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Accounting Analytics

Graduate Certificate

Online

Course Delivery

9

Total Credits

$817.25

Credit Hour

7 months

Minimum Duration


Program Overview

Information processing technologies and the availability of data are changing how accountants work and what they do. Michigan State University's Graduate Certificate in Accounting Analytics program not only focuses on understanding accounting implications of emerging data, analytical technologies and technical skill development but also managing projects. The certificate provides a foundation for understanding and adapting in this quickly changing arena.

The nine-credit, online Graduate Certificate in Accounting Analytics program is designed to meet the professional development needs of accounting professionals, and it also provides an alternative pathway for students seeking to meet the 150 Hour Rule for CPA certification.

Program Outcomes

Students in the graduate certificate can advance their competency in data analytics, critical thinking and project management skills while also learning advanced accounting and auditing topics.

Career Outlook

Data analytics and project management skills are in demand by many employers, including public accounting firms and corporations. Also, professionals already working in an accounting, audit, tax or consulting position can retool and increase their competencies in data analytics and increase their value and marketability with positions and salaries like these:

Accountant/Auditor: $70,500

Cost Estimator: $64,040

Budget Analyst: $76,220

Financial Analyst: $85,660

Financial Manager: $127,990

Career Pathways and Potential Earnings

Our students who study Accounting Analytics can go into these careers:

Career Pathways and Potential Earnings for Accounting Analytics Students
Target Occupation National Median Salary (USD)
Accountants and Auditors $79,893
Financial Managers $156,104
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks $47,445
Financial Specialists, All Other $78,312
Tax Preparers $49,005

Disclaimer: Salary data is sourced from © 2024 Lightcast, based on information from the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW). Please note that this information is intended solely for reference purposes. MSU Online disclaims any responsibility or liability for any inaccuracies, omissions, or errors in the data.

A Top-Ranked Education

  • #3 in Best Online Master's in Business Programs for Veterans (Excluding MBA) — U.S. News & World Report, 2023
  • #4 in Best Online Master's in Business Programs (Excluding MBA) — U.S. News & World Report, 2023
  • 31st among Best Public Universities in America — U.S. News & World Report, 2023

 

Headshot of Lynne Zelenski

Lynne Zelenski

Director of Academic Services

Lynne Zelenski is the Director of Academic Services for the Department of Accounting and Information Systems at Michigan State University. She has a doctorate in Higher, Adult and Lifelong Education and Master's degree in College and University Administration from Michigan State. Lynne has worked in a variety of capacities on campus. Previously, she served as the Director of the M.S. program in Accounting. Prior to working with the Department of Accounting and Information Systems, Lynne spent 8 years working with Career Services and Placement specializing in business placement and supervising campus recruiting and employer services. She currently assists in the administration of the department, coordinates departmental programs, works with the External Advisory Board, assists students with internships and full-time placement, and teaches the accounting careers course.

Course Information

 

Core

ACC 827 - Accounting Analytics (3 Credits) 

Elective

ACC 814 - Advanced Auditing (3 Credits)

ACC 822 - Information Systems Project Management (3 Credits)

ACC 843 - Value Chain Accounting and Analytics (3 Credits)

 

Learning Experiences

Students must complete the core classes, and choose one elective.


 

Admissions Requirements

To be accepted to this program, you must have:

  • A bachelor's degree
  • 3.0 GPA or above on a 4.0 scale
  • Completed coursework
    Major of accounting or finance and a cumulative undergraduate grade-point average of 3.0

  • 3 letters of recommendation. Provide contact information for your recommenders and the MSU application system will provide instructions to them.

  • Official transcripts from all previous schools

 

To apply to this program:

  • Complete a university graduate application.
  • Pay a one-time, nonrefundable $100 application and transcript fee.

Key Dates

This program accepts rolling applications. Students can start the program in any semester. We recommend applications are submitted at least one month prior to the start of the semester to allow time for processing.

Tuition & Fees

 

In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
$817.25
$817.25

 

Cost of Attendance

The university reserves the right to make changes in the types, structures, rates for fees, and tuition. Every effort will be made to give as much advance notice as possible. In addition to tuition and fees, there are other expenses associated with your Cost of Attendance. A breakdown of a graduate student budget can be found here.

Program Overview

Information processing technologies and the availability of data are changing how accountants work and what they do. Michigan State University's Graduate Certificate in Accounting Analytics program not only focuses on understanding accounting implications of emerging data, analytical technologies and technical skill development but also managing projects. The certificate provides a foundation for understanding and adapting in this quickly changing arena.

The nine-credit, online Graduate Certificate in Accounting Analytics program is designed to meet the professional development needs of accounting professionals, and it also provides an alternative pathway for students seeking to meet the 150 Hour Rule for CPA certification.

