Boost Your Accounting Skills With a Bridge Program

Female accounting professional speaking with female and male clients in office
Start your GCU
journey today.
Step 1: Educational Interests
This helps us connect you with the right enrollment counselor to help you through the process.
Find Your Purpose
Start your GCU journey today.
Request Info
Overview

Online Bridge MS in Accounting: Tax Compliance and Planning Emphasis

If you’re looking to enter a Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) program with a focus on tax compliance and planning and currently have a non-accounting background, this bridge option may be a good fit for you. This bridge program is designed to prepare you for master’s-level accounting tax compliance and planning courses through a set curriculum of accounting, taxation and auditing courses. After you gain admittance and graduate from the correlating master’s program, you will be eligible to sit for the Uniform Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam.

This program may be suitable for those looking into a master’s in accounting for non-accounting majors bridge option, as you will be taught the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge and skills needed to enter and complete the master’s program. Prepare to become a CPA and gain specialized planning and tax compliance competency by enrolling in this bridge pathway.

Male accounting student studying on laptop and also using calculator
Why GCU

Your Pathway to Tax Compliance and Planning Foundations

Understanding the complexities of tax compliance and planning is crucial for both individuals and businesses. This pathway is designed to not just familiarize you with the technical aspects of accounting but also develop your analytical and problem-solving skills. This strong foundational knowledge can be invaluable as you progress to advanced studies and pursue a career in accounting.

Our bridge courses are also taught with a Christian worldview in mind, emphasizing ethical decision-making and compassion in all aspects of learning. This approach can help you grow not only academically, but also in character, fostering holistic development that aligns with Christian values.

Two accounting students working at a computer
Coursework

Prepare for Graduate Study

To prepare for the transition into your master’s, you can expect to study material that can provide you with a strong basis in taxation and accounting practices.

Course topics you will encounter in this bridge program include:

Taxation

Various accounting focuses (including financial, managerial, cost and intermediate)

Auditing

Female working on tax paperwork using laptop and calculator at desk
Accreditation

Take Bridge Courses From an Accredited University

As an institutionally accredited university, GCU offers bridge courses that meet high standards to ensure you are being taught relevant, approved material. Since 1968, the Higher Learning Commission has granted us accreditation, demonstrating our prolonged commitment to the learning of our students.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore our collection of frequently asked questions and answers to gain greater insight into accounting, tax compliance and planning and completing this bridge program.

Male tax accountant working on a file at desk

Start Your Tax Accounting Journey

Equip yourself with essential skills for a career in accounting, tax compliance and planning.

Request More Information
  1. Fully Accountable. (2022, April 7). The Complete Guide to Shifting From Tax Compliance to Tax Planning. Retrieved March 3, 2025.
  2. Schmitz, J. F. (2024, April 18). What’s the Difference Between a CPA and a Tax Planner? Kiplinger. Retrieved March 3, 2025.

We're here to help.

I'm Ready to ApplyI Need More Information