Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply?

To apply for the MSA program, students submit a University application on Cal State Apply and send official transcripts and scores as appropriate to the MSA Program Office (see Admissions).

What is the cost of tuition for the MSA program?

Will the tuition for the program change while I am in it?

No. The program tuition is set at the beginning of the program and will stay the same for the entire program.

Tuition fees for subsequent cohorts are subject to change.

Does the MSA degree come with an option?

Can I obtain credit for courses taken in other programs or at other schools?

For the lower division foundation courses (ACCT 210 Intro to Financial Accounting and ACCT 215 Intro to Managerial Accounting), we accept credits from four year universities or community colleges.

For the upper division foundation courses (ACCT 320 Business Law for Accountants and ACCT 325 Accounting Ethics), we only accept transfer credit from AACSB accredited Business Schools at four-year universities.

For MSA program courses, we do not accept any transferable credits. This is a cohort-based program and students must take all courses to fulfill the required 33 units.

My undergraduate degree is not in Accounting, can I enroll in the program?

Yes. We accept students that do not have undergraduate degrees in accounting. If you have not completed the four foundation courses, you must complete any missing course during the Summer before the start of the MSA program in the Fall Semester.

My undergraduate degree is not in Business, can I enroll in the program?

Yes. We accept students that do not have undergraduate degrees in accounting or business. If you have not completed the four foundation courses, you must complete any missing course during the Summer before the start of the MSA program in the Fall Semester.

Can I work full time while enrolled in this program?

Yes, MSA program courses meet on Friday evenings and Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Foundation courses in the summer will be held on week nights and on Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

However, the MSA program is a very rigorous and demanding. Students must be able to spend sufficient time studying for the program.

What are the admission requirements?

I have not taken the GMAT yet, can I enroll in the courses now and take the GMAT later?

When does the program start?

MSA program starts in Fall Semester each year around mid August. If foundation courses are needed, students need to enroll in the Summer term (June – August).

When will I graduate if I complete all the graduation requirements?

When is the application deadline?

Applications are accepted as early as October 1 to begin the program the following Fall semester and accepted on a first come first serve basis until the spaces are filled.

What is the course schedule?

Three MSA program courses are offered each semester. One course is held on Friday evening from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Two courses are held on Saturday from 9:00 AM to 11:45 AM and 12:45 PM to 3:30 PM.

Foundation courses will be held on Friday evenings and Saturdays.

Is the cost of books included?

Are there any classes offered online?

All MSA courses are held in a hybrid format: 60% of the classes are entirely in-person on the Hayward Campus and the rest are entirely synchronously online.

How many school terms are there and how long is each school term?

There are 2 semesters (Fall and Spring) each year, and each semester is 15 weeks long plus finals week. It will take three semesters plus the summer session to complete the MSA program.

If I have to miss some classes for one semester, what will happen?

You can take the missed courses with another cohort during the following year when the same course is offered. You will complete your degree one year later.

Where are classes held?

What types of jobs are available for MSA graduates?

The MSA program will provide graduates with opportunities to pursue a wide range of professional accounting careers in public accounting firms, corporations, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations.