Program Features and Advantages
The SF State Scholars (4+1) Program in Accounting provides an accelerated, more affordable pathway to an advanced accounting degree, while also offering clear career advantages over the traditional MS in Accountancy/MS in Accounting and Analytics route.
- Earn both a BSBA and an MSAA degree in just five years with careful planning.
- Regular MSA/MSAA students typically spend 18–24 months after the bachelor’s degree to earn only the graduate degree.
- Graduate courses taken during the undergraduate program are billed at the undergraduate tuition rate.
- Average savings: $5,643 (based on Fall 2025 tuition rate) for four graduate courses taken early.
- Traditional MSA/MSAA students pay full graduate tuition rate for the same courses.
- No GMAT/GRE required
- No letters of recommendation required
- No application fee
- Traditional MSA/MSAA applicants must typically submit test scores, recommendations, and pay fees.
- Earlier workforce entry: Complete both degrees in five years instead of six or more.
- Enhanced CPA preparation: With careful advising, the curriculum fulfills the 150-unit requirement for licensure. Note: Beginning January 1, 2027, the new AB 1175 alternative pathway takes effect.
- Stronger job market competitiveness: Signals academic excellence and efficiency in preparation.
- Higher earning potential sooner: Master’s graduates often command higher starting salaries.
Program Overview
The SF State Scholars Program in Accounting is a combined pathway that awards both the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA, Accounting concentration) and the Master of Science in Accounting and Analytics (MSAA).
The SF State Scholar Program in Accounting provides a clear, structured pathway to earn both BSBA and MSAA degrees efficiently, with cost-saving opportunities and early access to graduate-level coursework.
- Students earn both degrees upon completing all requirements.
- The BSBA degree is awarded after all undergraduate requirements are met (typically the semester before transitioning to graduate status).
- The MSAA degree is awarded separately after completing all graduate requirements.
- Students may participate in both University-wide and Department of Accounting graduation ceremonies for BSBA and MSAA degrees but must apply for each graduation separately.
Degree Requirements
- Completion of all BSBA requirements plus 10 graduate courses (30 semester units).
- Up to four graduate courses may be taken during the undergraduate program (with advising approval).
- Graduate courses taken while still an undergraduate are billed at the undergraduate tuition rate.
- Students must maintain undergraduate standing for at least two semesters (Spring 2026 and Fall 2026).
- First semester as an SF State Scholar: Spring 2026.
- Earliest possible BSBA degree conferral: Fall 2026.
- Earliest full transition into MSAA program: Spring 2027.
- Students must maintain graduate standing for at least two semesters after transition.
- Earliest possible MSAA degree conferral: Fall 2027 (if transitioned in Spring 2027).
Tuition & Fees
- Undergraduate phase: Tuition is charged at the undergraduate rate (based on total enrolled units, including graduate courses). Non-residents, including international students, pay an additional per-unit surcharge.
- Graduate phase: Tuition is charged at the graduate rate.
- Tuition rates are based on Fall 2025 and subject to change. Visit the Bursar's Office website to view detailed tuition rates.
- Example 1 (Based on Fall 2025 rate): CA resident, 12 graduate units → $9,807; Non-resident → $15,135.
- Example 2 (Based on Fall 2025 rate): CA resident, 6 graduate units → $5,797; Non-resident → $8,461.
- Per University policy, students with 120 applicable units must transition to graduate status, even if undergraduate requirements are not yet complete. The graduate tuition rate applies once this transition occurs.
Financial Aid
Students should contact the Office of Financial Aid for information on aid eligibility, scholarships and support under the SF State Scholar Program.
Eligibility Requirements
- Accounting major only (no double majors, minors are acceptable)
- 3.0 or higher cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA)
- ACCT 100 and 101 or equivalent transfer courses (grade of B- or higher)
- ACCT 301 (grade of B- or higher) — students taking it in Fall 2025 may apply
- Have not applied for BSBA graduation
- Apply before completing 90–105 units (as of Fall 2025), but some flexibility may be allowed
- Strong English fluency and communication skills
- After admission, students must maintain undergraduate standing for at least two semesters before transitioning to the graduate program. Students must also maintain graduate standing for at least two regular semesters.
How to Apply
- Complete the Application Form.
- Please note: A resume must be uploaded as part of the application.
- Application deadline for Spring 2026 admission: Tuesday, December 2, 2025, by 11:59 p.m. Late or incomplete applications will NOT be accepted.
Actions Required After Submitting Application
- Admission decisions:
- Accounting Department review is completed after the end of the semester in which you submitted your application.
- The University's final decision is made at the beginning of the following semester.
- Applicants must respond to all communications regarding the SF State Scholars Program admission from the Department or University within the specified deadline. Failure to do so will result in admission being revoked or denied.
- Applicants are required to attend an online advising session during the designated time frame (to be announced at a later date) if their admission is recommended by the Department.
Information Webinars for Fall 2025
Attend one of our Information Webinars to get all your questions answered about the SF State Accounting Scholars Program and the application process.
Zoom Meeting ID: 864 5565 5834 Passcode: Meetamy
- Friday, September 19, 2025: 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
- Friday, October 10, 2025: 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
- Friday, November 7, 2025: 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.