The Master of Science in Accounting degree program will prepare students to advance professionally as effective, innovative and ethical financial leaders. Students will be equipped with the competitive skills, knowledge and experience to effectively use technology, engage people, enact change, improve operations and reach individual professional goals. Graduates will emerge from the program with the practical knowledge and critical-thinking skills to enhance their organization and advance their career. The program provides students with the additional educational requirements beyond the undergraduate degree which are necessary to become licensed as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the state of California. Students should be aware of and are responsible for knowing and adhering to their own state requirements by visiting their respective state Board of Accountancy website.

Admission Requirements

Master of Science in Accounting Admission Requirements

Admission standards for graduate studies at California Baptist University can be found under Graduate Program Admission in the Online and Professional Studies section of the University Catalog. Additional admission requirements for graduate program in Accounting are:

1. Grade Point Average
   • Applicants are considered based on a combination of GPA, management or professional work experience. The minimum GPA is 2.5.
2. Prerequisites
   Applicants should possess the following common body of knowledge from prerequisite courses, acceptable scores on pre-approved academic leveling exams, or approved work related experience in:
   • Auditing
   • Business and Organizational Management
   • Business Ethics
   • Business Finance
   • Business Law
   • Business Policy and Strategy
   • Federal Income Tax Accounting
   • Intermediate Accounting I
   • Intermediate Accounting II
   • International Business
   • Microeconomics or Macroeconomics
   • Principles of Accounting I
   • Principles of Marketing
   • Statistics
   • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
3. Two recommendations, completed on forms provided, from academic or professional sources. Family members and friends may not complete recommendations
4. Comprehensive essay of at least 500 words that includes the following:
   • Purpose for entering the program
   • Long-term professional goals
   • Reasons for choosing to study at California Baptist University
   • Factors that will make applicant a good MBA candidate
5. Current resume