Program Outcomes

Students in the graduate certificate can advance their competency in data analytics, critical thinking and project management skills while also learning advanced accounting and auditing topics.

Career Outlook

Data analytics and project management skills are in demand by many employers, including public accounting firms and corporations. Also, professionals already working in an accounting, audit, tax or consulting position can retool and increase their competencies in data analytics and increase their value and marketability with positions and salaries like these:

Accountant/Auditor: $70,500

Cost Estimator: $64,040

Budget Analyst: $76,220

Financial Analyst: $85,660

Financial Manager: $127,990

Career Pathways and Potential Earnings

Our students who study Accounting Analytics can go into these careers:

Career Pathways and Potential Earnings for Accounting Analytics Students
Target Occupation National Median Salary (USD)
Accountants and Auditors $79,893
Financial Managers $156,104
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks $47,445
Financial Specialists, All Other $78,312
Tax Preparers $49,005

Disclaimer: Salary data is sourced from © 2024 Lightcast, based on information from the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW). Please note that this information is intended solely for reference purposes. MSU Online disclaims any responsibility or liability for any inaccuracies, omissions, or errors in the data.

A Top-Ranked Education

  • #3 in Best Online Master's in Business Programs for Veterans (Excluding MBA) — U.S. News & World Report, 2023
  • #4 in Best Online Master's in Business Programs (Excluding MBA) — U.S. News & World Report, 2023
  • 31st among Best Public Universities in America — U.S. News & World Report, 2023

 

Headshot of Lynne Zelenski

Lynne Zelenski

Director of Academic Services

Lynne Zelenski is the Director of Academic Services for the Department of Accounting and Information Systems at Michigan State University. She has a doctorate in Higher, Adult and Lifelong Education and Master's degree in College and University Administration from Michigan State. Lynne has worked in a variety of capacities on campus. Previously, she served as the Director of the M.S. program in Accounting. Prior to working with the Department of Accounting and Information Systems, Lynne spent 8 years working with Career Services and Placement specializing in business placement and supervising campus recruiting and employer services. She currently assists in the administration of the department, coordinates departmental programs, works with the External Advisory Board, assists students with internships and full-time placement, and teaches the accounting careers course.

Course Information

 

Core

ACC 827 - Accounting Analytics (3 Credits) 

Elective

ACC 814 - Advanced Auditing (3 Credits)

ACC 822 - Information Systems Project Management (3 Credits)

ACC 843 - Value Chain Accounting and Analytics (3 Credits)

 

Learning Experiences

Students must complete the core classes, and choose one elective.


 

Admissions Requirements

To be accepted to this program, you must have:

  • A bachelor's degree
  • 3.0 GPA or above on a 4.0 scale
  • Completed coursework
    Major of accounting or finance and a cumulative undergraduate grade-point average of 3.0

  • 3 letters of recommendation. Provide contact information for your recommenders and the MSU application system will provide instructions to them.

  • Official transcripts from all previous schools

 

To apply to this program:

  • Complete a university graduate application.
  • Pay a one-time, nonrefundable $100 application and transcript fee.

Key Dates

This program accepts rolling applications. Students can start the program in any semester. We recommend applications are submitted at least one month prior to the start of the semester to allow time for processing.

Tuition & Fees

 

In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
$817.25
$817.25

 

Cost of Attendance

The university reserves the right to make changes in the types, structures, rates for fees, and tuition. Every effort will be made to give as much advance notice as possible. In addition to tuition and fees, there are other expenses associated with your Cost of Attendance. A breakdown of a graduate student budget can be found here.

The MSU Value Promise

You can be ensured a return on your investment at Michigan State University.

As one of the top research universities in the world, Michigan State University has advanced the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years.

MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community.

MSU has been offering online degree programs for over 20 years. Our maturity is evident in the high quality of the learning experience enjoyed by our online students.

MSU provides programs and initiatives that support and enhance diversity. We will expand our campus and external partnerships to put in place inclusive recruitment and retention practices. We nurture and promote individuals’ varied experiences and perspectives, ensuring structures and processes make possible full participation by all members of our community.

MSU actively collaborates with campus and external partners to innovate across all dimensions of graduate education. We create and support networks that increase collaboration and improve educational opportunities for our online students.

MSU’s nationally recognized online programs foster student growth and well-being throughout their academic career. We will expand inclusive mentoring practices and accelerate improvement across units to implement evidence-based practices to ensure our students complete successfully.

Continuing education can be one of the most exciting, challenging, and rewarding experiences you undertake in your life. We hope you consider becoming a Spartan, to learn online and reach your career goals. With highly ranked online programs and exceptional professors, we educate students who advance the common good with uncommon will.