San Diego Accounting Schools
All located within a 20-minute drive from central San Diego, the three universities covered in this article give prospective students the ability to choose from a number of undergraduate and graduate program options. The article includes a table outlining important school facts and figures. Each school's accounting offerings are discussed, including degree courses and requirements. Some other area colleges with accounting programs are also discussed.
- Point Loma Nazarene University, operated by the Church of the Nazarene, offers a bachelor's degree and a minor in accounting. The school is located around four miles from downtown San Diego.
- A public school located about six miles from the city center, San Diego State University has certificate, bachelor's and master's degree programs and the lowest tuition of the schools profiled here.
- The University of San Diego is a private Catholic institution and is less than four miles from central San Diego. It offers a bachelor's degree in accountancy as well a master's degree program that provides higher levels of preparation.
Comparison of Schools
After getting an overview of the available accounting programs in the San Diego area, it's worth taking a bit of time to learn more about the three universities. This table includes info on enrollment figures, costs and more for each institution.
| Point Loma Nazarene University | San Diego State University | University of San Diego | |
|---|---|---|---|
| School Type | Four-year; private not-for-profit | Four-year; public | Four-year; private not-for-profit |
| Total Enrollment (Fall 2021) | 4,445 | 36,484 | 9,041 |
| Campus Setting | Large city | Large city | Large city |
| Tuition & Fees (2021-2022) | $39,500 | $8,136, in-state; $20,016, out-of-state | $52,864 |
| % of First-Year Students Receiving Any Form of Financial Aid (2020-2021) | 100% | 58% | 84% |
| Acceptance Rate (Fall 2021) | 84% | 38% | 53% |
| Retention Rate (2020-2021) | 84% full-time students | 90% full-time students | 92% full-time students |
| Graduation Rate (Began Fall 2015) | 73% | 76% | 80% |
Source: NCES College Navigator.
Point Loma Nazarene University
The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration is the only accounting degree offered by the university's Fermanian School of Business. The school emphasizes Christian values and ethical concerns, as well as the global aspects of business. Small class sizes allow students to build relationships with faculty.
Minor in Accounting
Students who are interested in accounting but do not wish to major in the field can choose it as a minor by taking 19 units of courses. Requirements include the principles of financial and managerial accounting, intermediate accounting and intermediate managerial accounting. Students can choose one course from a list that includes federal tax accounting, managerial cost accounting, advanced accounting, and auditing.
Bachelor of Science Business Administration - Accounting
This 70-unit program consists of general education courses and lower and upper division courses in accounting. The general education curriculum includes courses on the Bible and Christian tradition in addition to course options in composition, psychology, problem solving, science and social studies. Lower-division courses include managerial accounting, the business legal environment, economics and statistics. Upper-division courses include federal tax accounting, auditing, marketing and strategic management.
San Diego State University
San Diego State University (SDSU) offers programs for students who want careers in accounting as well as careers in finance and general business. SDSU offers a student accounting society and a chapter of Beta Alpha Psi, an honorary accounting organization.
Accounting Minor
The minor in accounting consists of 24 credit hours. Required courses include the fundamentals of managerial and financial accounting. Other courses include economics and intermediate accounting topics.
Certificate in Accountancy
Intended as a post-baccalaureate accounting credential for non-accounting professionals, this 30- to 31-unit certificate program requires students to take courses in integrative accounting topics, as well as managerial and financial accounting. In addition to these basic courses, students work with an adviser to select additional units of accounting and business electives to suit their needs.
Bachelor of Science in Accountancy
Offered in the Charles W. Lamden School of Accountancy, this degree program offers coursework in auditing, federal income tax, managerial accounting and accounting information systems. It is designed to build a student's communication, critical-thinking and decision-making skills. This is the state's first accredited accounting program.
BS/MS in Accounting 4+1 Degree Program
Students who want to pursue careers in professional accounting can complete this advanced program in accounting. Students must apply to the program and, if accepted, will begin accounting studies in their junior year. They attain graduate status after earning 120 units and finish the program at the end of their fifth year of school when they are eligible for the certified public accountant (CPA) exam.
Master of Science in Accountancy
This program's content meets the requirements for the California CPA exam. Students can choose from concentrations in taxation, financial reporting or accounting information systems. They can enter the program with a bachelor's degree in any field and must complete core business requirements and ten additional courses. The program takes about a year to 18 months to complete after the core requirements have been met. Students with no education in accounting or business will need about 18 to 24 months to finish this program.
University of San Diego
The University of San Diego offers several options for accounting education through bachelor's, master's and certificate programs. Students can enhance their experience through membership in organizations such as the Accounting Society and Beta Alpha Psi.
Bachelor of Accountancy
This program prepares graduates for careers in government, public and business accounting. Students can focus their education by choosing from options in accountancy, accountancy and supply chain management, accountancy and finance/real estate, or accountancy and information systems/technology. After completing lower division prerequisites, including managerial accounting, financial accounting and information systems, students go on to upper division business courses, such as marketing and business law. Students then take the courses pertinent to their chosen option.
Master of Science in Accountancy/Taxation
This program is for students with undergraduate degrees in accounting. Individuals with degrees in other fields may apply, but will need to meet substantial prerequisite requirements. Classes meet for two evenings a week. This 30-unit program focuses on acquisition of the skills needed for mid- to upper-level positions in accounting or finance. Courses in leadership, negotiation, and communications and ethics are required. Students choose electives based on their area of specialization. Specialization options are finance and taxation. Students have the opportunity for a study experience in Europe.
Other Schools
San Diego Mesa College, a two-year public school about seven miles from downtown, offers programs awarding a Certificate of Performance in Governmental/Nonprofit Accounting, Certificate of Achievement in Accounting and Associate of Science in Accounting. Located around 10 miles from central San Diego, National University offers a BS in Accountancy and Master of Accountancy program, both available online and at the university's Spectrum Business Park campus in San Diego. At Cuyamaca College in El Cajon, students can earn a Certificate of Achievement in Accounting or Bookkeeping, as well as an Associate in Science in Accounting. This institution is located approximately 15 miles from downtown San Diego.
