Admission to the MSA program
Admission to the MSA (Master Science in Accountancy) program is based on a holistic review of the entire application package, evaluating academic preparation, professional potential, and alignment with the focus on Accountancy. In addition to the general university requirements, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Bachelor's degree and GPA: Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants with at least GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale may still be considered if they have an undergraduate degree in BA or BS in Accountancy or demonstrate at least 1 year of relevant professional experience in Accounting or related fields.
- Statement of Purpose: Submit a 500-750 word statement outlining career goals and showing how the MSA program will help the applicant to achieve career goals.
- Resume: Provide a current resume detailing academic background, professional experience, internships, skills, and extracurriculars. Accounting professional experience is highly regarded in evaluations.
- Transcripts: Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions are required.
- Recommendation Letter: A letter of recommendation is encouraged but not required. For applicants with non-accounting backgrounds or lower GPAs, it is recommended to highlight your interest in an accounting career path in the letter.
- Standardized Tests: No GMAT or GRE required.
- English Proficiency for International Students: International applicants whose primary language is not English and who have not completed three years of full-time study at an English-medium institution must submit scores from TOEFL (minimum 550/PBT, 213/CBT, 79-80/IBT), IELTS (minimum 6.5), or Duolingo (minimum 110), taken within the past two years. Completion of Level 4 of CSUSB's Intensive English Program also satisfies this requirement.
Admission to CAPE Blended Program
This accelerated pathway allows eligible CSUSB undergraduates to begin MSA coursework in their senior year, reducing time to degree completion. In addition to the university requirements, invitations are based on:
- Academic Standing: Must be a CSUSB undergraduate with junior standing or higher.
- Residency Units: Completed at least 12 upper-division units in residence at CSUSB.
- Coursework: Completed ACCT 3720 and ACCT 5260 (ACCT 4260) with a GPA of 2.75 or higher across these two courses or instructor's recommendation;
- Graduation Timeline: Not in the semester of baccalaureate degree completion.
- Overall GPA: Minimum CSUSB GPA of 2.75, or by the MSA Director’s or department chair’s consent.
Graduate assistantship may be available for qualified students on a competitive basis.
Application and Financial Aid
How to apply?
- Master of Science in Accountancy (regular or online program):
https://www.calstate.edu/apply/Pages/default.aspx - Master of Science in Accountancy 3:2 Option: Please check your eligibility by emailing your student id number and written permission to review your PAWS to taewon@csusb.edu.
Financial Aids
If an applicant needs financial aids, please visit the following website: