Singelyn Graduate School of Business
MSA program director with student in CBA courtyard

Master of Science in Accountancy

Prepare for a leadership role in accounting with a master’s in accountancy degree from Cal Poly Pomona!

At-a-Glance

$131,710National average salary for financial manager, U.S. News & World Report, 2021
ComprehensiveMeets all states’ and territories’ CPA licensure education requirements
FlexibilityFall and Spring Admissions, 1- and 2-Year Options

The Master of Science in Accountancy from Cal Poly Pomona is ideal for those who wish to advance their careers, either as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or another area of accounting. Courses are specialized and applied, preparing graduates to work effectively in the field.

Choose from two programs:

  • The General MSA program is designed for applicants with an accounting background and can be completed in two academic years.
  • The Accelerated MSA program is designed for applicants with accounting backgrounds and can be completed in a single academic year.

Both accountancy programs are fully accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), with specialized curriculum created in partnership with The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), a non-profit professional organization representing certified public accountants (CPA).

The Cal Poly Pomona MSA program meets all states’ and territories’ CPA licensure education requirements, and our extensive CPP alumni network offers profound networking and post-graduate employment opportunities. Enroll today and join a community of like-minded professionals and influential faculty who are truly passionate about your success!

General and Accelerated MSA Overview

General MSA
  • 4-year bachelor's degree
  • Resume
  • Personal Statement
  • 2.5 or higher GPA (3.0 GPA recommended)
  • GMAT score of 500+ (waived for Fall 2024 and Spring 2025)
  • Official Transcripts
  • TOEFL/IELTS for international student applicants
  • Cal Poly Pomona English Language Institute (CPELI) offers English learning programs. CPELI level 6 is acceptable for satisfying CPP English proficiency requirement of SGSB graduate program admission purpose. Details can be found at https://www.cpp.edu/cpeli/.
Accelerated MSA
  • 4-year bachelor's degree in accounting, OR bachelor's degree with advanced standing accounting coursework
  • Resume
  • Personal Statement
  • 2.5 or higher GPA (3.0 GPA recommended)
  • GMAT score of 500+ (waived for Fall 2024 and Spring 2025)
  • Official Transcripts
  • TOEFL/IELTS for international student applicants
  • Cal Poly Pomona English Language Institute (CPELI) offers English learning programs. CPELI level 6 is acceptable for satisfying CPP English proficiency requirement of SGSB graduate program admission purpose. Details can be found at https://www.cpp.edu/cpeli/.

Visit our requirements page here for more information

General MSA: Can be completed in two academic years
Accelerated MSA: One year

Inquire about Cal Poly Pomona’s College of Global and Professional Education’s accountancy certificate here to earn accountancy prerequisites

Visit the curriculum page to see curriculum for both the general and accelerated MSA, and view roadmaps here 

General MSA
Evening classes, Monday – Thursday, and Saturday classes


Accelerated MSA
Saturday classes only

  • Chief Financial Officer
  • Forensic Accountant
  • Auditor
  • Corporate Controller
  • Financial Analyst
  • Vice President of Finance
  • Tax Manager
  • Treasurer
  • Tax Accountant

Notice to Students: California State University programs for professions that require licensure or certification are intended to prepare the student for California licensure and certification requirements. Admission into programs for professions that require licensure and certification does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or certificate. Licensure and certification requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with the California State University and licensure and certification requirements can change at any time.

Our MSA program does meet all states and territories CPA licensure education requirements.

For more information, please see:

Chancellor’s Office statement (PDF) CSU Accreditation

Spring 2025
Domestic Students – November 1st, 2024
International Students – October 1st, 2024

Fall 2025
Domestic Students – July 1st, 2025
International Students – May 1st, 2025

AICPA logo

CITP Partner

As part of AICPA's Certified Information Technology Professional Credential, the CBA will incorporated AICPA's Model Information Technology Curriculum into the undergraduate accounting emphasis and Master of Science in Accountancy. Other Benefits include:

  • A complimentary membership for students in the AICPA, which includes full access to the technology information, tools and resources.
  • Promotion code for students and faculty to take the CITP exam at no cost while enrolled or within a year of graduation.
  • Assistance from a designated AICPA contact to assist with questions about course materials and the CITP credential pathway.