Mar 19, 2024  
2020-2021 Catalog 
    
2020-2021 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Accounting Data & Analytics, MS


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Available Summer 2020; currently not eligible for VA Education Benefits.

Program Information


The Master of Science in Accounting & Data Analytics (MSADA) bridges advanced accounting concepts with data analytics, and will equip students with essential skills and knowledge to compete in the evolving realities of the profession. The MSADA develops students’ understanding of accounting and analytics’ concepts beyond theory through practical application positioning students to become leaders in their field. Students will explore the use of innovative technologies and business automation processes to increase operational effectiveness and efficiencies to drive better decision-making.

Students can gain expertise in a range of high-demand subjects to enhance their career path by selecting a concentration in advanced analytics for accountants, essentials of leadership, or taxation.  The Advanced Analytics for Accountants Concentration  is a STEM-designated degree program.

This program satisfies the 150-hour education requirement to become a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and the CPA Applied Accounting Concentration  offers live instruction to guide students through the CPA exam.  

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Graduates of the Master of Science in Accounting Data & Analytics (MSADA) program will be able to:
  • Identify accounting issues, research and effectively communicate the results orally and in writing.
  • Demonstrate a defined body of knowledge of essential accounting principles and doctrines.
  • Critically apply accounting principles to practical situations and to adapt to changing work environments.
  • Make effective accounting decisions in an increasingly analytics and technology driven environment.
  • Understand the business, legal, professional, and ethical context for a career as a professional accountant, including the ability to identify and appropriately act when ethical dilemmas are encountered.
  • Demonstrate experience and skill in accomplishing objectives through collaboration and the use of technology tools increasing used in the accounting profession.

Admission Requirements

All applicants should have earned an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution with at least a 3.00 grade-point average (GPA). Individuals with an undergraduate GPA below 3.00 are welcome to apply and will be considered for admission based on employment history, professional accomplishments, recommendations, etc. Certificate and open enrollment students must meet the same standards and prerequisites that apply to degree candidates.

Declaring Program Concentrations

Students may declare up to two concentrations in a given degree program. Students seeking to declare more than two concentrations will be required to appeal to the dean for approval. Students’ diplomas will list the concentrations that they had successfully completed at the time their degrees were conferred. Students may not declare additional concentrations after their degrees have been conferred.

Students may select from the following concentrations:

Requirements for the Master of Science in Accounting Data & Analytics


The Master of Science in Accounting Data & Analytics (MSADA) program requires completion of a minimum of 30 units (18 units in the advanced program and 12 units of elective coursework or the completion of a concentration) and completion of 6 units of proficiency coursework and 15 units of accounting foundation courses (or an undergraduate degree in Accounting), with a cumulative grade-point average of 3.00 (“B” average) or better in courses taken at Golden Gate University that are applicable to the program’s requirements. For further information regarding graduation requirements, see Academic Requirements for Graduate Programs .

Course prerequisites are indicated in the course descriptions for each course and must be satisfied prior to enrolling in a given course. Prerequisites may be satisfied through transfer of equivalent coursework from external institutions or by taking the courses at GGU. Individual proficiency and foundation program courses may be waived for students who have an undergraduate degree in Accounting or who have previously completed comparable courses at a regionally accredited college or university. Students may not enroll in advanced program courses until they have completed the entire foundation program. Courses listed carry three semester units of credit unless otherwise noted.

Proficiency Requirements - 6 units


Accounting Foundation Requirements - 15 units


Accounting foundation requirements will be waived for those students who have passed the U.S. CPA examination. Additionally, individual courses will be waived for students who completed them at GGU, or who completed comparable courses at other regionally accredited degree granting institutions, with grades of “B” or better.

Advanced Program - 18 units


Core Elective Courses - 6 units

Select two ACCTG 300-level courses. Alternatively, students who do not pursue the Advanced Analytics for Accountants Concentration may select MSBA 328  in place of one of the two ACCTG courses.

Elective Courses - 12 units


  • Students may select any four ACCTG 300-level courses, excluding those required for the Advanced Program requirement listed above. Students can take ACCTG 398 Internship: Accounting  for up to 6 units toward this requirement.

Concentrations


Instead of completing 12-units of elective courses, students may complete one of the program concentrations listed below:

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