This is an archive of the 2020-2021 University Catalog.
To access the most recent version, please visit catalog.csun.edu.

UNIVERSITY CATALOG: 2020-2021

About the Department

The Bachelor of Science in Accountancy (BSA) degree prepares students with the competencies, skills and knowledge necessary in the accountancy profession. Students complete a rigorous program in accounting that develops their technical proficiency; ethical leadership; professional responsibilities; communication; and critical-thinking, interpersonal and technological skills.

The Master of Professional Accountancy (MPAcc) prepares students to launch a career in accountancy and to succeed on the CPA exam. This graduate degree is designed for applicants with non-accounting undergraduate degrees and can be completed within one year as part of the full-time cohort or two years as part of the part-time cohort.

The Master of Science in Taxation (MST) prepares students to become professional tax advisers and consultants in both the private and public sectors. Students complete a rigorous program in taxation that develops their written communication and tax planning, as well as tax research and critical-thinking skills.

The Bachelor of Science in Information Systems (BSIS) degree offers educational opportunities to students with diverse backgrounds who are interested in information systems. The program provides students a synthesis of technological and business knowledge to develop and integrate effective information technology solutions that support management decision making and organizational strategies. The program prepares graduates for a variety of IS careers in business, government and nonprofit organizations.

Academic Advisement

All lower division program advisement is through the David Nazarian College of Business and Economics Student Services Center/EOP in Bookstein Hall (BB) 2113. Upper division students who are currently enrolled in or have completed BUS 302/L are encouraged to seek advisement through upper division mentors from the department of their major.

For students in the Master of Professional Accounting program, advisement materials are available from the MPAcc program website and the Department of Accounting and Information Systems office in Bookstein Hall (BB) 3123, (818) 677-2461.

For students in the Master of Science in Taxation program, advisement materials are available from the MST program website and the program advisement office in Bookstein Hall (BB) 1111, (818) 677-3952.

Careers

Ernst & Young Center for Careers in Accounting and Information Systems

The Ernst & Young Center for Careers in Accounting and Information Systems at California State University, Northridge, provides specialized career and job search services to CSUN students and alumni. As a bridge from college life to the world of work, it is our mission to support the exploration of career and academic options, and the development of job search skills, and to facilitate connections between employers and students that lead to successful and satisfying futures. All BSA, BSIS, MPAcc and MST students are encouraged to use the Ernst & Young Center for Careers.

Accounting

The field of accounting is dynamic and constantly evolving to meet the needs of a global marketplace. The accounting program provides students with excellent career opportunities in all areas of the accounting field, such as financial reporting, audit, tax, consulting, management and forensic accounting, with public accounting firms, private industry, governments and nonprofit organizations.

The BSA program provides the foundation required to go on to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). The field of accounting has one of the highest demands for new graduates of any area in today’s market, and the salary scale depends on work experience, sector, industry and educational background, including professional designation.

The MPAcc program helps graduates meet California’s 150-hour requirement for CPA Licensure. In addition, the program prepares graduates to pursue a variety of accounting career options, including public accounting, private industry, government and nonprofit.

Taxation

The field of taxation offers stimulating and challenging work that is constantly evolving. Career opportunities exist in public accounting, private industry, government, not-for-profit institutions and other business-related organizations. In 2019, the median annual earnings of tax practitioners in public accounting firms for individuals with one to three years of experience was $57,500. Individuals with master’s degrees typically earn up to 10 percent more.

Information Systems

The field of information systems (IS) helps prepare graduates to assume such positions as systems analyst, application developer, database administrator, network administrator, web developer and IS project manager. Information systems career opportunities are available in a variety of industries, including consulting, banking, entertainment, health, media, education and technology. The annual earnings potential for an IS graduate ranges from $59,500 to $93,250 for individuals with one to five years of experience. The average annual salary for a senior IS project manager is $105,000.

Accreditation

The David Nazarian College of Business and Economics is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Only 5 percent of business schools worldwide have achieved AACSB International accreditation.

Honors

The Business Honors Program is designed to recognize students who have demonstrated high academic standards and to encourage these students to continue their record of excellence as business and economics majors at CSUN. The program is open to students who are declared majors in Accountancy, Economics, Finance, Information Systems, Management, Marketing, or Business Administration with an option in either Business Law, Global Supply Chain Management, Real Estate, or Systems and Operations Management; who meet all Business Honors Program admissions criteria; and who apply and are selected for admission to the program. The Business Honors Program offers rigorous courses that emphasize communication, critical reasoning, complex problem solving and teamwork skills. Students accepted into the program are offered a variety of benefits; for example, Business Honors-designated courses, smaller class sizes, priority registration, Honors Mentorship opportunities and a Business Honors dedicated student workspace. For more information, call (818) 677-3100 or visit the Business Honors Program website.

Clubs and Societies

Contact

Department of Accounting and Information Systems
Chair: Rishma Vedd
Associate Chair: David Liu
Bookstein Hall (BB) 3123
(818) 677-2461

Master of Professional Accountancy
Director: Rafi Efrat
Bookstein Hall (BB) 3123
(818) 677-2461

Master of Science in Taxation
Bookstein Chair in Taxation: Rafi Efrat
Bookstein Hall (BB) 3123
(818) 677-3952

Ernst & Young Center for Careers
Director: Stuart Fried
Bookstein Hall (BB) 2224
(818) 677-2979