Boost Your Accounting Skills With a Bridge Program

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Degree Level

Bridge

Class Setting

Online

Area of Study

Business

Program

Bridge - MS in Accounting: Tax Compliance and Planning

Current Education Level

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Citizenship Status

U.S. Citizen

Military Affiliation

No military affiliation

Country

United States

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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.

Bridge (Master of Science in Accounting with an Emphasis in Tax Compliance and Planning)

Offered By

Colangelo College of Business

Class Settings

Online

Tuition Rate

Online: $485 per credit [More Info]

Cost of Attendance

Course Information

Credits: 28

Campus: 15 weeks

Online: 8 weeks

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Transfer Credits

Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division

Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements (Bachelor's)

16+ years old
High School Graduate
3.0+ Unweighted GPA

OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and

ACT: 19
SAT: 1000*

Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
*Math and reading only on a 1600 point scale (test date after 3/1/2016). SAT score of 1380 required for 2400 point scale (test date before 3/1/2016).

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.

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

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.

If you’re an aspiring CPA hoping to prepare for entry into the MSA in Tax Compliance and Planning master’s program, this may be an ideal choice right for you. This accounting master’s for non-majors option can help you gain competency in undergraduate accounting topics while preparing you for the academic rigor of graduate accounting courses.

Tax compliance involves following the regulations set by the IRS and other tax authorities, which also includes understanding tax responsibilities and completing the correct forms. Meanwhile, tax planning focuses on developing year-round strategies to minimize tax payments, which requires a deep understanding of financial situations and relevant tax laws.¹

Courses

Course List

Credit Summary

Major28 credits

Degree Requirements28 credits

Core Courses

ACC-250

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course is an introduction to the accounting cycle and the construction of financial statements. Students explore the fundamental principles and practices of financial accounting as outlined by Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP); the steps in the accounting cycle from journalizing transactions through the preparation of financial statements; and the use and interpretation of the balance sheet, income statement, and statement of cash flows. Prerequisite: MAT-134, MAT-144, MAT-154, or higher subsequent math course.

ACC-260

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course is an introduction to the use of managerial accounting data in the decision-making process. Topics include the use of cost-volume-profit (CVP) analysis and relevant costs in decision making, using budgets and the balanced scorecard to evaluate performance, methods for setting prices of products and services, and analyzing capital investment opportunities. Prerequisite: ACC-250.

ACC-360

4 Total Credits

ACC-370

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course is an in-depth study of accounting objectives, principles, theory, and practice as related to the balance sheet and income statement. Students explore the accounting cycle, the preparation of detailed financial statements in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), accounting for assets, and other items frequently addressed on the Uniform Certified Public Accounting Examination (Uniform CPA Exam). Prerequisites: ACC-250 and ACC-260.

ACC-371

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course is an in-depth study of accounting objectives, principles, theory, and practice as related to the balance sheet and income statement. Students explore liabilities and equity items; the specific rules for accounting for leases, accounting changes, and revenue recognition, and other items frequently addressed on the Uniform Certified Public Accounting Examination (Uniform CPA Exam). Prerequisite: ACC-370.

ACC-460

4 Total Credits

ACC-491

4 Total Credits

Course Description

Auditing is an examination of generally accepted auditing standards, procedures involved in the auditing process, and ethical issues faced by the auditor. Through class discussions, practical applications, and case studies, students learn the responsibilities of the independent public auditor in the expression of opinion within the guidelines set by the AICPA’s Code of Professional Ethics. Topics include the nature and types of audits, auditor responsibilities and legal liabilities, audit reports, auditing procedures, ethical issues, contemporary issues in auditing, and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Prerequisites: ACC-260 or ACC-350, and ACC-370.

GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change

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