Accounting and Finance, M.S.

Degree Requirements

Students need to finish 10 courses with a total of 30 units and maintain an average GPA of 3.0 with no individual grade below C. To complete the degree, students also need to finish an independent project with an applied research topic garnered from industry.

The culminating experience requires the completion of an applied research project in accounting and finance by each individual student. Students will identify an original research question that is relevant for practice or theory of accounting and finance and carry out the research from data collection to analyses under faculty supervision. The research project requires students to address the question using theories and appropriate methodology learning through the program. Students will describe their research in a written abstract and written report of at least 30 pages. The report shall include the project’s significance to practice of accounting and finance, research objectives, data collection procedure and methodology, statistical analysis results, and a conclusion or recommendation. An oral defense of the project in front of practitioners and faculty member is required. Successful completion of this independent research project and oral defense will require students to grasp not only knowledge in accounting finance, but also skills in data analytics, independent thinking, and effective communication.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the Accounting and Finance M.S. is competitive and decisions are based on the holistic assessment of each candidate’s academic and personal/professional background. Students must meet the CSU requirements for admission to a master’s degree program. Please consult the Graduate Admissions  section in this catalog for complete information. In addition, applicants will be evaluated based on the following:

1. A bachelor’s degree from an appropriately accredited institution;
2. A minimum grade-point average of at least 3.0 in the last 60 semester units attempted and in good standing at the last college attended;
3. TOEFL scores for applicants who do not possess a bachelor’s degree from a post-secondary institution where English is the principal language of instruction. A minimum TOEFL score of 570 on the paper exam or 90 on the internet based (iBT) is required. Alternatively, a minimum of 6.5 is required for IELTS score;
4. A satisfactory scores on the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE);
5. At least two letters of recommendation;
6. A resume; and
7. A Statement of Purpose (500 words maximum).

Required Courses (24 units)

Elective Courses (3 units)

Capstone Experience (3 units)

• ACCT 597 - Accounting Capstone - Professional Research Project (3)
• FIN 597 - Project (3)

Total (30 units)