Boost Your Accounting Skills With a Bridge Program
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.
Your Pathway to Tax Compliance and Planning Foundations
Understanding the complexities of tax compliance and planning is crucial for both individuals and businesses. 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:
- Various accounting focuses (including financial, managerial, cost and intermediate)
- Taxation
- Auditing
These courses are 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.
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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.
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 nonmajors 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
Equip yourself with essential skills for a career in accounting, tax compliance and planning.
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.
Core Courses
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.
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.
Course Description
This course provides a study of principles of internal accounting, including job order systems, process costing, activity-based costing, and budgeting. Prerequisite: ACC-260 or ACC-350.
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.
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.
Course Description
This course provides a study of the theory and practices of accounting for income taxes of individuals. Students explore the responsibilities of a tax accountant, specific transactions that affect the tax liability of individuals. Prerequisite: ACC-370 or FIN-350.
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
Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.