Program Information
The Master of Science in Accounting Data & Analytics (MSADA) bridges advanced accounting concepts with data analytics and equips students with essential skills and knowledge to compete in the evolving realities of the profession. The MSADA develops students’ understanding of accounting and analytics 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, CPA Applied Accounting, 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 increasingly 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.
Path2CPA
The Path2CPA option makes the journey to an advanced degree quicker and less expensive. Students can earn a Master of Science in Accounting Data & Analytics (MSADA) in as little as one year after completing GGU’s BS in Accounting or BS in Business with an Accounting Concentration. The Path2CPA option can also satisfy the 150-hour education requirement for CPA licensure. Pursuing this option eliminates the requirement to apply for the MSADA program.
The Path2CPA includes up to four designated graduate-level accounting courses and one 3-unit upper or lower-division course from any subject. The graduate-level courses will be included in the unit totals and GPAs for both applicants’ undergraduate Accounting and graduate Taxation degree programs. Students whose average GPA in the graduate-level courses falls below a 3.00 GPA will be conditionally admitted to the Master’s programs.
Declaring Program Concentrations
Students may declare up to two concentrations in a given degree program. Students seeking to declare more than two concentrations are required to appeal to the dean for approval. Students’ diplomas will list the concentrations they had successfully completed at the time their degrees are 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. Accounting foundation courses may be satisfied for students who have passed all 4 parts of the U.S. CPA exams. Students may enroll in advanced program courses while completing the foundation program if they have satisfied the advanced program course prerequisites. 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 Required Courses - 12 units
Core Elective Courses - 6 units
Select two ACCTG 300-level courses.
CPA Applied Accounting Concentration - 12 units
This concentration provides students with the necessary courses to prepare them for the core accounting topics covered on the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exams. Each course will utilize a combination of live lectures, recorded lectures, task-based simulations, and simulated exams, and include materials from a major CPA exam review program. The courses are designed to use analytics to measure student success and help focus classroom time on more complex or difficult to understand topics. Each course will incorporate graduate level exploration and analysis of case studies and practice-based examples to further students’ understanding of the concepts covered.
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