Dominican University of California

What you'll study

This master's programme delivers advanced technical and professional accounting knowledge while integrating ethics, communication and practical skills. Core topics typically include advanced financial accounting and reporting, auditing and assurance, federal taxation, accounting information systems, and managerial/ cost accounting. Elective and specialised modules often cover areas such as forensic accounting, governmental and nonprofit accounting, advanced financial statement analysis, and accounting research methods.

The course structure commonly combines foundational bridge courses for students without prior accounting training, a sequence of graduate-level accounting and auditing courses, and a capstone experience or practicum that applies classroom learning to real-world problems. Many programmes also include dedicated CPA-exam preparation content and opportunities for internships or projects with local firms and organisations.

• Advanced Financial Accounting and Reporting
• Auditing and Assurance Services
• Federal Taxation (individuals and business entities)
• Accounting Information Systems
• Managerial and Cost Accounting
• Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination (elective)
• Governmental and Nonprofit Accounting (elective)
• Accounting Research Methods / Capstone Project

Format and delivery

The programme is typically offered with flexible delivery to accommodate working professionals, including part-time study and evening classes. Students can expect a mix of lectures, case studies, hands-on software labs and group projects; small class sizes emphasise faculty interaction and personalised feedback.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised bachelor's degree. Candidates with an undergraduate degree in accounting may proceed directly to the graduate-level sequence; those from other disciplines are usually required to complete foundational accounting coursework either before or as part of the programme.

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
• A competitive undergraduate GPA (requirements vary by programme)
• Official academic transcripts
• A current résumé or CV
• A personal statement outlining academic and career objectives
• Letters of recommendation (often one to two)

Some programmes may request standardized test scores (GRE/GMAT) for borderline academic profiles, but many accept waivers for applicants with relevant professional experience or a strong undergraduate record. International applicants must satisfy English language proficiency requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a broad range of accounting and finance roles. Common career destinations include public accounting firms (audit and tax), corporate accounting and financial reporting roles, management accounting and financial planning, forensic accounting and fraud investigation, and accounting positions in government or nonprofit organisations. The degree also provides a foundation for candidates pursuing CPA licensure or other professional certifications (for example, CMA or CIA), and for those who wish to progress into senior financial management, consultancy or specialised technical roles.

Because of the programme's practical focus, students often secure internships and entry-level positions with regional accounting firms, corporate finance departments and public-sector agencies, using those placements to build professional networks and experience relevant to licensure requirements.

Why study at Dominican University of California

Dominican University of California offers a small-college environment with personalised attention from faculty who combine academic credentials and professional experience. The university's proximity to the San Francisco Bay Area provides access to a diverse business community and internship opportunities with public accounting firms, companies and public agencies.

Students benefit from career services focused on accounting and finance, classroom sizes that enable close mentorship, and an emphasis on ethical decision-making and service consistent with the university's mission. The programme is designed to be practitioner-oriented, preparing graduates with both the technical competencies and communication skills employers seek.