Accounting and Data Analytics
Master of Science
Online
Course Delivery
30
Total Credits
$817.25
Credit Hour
2 Years
Minimum Duration
Program Overview
The online master’s degree in accounting and data analytics from Michigan State University will prepare you with the technical knowledge, and data analytics skills necessary to take advantage of the growing career opportunities in accounting and finance. While our program will build on your existing knowledge of accounting and data analytics, prior background in accounting is not a prerequisite for admission — our curriculum includes foundational accounting courses to ensure all students are prepared and able to succeed.We designed the degree to be flexible and customizable; take classes at your own pace and dive deeper into a concentration area — accounting analytics, taxation, managerial analysis for decision making, or transaction services (mergers and acquisitions, restructuring, and bankruptcy) — to pursue your passion and prepare yourself for today’s most in-demand business roles.
Program Outcomes
Our online master’s in accounting and data analytics equips students from diverse backgrounds with the technical accounting knowledge and data analysis skills demanded by organizations across all sectors of the economy.
Students with an accounting background will be prepared to tackle advanced areas such as mergers and acquisitions (M&A), taxation and corporate accounting, as well as advisory and consulting roles.
If you’re a student without an accounting background, our master’s in accounting and data analytics will prepare you to confidently join the workforce in an analyst role across finance and accounting functions in public and private organizations, accounting firms, or governmental agencies.
Plus, you can apply your coursework toward the education requirements of professional certifications such as the Certified Public Accountant and Certified Management Accountant.
Career Outlook
With growing complexity in financial operations, analysts, accountants, and auditors with specialized education and experience in data analytics are in high demand. As a graduate with a master’s in accounting and data analytics from MSU, you’ll be well-equipped to pursue a rewarding career in a variety of roles, such as:
- Auditor
- Corporate finance analyst
- Financial analyst
- Financial manager
- Forensic accountant
- Government accountant
- Internal auditor
- Operations analyst
- Risk analyst
- Risk manager
- Tax accountant
A Top-Ranked Education
- 31st among Best Public Universities in America — U.S. News & World Report, 2022
- A Top 100 Global University — Times Higher Education and U.S. News & World Report
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
Foundations of Accounting, Information Systems, and Data Analysis (18 credits)
Complete the following courses as part of the M.S. in accounting and data analytics curriculum, unless waived by the program director.
ACC 870 Principles of Financial and Managerial Accounting
ACC 871 Accounting Database Systems
ACC 872 Financial Reporting and Data Analysis
ACC 873 Principles of Federal Income Tax Accounting
ACC 874 Performance Measurement and Control Systems
ACC 875 Auditing – Assurance and Data Analysis
Complete at least one of the following concentrations:
Accounting Analytics (9 credits)
ACC 827 Accounting Analytics (required)
ACC 814 Advanced Auditing
ACC 822 Information Systems Project Management
ACC 843 Value Chain Accounting and Analytics
Managerial Analysis for Decision Making (9 credits)
ACC 841 The Role of Accounting in Strategy Implementation
ACC 843 Value Chain Accounting and Analytics
ACC 807 Using Financial Statement Data for Decision Making- An Analytics Approach
Taxation (12 credits)
ACC 830 Tax Research
ACC 833 Federal Income Tax of Corps and Shareholders
ACC 836 U.S. Taxation of Multinational Transactions
ACC 850 Accounting and Tax Implications of Mergers and Acquisitions
Admissions Requirements
To qualify for admission applicants:
- Must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
- Must have education and/or experience in accounting or finance or related field.
- Recommended minimum cumulative undergraduate grade-point average of 3.0.
We do not require the GRE or GMAT, nor do we require accounting prerequisites for admission. Applications are considered holistically.
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 per credit
In-state tuition
Out-of-state tuition
$817.25
$817.25
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.
Program Overview
The online master’s degree in accounting and data analytics from Michigan State University will prepare you with the technical knowledge, and data analytics skills necessary to take advantage of the growing career opportunities in accounting and finance. While our program will build on your existing knowledge of accounting and data analytics, prior background in accounting is not a prerequisite for admission — our curriculum includes foundational accounting courses to ensure all students are prepared and able to succeed.We designed the degree to be flexible and customizable; take classes at your own pace and dive deeper into a concentration area — accounting analytics, taxation, managerial analysis for decision making, or transaction services (mergers and acquisitions, restructuring, and bankruptcy) — to pursue your passion and prepare yourself for today’s most in-demand business roles.
Program Outcomes
Our online master’s in accounting and data analytics equips students from diverse backgrounds with the technical accounting knowledge and data analysis skills demanded by organizations across all sectors of the economy.
Students with an accounting background will be prepared to tackle advanced areas such as mergers and acquisitions (M&A), taxation and corporate accounting, as well as advisory and consulting roles.
If you’re a student without an accounting background, our master’s in accounting and data analytics will prepare you to confidently join the workforce in an analyst role across finance and accounting functions in public and private organizations, accounting firms, or governmental agencies.
Plus, you can apply your coursework toward the education requirements of professional certifications such as the Certified Public Accountant and Certified Management Accountant.
Career Outlook
With growing complexity in financial operations, analysts, accountants, and auditors with specialized education and experience in data analytics are in high demand. As a graduate with a master’s in accounting and data analytics from MSU, you’ll be well-equipped to pursue a rewarding career in a variety of roles, such as:
- Auditor
- Corporate finance analyst
- Financial analyst
- Financial manager
- Forensic accountant
- Government accountant
- Internal auditor
- Operations analyst
- Risk analyst
- Risk manager
- Tax accountant
A Top-Ranked Education
- 31st among Best Public Universities in America — U.S. News & World Report, 2022
- A Top 100 Global University — Times Higher Education and U.S. News & World Report
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
Foundations of Accounting, Information Systems, and Data Analysis (18 credits)
Complete the following courses as part of the M.S. in accounting and data analytics curriculum, unless waived by the program director.
ACC 870 Principles of Financial and Managerial Accounting
ACC 871 Accounting Database Systems
ACC 872 Financial Reporting and Data Analysis
ACC 873 Principles of Federal Income Tax Accounting
ACC 874 Performance Measurement and Control Systems
ACC 875 Auditing – Assurance and Data Analysis
Complete at least one of the following concentrations:
Accounting Analytics (9 credits)
ACC 827 Accounting Analytics (required)
ACC 814 Advanced Auditing
ACC 822 Information Systems Project Management
ACC 843 Value Chain Accounting and Analytics
Managerial Analysis for Decision Making (9 credits)
ACC 841 The Role of Accounting in Strategy Implementation
ACC 843 Value Chain Accounting and Analytics
ACC 807 Using Financial Statement Data for Decision Making- An Analytics Approach
Taxation (12 credits)
ACC 830 Tax Research
ACC 833 Federal Income Tax of Corps and Shareholders
ACC 836 U.S. Taxation of Multinational Transactions
ACC 850 Accounting and Tax Implications of Mergers and Acquisitions
Admissions Requirements
To qualify for admission applicants:
- Must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
- Must have education and/or experience in accounting or finance or related field.
- Recommended minimum cumulative undergraduate grade-point average of 3.0.
We do not require the GRE or GMAT, nor do we require accounting prerequisites for admission. Applications are considered holistically.
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 per credit
In-state tuition
Out-of-state tuition
$817.25
$817.25
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.
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.