Program Overview
The Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA) program at San José State University prepares students for careers in public and corporate accounting. It provides a strong foundation for both public accounting certification (CPA) and career advancement. The program combines academic learning with accounting internship experience, offering a well-rounded preparation for professional accounting careers. Graduates are prepared for a wide range of careers in accounting, including public accounting, corporate accounting, government accounting, non-profit accounting, and education.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA) program at San José State University prepares students for careers in public and corporate accounting. It provides a strong foundation for both public accounting certification (CPA) and career advancement. Students develop and apply an analytics-oriented mindset to audit, tax, advisory, and managerial scenarios. The program combines academic learning with accounting internship experience, offering a well-rounded preparation for professional accounting careers. It balances technical study and CPA exam preparation with business soft skills essential for recruitment and advancement in the accounting field. The MSA is a full-time, 9-month, daytime program, with the option for part-time study for students with flexible employers.
Outline:
The 30-unit MSA program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of accounting principles and practices. The curriculum includes:
Core Courses (15 units)
- BUS 220J - Business Communications & Ethics
- BUS 220U - IT Audit & Internal Controls
- BUS 220Z - Data Analytics for Accounting
- Choose two of the following:
- BUS 220H - Auditing: Concepts and Practice
- BUS 220P - Taxation of Individuals and Flow-Through Entities
- BUS 220R - Software Applications for Accounting
- BUS 220S - Financial Reporting and Analysis III
- BUS 220V - Special Topics in Accounting
Electives (12 units)
- Select 12 units of elective courses in consultation with the graduate advisor. Options include:
- BUS 220I - Forensic Accounting
- BUS 220K - Accounting Practicum
- BUS 220M - Accounting Ethics
- BUS 220X - Business Analysis and Valuation Using Financial Statements
- BUS 223A - Tax Research and Decision Making
- BUS 223G - Taxation of Business Entities
- BUS 225L - Accounting for Income Taxes
- BUS 250 - Law and Ethics
- BUS 253 - Negotiation and Conflict Management
- BUS 286 - Project Management
Culminating Experience (3 units)
- Plan B (Project): BUS 220A - Financial Statement Analysis for Accountants
Assessment:
Students are assessed through a combination of methods, including:
- Exams: Written examinations test students' knowledge and understanding of course material.
- Assignments: Homework assignments, case studies, and projects allow students to apply their learning to real-world scenarios.
- Projects: Major projects, such as the culminating experience project, provide students with opportunities to demonstrate their research, analysis, and communication skills.
- Presentations: Students may be required to present their work to the class or in a professional setting.
Teaching:
The MSA program is taught by experienced faculty members who are actively involved in research and consulting in the accounting field. They employ a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures: Professors deliver lectures to introduce new concepts and provide an overview of course material.
- Discussions: Class discussions encourage students to engage with the material and share their perspectives.
- Case studies: Real-world case studies help students apply their knowledge to practical situations.
- Group projects: Students work in teams to complete projects, developing their collaboration and problem-solving skills.
- Guest speakers: Industry professionals are invited to share their expertise and insights with students.
Careers:
Graduates of the MSA program are prepared for a wide range of careers in accounting, including:
- Public accounting: Auditors, tax accountants, financial statement preparers
- Corporate accounting: Financial analysts, controllers, chief financial officers
- Government accounting: Auditors, accountants in government agencies
- Non-profit accounting: Accountants in non-profit organizations
- Education: Accounting professors and researchers
San Jose State University
Overview:
San Jose State University (SJSU) is a public university located in San Jose, California. It is known for its strong academic programs, particularly in business, engineering, and nursing. SJSU is also recognized for its commitment to student success and its location in the heart of Silicon Valley, providing students with access to numerous career opportunities.
Services Offered:
SJSU offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Academic Support:
King Library, tutoring services, academic advising, and career counseling.Student Life:
Housing options, health and wellness services, campus safety, and student organizations.Research and Innovation:
Opportunities for student-faculty collaborations, research centers and institutes, and partnerships with industry leaders.Online Learning:
SJSU Online offers flexible and affordable programs for students with busy lifestyles.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at SJSU can expect a vibrant and diverse campus community. The university offers a variety of events, traditions, and student organizations to foster a sense of belonging and engagement. The campus is located in close proximity to Silicon Valley, providing students with access to numerous cultural and entertainment options.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Location in Silicon Valley:
Provides access to numerous career opportunities and industry connections.Strong Academic Programs:
Offers a wide range of programs, particularly in business, engineering, and nursing.Affordable Education:
Provides a high-quality education at a relatively affordable cost.Commitment to Student Success:
Offers a variety of support services to help students succeed academically and professionally.Academic Programs:
SJSU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across nine colleges:
- Business
- Education
- Engineering
- Graduate Studies
- Health and Human Sciences
- Humanities and the Arts
- Professional Education
- Science
- Social Sciences
Other:
SJSU is a highly ranked university, consistently recognized for its value, innovation, and social mobility. The university is committed to sustainability and has received numerous awards for its environmental initiatives.
Entry Requirements:
- A four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in the United States or from a recognized institution if the degree was earned outside of the United States.
- A preferred GPA of 3.0 or better (on a 4.0 scale) in the last 60 semester units or 90 quarter units of course work (Professional Development and Certificate Program course work cannot be included in this calculation);
- (Optional) A Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) exam. Applicants with a GPA below 3.0 are strongly encouraged to take the GMAT or GRE to demonstrate their readiness for graduate work.
- A personal statement explaining the MSA applicant’s career objectives.
- A resume detailing the applicant’s professional and academic experiences.