the SJSU campus, admits both accounting and non-accounting undergraduate majors in a competitive process. Non-accounting undergraduate students have the opportunity to prepare for the program in a 15-unit summer certificate program preceding Fall enrollment in the MSA.
For more information, see the Lucas Graduate School of Business website.
Purpose of the MSA Program
The MSA program prepares students for a career in public or corporate accounting by providing them with a strong foundation for both public accounting certification (CPA) and career advancement.
Educational Objectives
Students with an MSA degree should recognize and apply the accounting principles and procedures involved in measuring, recording, summarizing, and reporting financial and non-financial data for business organizations; taxation concepts; auditing and control procedures; and the ethical and legal challenges in an accounting career. They should communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, evaluate information technology, and demonstrate analytical proficiency.
Benefits of the MSA
The program is designed for people with undergraduate degrees in accounting who want to further their studies in accounting while acquiring an additional 30 units needed for CPA licensure. It also allows liberal arts/sciences/business undergraduates who are interested in changing careers an entrance into the accounting profession. The course work and optional internship provide opportunities to build a framework for a successful and rewarding career in public or corporate accounting.
Admissions Requirements
University Admissions
Applicants must submit a complete graduate application by applying through the CSU Cal State Apply system and meet all the university admission requirements . Applicants apply separately to the Lucas Graduate School of Business to obtain admission into the MSA program.
Applicants from countries in which the native language is not English must achieve a minimum English-language proficiency test score as indicated on the Graduate Program Test Requirements webpage at GAPE.
Requirements for Admission to Classified Standing
To be fully accepted into the MSA in classified standing, an applicant must have: