MS Accounting Booklet

Cal Poly’s

MASTER of SCIENCE in ACCOUNTING SPECIALIZATION in TAX SPECIALIZATION in FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING

msaccounting.calpoly.edu

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“After going through several interviews and having a selection of offers, I realized that the MSA degree at Cal Poly is quite the golden ticket. Everyone was very impressed with the program courses and topics. So, to you and the other MSA professors, thanks and keep doing exactly what you do.”

— Keith Hankins Ernst & Young MS Accounting, Class of 2008

The Value of the Cal Poly

MS ACCOUNTING DEGREE The Accounting Area in the Orfalea College of Business offers a Master of Science in Accounting with specializations in Tax (MSA-Tax) and Financial Accounting (MSA-FA).

The Master of Science in Accounting program is a one-year intensive program that enables its graduates to meet the academic requirements for licensure as a Certified Public Accountant in California. The program takes into account the new credit requirements for CPA licensure which took effect January 1, 2014.

Students preparing to become licensed CPAs will be candidates for careers with international public accounting firms, CPA firms, industry and government.

Students may select a specialization in financial accounting or taxation. The curriculum in each program requires 45 units of study.

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Select Your

SPECIALIZATION MSA in TAX OR MSA in FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING

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Specialization in TAX The MSA-Tax specialization prepares its graduates for a career in federal, state or local taxation with a public accounting firm, a state or federal governmental tax agency or industry.

Tax students start the program with a 3-week summer session beginning one month prior to the traditional start of fall quarter classes. All MSA-Tax students will successfully complete a clinical tax education internship during the winter tax-filing season consistent with Cal Poly’s philosophy of “learn by doing.”

LEARNING OBJECTIVES »»

Research tax literature to identify solutions to tax issues.

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Analyze and solve tax compliance issues through use of critical-thinking skills.

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Communicate complex tax information and solutions orally and in writing to support decision-making.

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Prepare tax returns for individuals and business entities.

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Apply ethical and professional responsibility.

Value of the Cal Poly

MSA TAX PROGRAM Cal Poly accounting graduates enjoy an excellent reputation in the accounting profession, industry and government service based on their performance following graduation. Additionally, the need for graduates with expertise in taxation is outpacing the available supply in America’s current economy and accounting profession—providing the program’s graduates with attractive employment opportunities.

Our program is unique for several reasons:

Cal Poly has highly-motivated students, committed faculty, modern classroom facilities, the respect of employers, and a hands-on educational philosophy that enables its MSA-Tax students to benefit from a 9-quarter unit clinical tax experience during the winter quarter. Students admitted into the program will be immersed in a tax curriculum that requires exceptional work effort throughout the year.

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The one-year 45–49 quarter unit program includes a 3-week special session before the beginning of the fall quarter, and a 9-quarter unit tax internship during the winter.

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Affordability! Our MSA-Tax program is significantly less costly than comparable programs offered by other universities.

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Outstanding professional opportunities in taxation and a window to the Pacific Rim.

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Receipt of academic credits for the CPA Examination while earning an MSA-Tax degree.

Overall, the MSA program specializing in Tax offers a dynamic and innovative program within easy access to the activities enjoyed on the central coast.

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Specialization in FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING The MSA-FA specialization prepares candidates for careers with international public accounting firms, regional and local CPA firms, industry and government. The MSA-FA specialization is a uniquely designed, multi-disciplinary approach to graduate accounting education that couples advanced financial accounting and audit curriculum with courses in information systems.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES »»

Use data bases and develop advanced spreadsheets to analyze financial and auditing information.

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Understand data base structures.

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Document business processes, perform risk

assessment, and evaluate the internal controls.

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Analyze financial statement data and conduct business valuations.

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Research issues related to accounting standards including International Financial Reporting Standards.

“The professors in the MSA program equip students with the guidance and skills necessary to become

knowledgeable professionals.”

— Stephan F. Jimenez PricewaterhouseCoopers MS Accounting, Class of 2010

Value of the Cal Poly

MSA FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING PROGRAM Cal Poly accounting graduates enjoy an excellent reputation

in

the

accounting

profession,

industry

and government service based on their performance following graduation. Additionally, the need for graduates with expertise in financial reporting is outpacing the available supply in America’s current economy and accounting profession, thereby providing the program’s graduates with attractive employment opportunities.

Cal Poly has highly motivated students, committed faculty, modern classroom facilities, the respect of employers, and a hands-on educational philosophy that enables its MSA-Financial Accounting students to benefit from our program.

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WHY CHOOSE CAL POLY? Our MS Accounting Graduate Degree Program offers coursework consistent with Cal Poly’s “learn by doing” philosophy, integrative learning, and an opportunity for international study. Cal Poly’s MS Accounting Program has developed a curriculum to provide its students with unique experiences and insights. We continue to work with important stakeholders, such as members of our Business Advisory Council, alumni, and recruiters to identify how best to strengthen competencies they most value in our MS Accounting Graduates.

This process of continuous review and improvement has put in place a graduate degree program poised to produce the next great wave of business leaders ready to solve business problems in an ethical manner. Your fellow students will be bright, talented and hard working. Our faculty members are distinguished, passionate about teaching and their research, accessible, dedicated to guiding and mentoring you, and will challenge you every

day. Our class sizes are conducive to learning, our facilities top-notch, and our graduate program is fairly priced in comparison to the competition.

OUR LOCATION Cal Poly San Luis Obispo is located along the beautiful central coast of California, and averages a sunny 70 degrees year-round. This makes the area a nonstop location for beautiful days and fun activities. The warm, outgoing town also provides an assemblage of cultural events, from frequent art festivals to musical gatherings in historical Mission Plaza.

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MASTER of SCIENCE in ACCOUNTING SPECIALIZATION in TAX SPECIALIZATION in FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

msaccounting.calpoly.edu CONTACT US:

Accounting department: accounting @ calpoly.edu Phone: 805-756-1543