Master of Science in Accounting and Analytics

Faculty Coordinator: Joanne Sopt, Ph.D.
Email: joannesopt@sfsu.edu

Graduate Advisors: Chen, Hsieh, Kim, Sopt

General Information

The Master of Science in Accounting and Analytics program provides an advanced degree in accounting, with specializations possible in financial accounting, managerial accounting, accounting ethics, accounting data analytics, tax and audit. In addition to ACCT 890 (3 units), at least 15 units of 800-level graduate accounting courses must be completed. The remaining 12 units may be selected from appropriate graduate and undergraduate courses. The course selection must be approved by an advisor. For students without prior accounting or business coursework, additional classes may be needed to qualify for the 150 hour CPA licensure requirements. Contact the California State Board of Accountancy for details.

Admission into programs leading to licensure and credentialing does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or credential. Licensure and credentialing requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with San Francisco State University and requirements can change at any time. For example, licensure or credentialing requirements can include evidence of the right to work in the United States (e.g., social security number or taxpayer identification number) or successfully passing a criminal background check. Students are responsible for determining whether they can meet licensure or credentialing requirements. San Francisco State University will not refund tuition, fees, or any associated costs, to students who determine after admission that they cannot meet licensure or credentialing requirements. Information concerning licensure and credentialing requirements are available from any of the Graduate Advisors. 

Program Learning Outcomes

  1. The student will demonstrate accounting knowledge by creating and analyzing financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
    a.     Demonstrate the ability to create and apply relevant accounting tools to analyze business decisions in various functions (e.g. marketing, finance, human resources).
    b.     Demonstrate knowledge of contemporary trends in the profession and their impact on multiple stakeholders (e.g. management, stockholders, employees, investors, and the community).
  2. The student will be an effective communicator and team member.
    a.     Deliver an effective, organized, and persuasive oral presentation.
    b. Collaborate effectively in a team environment.
    c. Create and deliver clear and well-organized documentations.
  3. The student will be a critical thinker and an analytical problem solver.
    a.     Utilize quantitative and qualitative analysis to critically engage with accounting problems.
    b.     Identify and analyze modern issues at the intersection of accounting and technology.
  4. The student will actively address international and ethical challenges that accountants face in their professional roles.
    a.     Recognize ethical dilemmas and apply relevant professional conduct codes to resolve them responsibly.
    b.     Demonstrate a clear understanding of global issues impacting accountants and respond to them with ethical integrity.

Accounting and Analytics (M.S.) — 30 units minimum

Prerequisite for Conditional Admits (3 units)

BUS 714Elements of Graduate Business Writing3

Prerequisite Courses (0-18 units)

ACCT 780Financial Accounting3
DS 776Data Analysis for Managers3
ECON 783Economics for Managers3
FIN 785Financial Management3
Select two of the following:6
DS 786
Operations Analysis
ISYS 782
Information Systems for Management
MGMT 788
Management Principles and Organizational Behavior
MKTG 787
Marketing Management

Core (15 units)

ACCT 802Strategic Management Accounting3
Select One:3
ACCT 803
Auditing Principles and Practice
ACCT 811
Introduction to Federal Tax
ACCT 810Comprehensive Financial Accounting3
ACCT 814Seminar in Accounting Data Analytics3
ACCT 818Advanced Accounting Ethics3
  • NOTE: All the required courses above can be replaced by other ACCT 800-level courses with the approval of the graduate advisor if equivalent courses have been taken. 

Culminating Experience (3 units)

ACCT 890Projects in Ethics and Contemporary Accounting Issues3

Electives (12 units)

Four 800-level Lam Family College of Business Electives (ACCT, BUS, DS, ECON, FIN, HTM, ISYS, IBUS, LABR, MGMT, MKTG) 112
1

Courses offered by the Accounting department by advisement of graduate major advisor (courses with ACCT prefix). Limitations: Up to 6 units may be upper-division undergraduate Accounting courses (500 level) with prior approval of the graduate major advisor.

Advancement to Candidacy

Before being considered for advancement to candidacy, the applicant must meet all general University requirements, attend all professional development workshops at orientation, satisfy all prerequisite courses, earn a cumulative and advanced requirements (800 level) Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3.0, and complete ACCT 810 and at least 18 units of advanced requirements (800 level) towards the degree.

When requirements have been satisfied, the graduate advisor may recommend to the Dean of the Division of Graduate Studies that the applicant be advanced to candidacy for the degree by filing the Advancement to Candidacy (ATC) form.