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After starting a master’s degree program in international relations, Tasi Lloyd realized that a career in accounting made more sense. There was just one problem.
“I didn’t have any accounting background,” he said. “Boise State had the online Master of Science in Accountancy, Foundations program, which allowed me to have a path to get a master’s degree in accounting even though I did not have a bachelor’s degree in accounting. That was why I chose Boise State.”
After completing the Foundations requirement and working toward a Master of Science in Accountancy, Lloyd switched to the more specific Master of Accountancy – Taxation program, which is only offered on campus.
“I am still taking some online courses,” he said. “The online format has been great. I like the flexibility. My preference is still to do in-person classes, but the flexibility that online offers is the advantage. In some cases, it outweighs the in-person classes.”
Lloyd, who is currently not working, is focusing on an August 2026 graduation date. He enrolled at Boise State in September 2024.
“I was familiar with Boise State since I grew up in Caldwell, Idaho,” he said. “It’s nice that it’s so close. Even when I was in the online program, I went to various events on campus put on by the College of Business and Economics. Those things helped me with my career preparations.”
Switching gears
While in high school in Caldwell, Lloyd ran cross country. He doesn’t currently do any distance running, but he said he plans to pick it back up soon. He also enjoys playing video games and reading in his free time.
Following high school, Lloyd joined the United States Army. He did two stints, 2013-2015 and 2017-2021. Lloyd also graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Chinese from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 2019.
“It was definitely a great experience and very challenging,” he said. “West Point is a beautiful campus. I enjoy learning the Chinese language.
“Once I had gotten out of the Army, I was an operations manager for Amazon before I was pursuing a master’s degree in international relations at Johns Hopkins University. Then, I realized that accounting would be a better career fit for me.”
Lloyd gained the fundamental accounting knowledge he needed to continue on with a master’s degree while in the Foundations program.
“My favorite course in the online program was Foundations of Federal Income Tax,” he said. “I especially like learning about taxes.”
Lloyd switched to the Master of Accountancy – Taxation program last semester, but he enjoyed his time in the online Master of Science in Accountancy, Foundations program.
The program starts students with prerequisite courses required for the traditional master’s program to build a foundation before seamlessly transitioning into graduate-level coursework.
“People in the Foundations program are going to be like me, lacking in their accounting background,” he said. “You just have to be confident the program will get you up to speed and where you need to be to be successful.”
Right on track
Lloyd’s father and grandfather both have doctoral degrees, so higher education is a priority in his family.
“My family and friends are all happy for me,” he said. “I plan to be at the commencement ceremony to walk for graduation.”
Lloyd was recently hired by a Boise accounting firm, where he will start close to his graduation date.
“Having this degree will definitely create opportunities,” he said. “Because I didn’t have an accounting degree, it wasn’t possible for me to get an accounting role. The degree makes that possible.
“It also makes it possible for me to be a Certified Public Accountant. I hope to find a role at a public accounting firm doing taxes once I graduate from Boise State.”
Although his higher education path has been unusual, Lloyd is happy things worked out the way they did — especially now that he is less than one year away from earning an accounting degree thanks to the online Master of Science in Accountancy, Foundations program.
“I absolutely got good value and what I was hoping to get out of the program,” he said. “I would definitely recommend it to other people.”
Learn more about the Online MSA
Earning an Online Master of Science in Accountancy from Boise State University can open doors to new opportunities and a brighter future — and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re exploring if an online degree is right for you or need help transferring credits, connecting with a student success coach is the perfect first step.
Ready to learn more? Attend one of our online information sessions or contact a student success coach today.