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MSA Online Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements

Prerequisites

The Online MS in Accountancy Program bears the following course prerequisites. Applicants must demonstrate completion of these CSUSB prerequisite courses or their equivalents before admission:

  • ACCT 2110            Introductory Accounting I     
  • ACCT 2120           Introductory Accounting II    
  • ACCT 3720           Intermediate Accounting I    
  • ACCT 3730           Intermediate Accounting II 
  • MGMT 2300          Legal Environment of Organizations 

CSUSB offers pathways to complete prerequisites online through the Accounting Certificate Program or Open University. The MSA Online Student Advisor will assist with the prerequisite verification process. Email the Student Advisor to discuss your specific situation, or schedule an appointment by clicking the blue button to the right. 

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:
  1. 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 (BA/BA) in Accountancy or demonstrate at least 1 year of relevant professional experience in Accounting or related fields.
  2. 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.
  3. Resume: Provide a current resume detailing academic background, professional experience, internships, skills, and extracurriculars. Accounting professional experience is highly regarded in evaluations.
  4. Transcripts: Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions are required.
  5. 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.
  6. Standardized Tests: No GMAT or GRE required.
  7. 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.

If you have questions about admission criteria or your specific situation, contact the Online MSA Student Advisor.