Master of Science in

Accounting Data & Analytics

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.

Online
San Francisco
Hybrid

1,090 /unit
(See other rates)

30 Total Units

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Are you a U.S. Veteran?

Yes

Do you plan to study on an F or J Student Visa?

Yes

In the MSADA and certificate programs, students can gain essential skills that in-demand accounting professionals need in today's data-rich environment. The MSADA offers concentrations in CPA applied accounting, advanced analytics for accountants, essentials of leadership, or taxation. The Advanced Analytics for Accountants Concentration is a STEM-designated degree program.

Plus, graduate certificates are available in Accounting Data & Analytics, Accounting Foundations, Advanced Analytics for Accountants, and CPA Applied Accounting.

This MSADA 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.

1-415-442-6559
accounting@ggu.edu
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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.

PROFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS

Math Proficiency

Intermediate Algebra (Math 20); See Graduate Mathematics Proficiency Requirement for more information.

Economics Proficiency Requirement

ECON 1 or ECON 2.

ACCOUNTING FOUNDATION — 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 units)
ACCTG 1B: Introductory Managerial Accounting (3 units)
ACCTG 200A: Intermediate Accounting I (3 units)
ACCTG 200B: Intermediate Accounting II (3 units)
ACCTG 211: Auditing

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); 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 or better in courses taken at Golden Gate University that are applicable to the program’s requirements. For further information regarding graduation requirements, see Degree Requirements for Graduate Programs.

All course prerequisites must be satisfied prior to enrolling in a given course and are indicated in the the course description for each course. 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.

Visit the Admissions Requirements tab for information on math and economics course proficiencies and accounting foundations courses.

ADVANCED PROGRAM — 18 UNITS

CORE REQUIRED COURSES — 12 UNITS

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

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

Advanced Analytics for Accountants
CPA Applied Accounting
Essentials of Leadership
Taxation

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.

CONCENTRATIONS

ADVANCED ANALYTICS FOR ACCOUNTANTS

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.

REQUIRED COURSES — 12 UNITS

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

CPA APPLIED ACCOUNTING

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 lecture, 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.

REQUIRED COURSES — 12 UNITS

ACCTG 377: Financial Accounting and Reporting
ACCTG 378: Business Environments and Concepts
ACCTG 379: Accounting and Tax Regulations
ACCTG 380: Auditing and Attestation

ESSENTIALS OF LEADERSHIP

This concentration provides students who want to either acquire and/or enhance their management and leadership knowledge and skills with a focused course of study. Students leave with the essential knowledge and skills to manage and lead in an organizational setting. Students will be introduced to concepts and skills related to management, leading teams, and leading complex change.

REQUIRED COURSES — 9 UNITS

LEAD 300: Management and Leadership
LEAD 301: Personal Leadership
LEAD 303: Teamwork in Organizations

ELECTIVES — 3 UNITS

LEAD 304: Leading Complex Change
LEAD 305: Adaptive Decision Making

TAXATION CONCENTRATION

This concentration is intended to meet the needs of those who have studied accounting and wish to further specialize in the field of taxation. By requiring an extensive focus on taxation, this concentration develops significant tax knowledge as part of a program that includes creation of a strong accounting foundation. The concentration courses are in tax research, federal income taxation, and property transactions.

REQUIRED COURSES — 9 UNITS

TA 318: Advanced Federal Income Taxation
TA 329: Tax Research and Decision Making
TA 330: Property Transactions

ELECTIVES — 3 UNITS

Select 3 units of TA course(s), which may include TA 398 Internship: Taxation.

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.

We are delighted that you are interested in the programs offered by the School of Accounting. Golden Gate University has been preparing accounting professionals for over 100 years, and our graduates are in positions of leadership in numerous public accounting firms and major corporations.

Our accounting program is highly relevant and focuses on skills that are in high demand. Included are concentrations aimed at helping you pass the CPA exam, developing leadership skills or advanced accounting analytics skills, or to gain a deeper understanding of taxation. Our programs, which are fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), are available both at our main San Francisco campus and online.

Should you have any questions about the School of Accounting, please feel free to contact us.

Amy B. McLellan, J.D., LL.M.
Dean, Graduate Programs (Business, Tax, Accounting)
Director, LL.M. Taxation & Estate Planning