Master of Science in Taxation

The Master of Science in Taxation, a program under dual AACSB accreditation in business and accounting, helps students prepare to enter into or advance their careers in law firm tax departments, as well as CPA corporations and government tax agencies. The program provides opportunities for students to acquire advanced tax knowledge, including: the ethical responsibilities of the profession, to gain advanced research skills, to enhance written and oral communication skills, and to learn how to work effectively as part of a team. The program meets California's 150-hour requirement for CPA-licensure. Accounting is often referred to as the language of business. Very generally, the accounting process is concerned with recording, classifying, reporting and interpreting the economic data of an organization. These data are important to users, who may include managers, investors and other interested groups. Accounting helps in decision-making processes by showing how resources have been used and where commitments have been made, by judging performance, showing the implications of following different courses of action, determining the effects of taxation and providing a level of assurance to investors. Reliable information in a dynamic business environment is necessary for sound decisions concerning the allocation of scarce resources. Thus, accounting plays a very significant role in our social and economic systems.

A bachelor’s degree in business administration or in accounting (equivalent to the degree as offered at CSUF) with at least an overall cumulative GPA of 3.0 (“B”) and ACCT 308 (or an equivalent course or work experience). Courses in the major are to be no more than seven years old.

Applicants with a bachelor’s degree in a field other than Business Administration or Accounting may be considered for admission. If admitted, such students will be required to complete additional courses or demonstrate proficiency as described in the next section (Curriculum).

A minimum score of 570 on the paper-based or 88 on the internet-based (iBT) TOEFL is required (for international students).