ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

• Applicants should hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited US institution or the equivalent from a recognized foreign (outside the US) institution, and provide official transcripts.
• Applicants whose native language is not English must meet the English Language Proficiency Admission Requirements.
• Applicants who earned a CPA license can waive the English Language requirement.
• Applicants with an undergraduate GPA below 3.00 should submit a statement of purpose and a resume.
  The statement of purpose should address the circumstances that may have led the applicants to poor academic performance, what had changed and why they think they'll be successful now.

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

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.

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