Master of Science in Accountancy

Program Overview

The MSA program at San Francisco State University provides an advanced accounting degree with specializations in various areas. Graduates gain expertise in accounting principles, professional standards, and emerging industry trends. This AACSB-accredited program emphasizes critical thinking, communication, and ethical considerations, preparing students for successful careers as accounting professionals.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA) program offers an advanced degree in accounting, with specializations in financial accounting, tax, auditing, managerial accounting, and accounting information systems.

Objectives:

The program aims to produce graduates who are:

• Knowledgeable in accounting and its functional support of organizations: Students will gain a deep understanding of accounting principles and practices, and their application in various business settings.
• Proficient in professional accounting standards: They will develop expertise in applying relevant accounting standards and regulations to real-world situations.
• Able to relate accounting to other functional business areas: The program emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of accounting and its connection to other business functions like finance, marketing, and management.
• Understanding of current issues impacting accounting practice: Students will learn about emerging trends and challenges in the accounting profession, including technological advancements and regulatory changes.

Effective communicators and team members:

The program develops students' communication and collaboration skills, enabling them to effectively present their findings, work in teams, and contribute to diverse work environments.

Other:

• Accreditation: The MSA program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and San Francisco State University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
• Program Expectations:
• Orientation and Professional Development Workshops:
The program includes orientation sessions to prepare students for academic demands and provide professional development opportunities.
• Prerequisite Courses: Depending on students' prior coursework, prerequisite courses ranging from 0 to 18 units might be required.
Waivers for these courses are available based on prior equivalent coursework.
• Advancement to Candidacy: Students must meet certain requirements, including a minimum GPA of 3.0, before they can be considered for advancement to candidacy for the degree.
• Coursework: The program requires a minimum of 30 units, including:
• Prerequisite Courses (0-18 units):
These courses provide foundational business knowledge for students lacking prior experience.
• Core Courses (15 units): This section includes foundational accounting courses covering key topics like financial accounting, managerial accounting, and ethics.
• Culminating Experience (3 units): This course focuses on ethics and contemporary accounting issues, allowing students to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios.
• Electives (12 units): Students choose from a range of electives offered by the Lam Family College of Business to specialize in their areas of interest.