This graduate degree is designed for applicants with non-accounting undergraduate degree. Other than the two pre-requisite accounting courses (introduction to financial accounting and introduction to managerial accounting), no other accounting or business background is required for admission. This is a highly rigorous graduate program that requires extensive amount of dedication and efforts to succeed.
FAQ
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?
WILL THE PROGRAM PREPARE TO SIT FOR THE CPA EXAM?
The program is designed to enable students to satisfy the California CPA licensure requirements for Accounting Subjects, Accounting Study, and the mandatory 3 units of accounting ethics. Candidates need to independently satisfy the 24 semester units of business-related subjects and additional 7 units of ethics.
HOW LONG WILL THE PROGRAM TAKE ME TO COMPLETE?
Admitted students are able to complete the professional accountancy degree in one year (two summer terms, two semesters, and one winter term) full time or two years part time (four semesters, a winter term and two summer terms). Most of the courses are offered in an accelerated format (8-week modules).
IS WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIRED FOR ADMISSION?
While work experience is a valued consideration for the admission process, it is not a requirement for admission.
WHAT ARE THE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS?
Students will be admitted in the fall semester each year.
Admission to this program is highly selective. Students will be admitted in the fall semester each year. Successful applicants must have:
1. A four-year baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution.
2. Good academic standing at the last college or university attended.
3. Earned one of the following:
a. a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 in all units attempted as an undergraduate, independent of when the degree was granted; or,
b. a minimum grade point average of 3.0 in the last 60 semester/90 quarter units attempted from all post-secondary institutions attended, including all units from the entire semester or quarter in which the 60/90 units began; or,
c. an acceptable post-baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution with:
1) a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 in all units attempted as an undergraduate, or
2) a minimum grade point average of 3.0 in the last 60 semester/90 quarter units attempted from all post-secondary institutions attended.
4. Successfully completed Introduction to Financial Accounting (with a B or higher) and Introduction to Managerial Accounting (with a B or higher) from a regionally accredited university or community college.
5. A GMAT score in the top 50th percentile of both verbal and quantitative, or GRE equivalent, unless applicants have earned a graduate degree, or an undergraduate degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher, from a regionally accredited institution.
Also, the Nazarian MPAcc Admissions Committee may, at its discretion, waive the GMAT/GRE requirement for applicants who have both:
a. a minimum 3.0 GPA in the last 60 units taken at a regionally accredited academic institution of higher education, and
b. professional work experience of at least 4 years.
International applicants who do not have a Bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. university must demonstrate a minimum TOEFL Paper-Based score of 550, a minimum Computer-Based score of 213 or a minimum Internet-based score of 79/80; or a minimum International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.5 or higher; or a minimum score of 58 with the Pearson's Test of English (PTE). To be considered for the program, all required application materials of international students must be received by the university and the MPAcc Office by the priority due date.
WHAT IS THE MINIMUM GMAT/GRE SCORE REQUIRED FOR ADMISSION?
A GMAT score in the top 50th percentile of both verbal and quantitative, or GRE equivalent, unless applicants have earned a graduate degree, or an undergraduate degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher, from a regionally accredited institution.
Also, the Nazarian MPAcc Admissions Committee may, at its discretion, waive the GMAT/GRE requirement for applicants who have both:
a. a minimum 3.0 GPA in the last 60 units taken at a regionally accredited academic institution of higher education, and
b. professional work experience of at least 4 years.
WHAT IS THE MINIMUM TOEFL SCORE REQUIRED FOR ADMISSION?
International applicants who do not have a Bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. university must demonstrate a minimum TOEFL Paper-Based score of 550, a minimum Computer-Based score of 213 or a minimum Internet-based score of 79/80; or a minimum International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.5 or higher; or a minimum score of 58 with the Pearson's Test of English (PTE).
WHAT DOES THE ADMISSION COMMITTEE LOOK FOR IN REVIEWING APPLICANTS?
The Admission Committee consider a number of factors in making admission decisions, including undergraduate academic performance, strength of the recommendation letters, the GMAT/GRE (if applicable), TOEFL (if applicable), work experience, personal statement, assessed leadership potential, and potential contribution to the cohort classroom environment. Applicants with an academic background or work experience in information systems, finance, statistics, business, economics and related fields are particularly encouraged to apply.
WHAT IS THE REQUIRED ACADEMIC BACKGROUND?
This degree, which is offered by the David Nazarian College of Business and Economics - one of the nation's largest business schools and AACSB accredited, is designed to provide a pathways for individuals with a bachelor's degree in a non-accounting discipline to pursue a graduate level education in accounting.
WHAT IS THE TARGETED STUDENT POPULATION?
The program is offered to meet the needs of mid-career professionals who are hoping to enhance their credentials; those who are seeking a career change; or those who just graduated from college and are seeking a graduate degree in accounting that would prepare them to sit for the CPA exam.
WHAT KIND OF CAREER TRACK DOES THIS DEGREE PREPARE STUDENTS TO PURSUE?
This program prepares students to join the public and private accounting field as advisers and consultants, as well as to become practitioners in both the private and public sectors. In addition, this 12-month (or 24 month) program provides the advanced knowledge and strong grounding in technical skills necessary for promotion to more senior positions in this complex, growing and rewarding field.
WHAT ARE THE SALARY LEVELS IN THIS PROFESSION?
Given the ever-increasing complexity of the field of accountancy, a graduate degree in accounting offers individuals the opportunity to advance in the field and command higher levels of compensation. According to the Robert Half 2018 Salary Guide, annual earnings of accounting practitioners in large public accounting firms range from $70,000 to $88,500 for individuals with one to three years of experience in audit. Individuals with a master's degree typically earn up to 10 percent more.
