Golden Gate University

ProGRAM Highlights

The master of science in accounting (MSA) is intended to meet the needs of those who have studied accounting and wish to further develop their expertise. For many students, the MSA will satisfy the 150-hour education requirement to become a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Students planning to sit for the CPA exam are encouraged to take our CPA review courses, which are offered for academic credit and count as elective courses toward the master of science in accounting degree. They will have the opportunity to customize their degrees by choosing 24 units of electives from an extensive list of accounting, tax and business courses. Students also have the option to complete the MSA degree with a concentration in forensic accounting. Eligible students may earn up to six units of electives through an internship for approved, real-world experience acquired during their degree program.

The master of science in accounting can be obtained in person through our evening program in San Francisco. The evening venue allows students to earn their degrees at their own pace. Students may take up to 49 percent of their courses online, when available. Pending WASC approval, the program will be made available entirely online.

The full-time cohort MSA program allows students to complete the degree in as few as nine months. The cohort program utilizes a small-class-size learning experience with the same group of future accounting professionals. The cohort begins in late July and completes an intense load of seven courses by mid-December. Extensive career preparation and job placement activities run concurrently with the course work.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Graduates of the master of science in accounting program will demonstrate:

• The ability to identify accounting issues, research and effectively communicate the results orally and in writing.
• Knowledge and understanding of a diverse range of subjects relevant to a future career as an accountant. Topics include financial accounting principles and doctrines, auditing, internal controls, accounting information systems, managerial accounting, fraud prevention and detection, taxation, business law, economics, finance, international business, forensic accounting and data-analysis techniques.
• An understanding of the business, legal, professional and ethical context for a career as a professional accountant, and the ability to identify and appropriately act when ethical dilemmas are encountered in the activities of a professional accountant.
• An advanced specialization in accounting.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

The master of science in accounting (MSA) program requires 30 units of graduate coursework.

International students (F and J visa holders) admitted to the MSA program at Golden Gate University will be required to take a gateway course on academic readiness and accounting-course support in their first trimester. This requirement will be waived only by the school at file review.

document submission

All application materials, enrollment service petition materials, or student documentation (including transcripts and letters of recommendation) should be sent to:

Mailing Address:
Golden Gate University
Office of Records and Registration
536 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
Phone - (415) 442­-7200

Office Location:
40 Jessie St., 2nd Floor
Customer Service Reception

Computer Proficiency Requirement

Applicants are expected to have a working familiarity with computers and the software applications appropriate for graduate study.

Math Proficiency Requirement

Applicants are expected to possess a level of mathematical skill at least equivalent to Intermediate Algebra (MATH 20). Students may meet this requirement by satisfying one of the screening criteria listed in Proficiency in Mathematics, English and Computer Skills Required for Certain Master’s Degrees and Certain Graduate Certificates on page 123 of the University Catalog.

Economics Proficiency REQUIREMENT

Students are expected to possess a level of economic skill and knowledge at least equivalent to that attained in ECON 1 or ECON 2.

FINANCE PROFICIENCY REQUIREMENT

Students are expected to possess a level of economic skill and knowledge at least equivalent to that attained in FINANCE 100.

TUITION

Accounting Courses:

• $2,520 per 3-unit course
• $840 per 1-unit course

Tuition varies for other courses. See Tuition & Fees for details.

Locations

This program is offered at the following locations: San Francisco .

ACCOUNTING PROFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS — 18 Units*

*Accounting proficiency requirements will be waived if students have previously completed comparable courses at another regionally accredited four-year degree granting institution with a grade of "C-" or better.

ADVANCED PROGRAM — 30 Units

CORE COURSES — 6 Units

CONCENTRATIONS — 24 UNITS

• General
• Forensic Accounting

General Concentration — 24 units

LIMITED ELECTIVES — 9 units

OTHER ELECTIVES — 15 units

Any 300-level accounting course other than ACCTG 310 Auditing, ACCTG 320 Issues in Modern Management Accounting, ACCTG 360 Federal Taxation and ACCTG 351B Business Law Professional Responsibility, and Ethics for Accountants.

Advisor-approved electives from the Bruce F. Braden School of Taxation or the Edward S. Ageno School of Business.

Forensic Accounting Concentration — 24 units

Required Courses — 9 units

limited Electives — 12 units

OTHER ELECTIVES — 3 units

Any 300-level accounting course other than ACCTG 310 (Auditing), ACCTG 320 (Issues in Modern Management Accounting), ACCTG 360 (Federal Taxation) and ACCTG 351B (Business Law Professional Responsibility and Ethics for Accountants), and other than courses taken to meet the core and required courses and limited elective unit requirements.

Advisor-approved electives from the Bruce F. Braden School of Taxation or the Edward S. Ageno School of Business.