Accounting Data & Analytics, MS
Program at a Glance
Program
Accounting Data & Analytics, MS
Format
Online, Hybrid
Total Units
30
Requirements
No GMAT or
GRE Required
Spring ’25 Final Application Deadline
December 15
Program Overview
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.
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 and Automation for Accountants, and CPA Applied Accounting.
The MSADA program provides academic credit that may be used to meet the education requirement for Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensure. The Concentration in CPA Applied Accounting offers live instruction and a structured, supportive environment to study for the CPA exam. For state-specific CPA requirements, visit the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy website.
Admission Requirements
- Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or the equivalent from a recognized foreign institution (outside the United State), and provide official transcripts.
- All applicants will need to submit a Statement of Purpose (SOP) and a resume.
- For applicants with a GPA under 3.0, the Statement of Purpose should address the circumstances that led to the applicant’s academic performance, what has changed, and why they think they’ll be more successful now.
- 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.
Proficiency Requirements
Math Proficiency
Intermediate Algebra (Math 20); See Graduate Mathematics Proficiency Requirement for more information.
Economics Proficiency Requirement
Curriculum
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.
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. Accounting foundation courses may be satisfied for students who have passed all 4 parts of the U.S. CPA exams. 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.
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.
Select two ACCTG 300-level courses.
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. Visit our Accounting Internship FAQ page for more information.
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.
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.
Core Required Courses – 12 unitsStudents may substitute one of the above courses with the course below with permission of the Dean.
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.
The CPA Applied Accounting concentration is offered in a hybrid mode and requires live and/or on-campus components.
Required Courses – 12 unitsThis 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 unitsSelect one of the following:
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 unitsSelect 3 units of TA course(s), which may include TA 398 Internship: Taxation.
Graduate Tuition
The tuition for most graduate degree programs at Golden Gate University is $1,090 per unit, covering the cost of high-quality, career-focused education led by experienced faculty. This investment supports essential resources, including personalized academic advising, state-of-the-art technology, and student services designed to help adult learners succeed.
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.
