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    Nov 21, 2024  
2023-2024 Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Accounting Data & Analytics, Advanced Analytics for Accountants Concentration, MS


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Program Information


The Master of Science in Accounting Data & Analytics (MSADA) integrates advanced accounting concepts with data analytics and equips students with the comprehensive knowledge and skills to excel in this high-demand, constantly-evolving field. The MSADA combines a strong conceptual foundation in accounting with extensive practical application, positioning our graduates as leaders in the field. Students will explore the use of innovative technologies and business automation processes to maximize efficiency and optimize decision-making.

Students can customize their degree by selecting from a range of concentrations featuring more specialized ares of expertise. These concentrations include 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 for undergraduate students 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 Accounting 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


Advanced Analytics for Accountants Concentration - 12 units


This concentration is designed for accounting and tax professionals who seek to use analytics to improve strategic planning and decision-making. Students will expand their knowledge of analytics through the practical application of business tools increasingly used in the accounting profession. Building upon the topics covered in the introductory course on data analytics for accountants, students will gain key skills utilized in the analysis and communication of business accounting data. Topics covered in this concentration include the automation of processes and analysis of accounting and tax data through the utilization of popular software tools; emerging technology that is changing the business landscape; and effective communication of information gained through analyzing data through the use of visualization tools.This program is a STEM-designated degree program.

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