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

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

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, 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 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 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

Mathematics Proficiency: MATH 20 ; see Graduate Mathematics Proficiency Requirement for more information.
Economics Proficiency: ECON 1 or ECON 2 .

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.

ACCTG 1A Introductory Financial Accounting 3 unit(s)
ACCTG 1B Introductory Managerial Accounting 3 unit(s)
ACCTG 200A Intermediate Accounting I 3 unit(s)
ACCTG 200B Intermediate Accounting II 3 unit(s)
ACCTG 211 Auditing 3 unit(s)

Advanced Program - 18 units

Core Required Courses - 12 units

ACCTG 300 Accounting Research and Communication 3 unit(s)
ACCTG 336 Introduction to Data Analytics for Accountants 3 unit(s)
ACCTG 339 Automation and Innovative Technologies 3 unit(s)
ACCTG 351C Analysis of Financial Information for Accountants 3 unit(s)

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.

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 data 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 statistical analysis through the utilization of programming languages Python and R; relational data bases, data-mining, and business intelligence systems; and effective communication through the use of visualization tools. This program is a STEM-designated degree program.

ITM 304 Managing Data Structures 3 unit(s)
MSBA 305 Business Intelligence 3 unit(s)
Note: BUS 240 is a prerequisite for MSBA 320 and must be taken first.
MSBA 320 Advanced Statistical Analysis with R and Python 3 unit(s)
MSBA 328 Visualization and Communication 3 unit(s)