Online Master of Science in Accounting Analytics

Thank you for your interest in the Master of Science in Accounting Analytics program. If you are looking to complete your 150 hours to sit for the CPA exam, are seeking a career in accounting, or are a working professional that wants to advance your career, then this degree should be a perfect fit for you. The program is designed to prepare accounting and business professionals to sit for the Texas CPA exam with an emphasis on the skills accounting employers are seeking.  What sets St. Edward’s graduates apart is our Holy Cross mission of educating not only the mind, but also the heart. 

St. Edward’s University is a Holy Cross university with a dedicated staff supporting you in the program. Our small class size ensures your ability to get individual attention from our dedicated instructors. Through online activities and breakout rooms you will have the opportunity to form a network with your classmates that will last a lifetime. Our classes are a mix of 7-week and 14-week classes. Our graduates have found positions at the Big Four accounting firms, small and mid-size accounting firms, as well as in industry. St. Edward’s is an AACSB accredited business school and a US News and World Report recognized best university.

I encourage you to take a close look at our program. I believe you will find it to be an exciting program that will further your career, preparing you to take the CPA exam. If you would like to discuss the program further, do not hesitate to contact me at kathl@stedwards.edu.

The MSAA program ranges from 30 to 39 required semester credit hours, depending on the student's undergraduate coursework. 

• Students with an undergraduate accounting degree should be able to complete the MSAA in 30-hours. 
  • A 30-hour program can be completed in 12 to 17 months
• Students with an undergraduate degree in an area of business outside of accounting will typically need to take 39-hours to complete the program. 
  • A 39-hour program and be completed in 17-22 months.

Curriculum: MSAA

The MSAA program consists of 30 semester hours of core courses and elective courses.

Note: Students in this program without an undergraduate degree in Accounting will be required to complete the following additional undergraduate-level Accounting coursework in order to satisfy prerequisite requirements: Intermediate Accounting I and II, Federal Taxation of Individuals, and Auditing. The Texas State Board of Public Accountancy also requires 24 hours of business courses other than in Accounting in order to sit for the CPA exam (see their website at  www.tsbpa.state.tx.us/ for additional information). 

Core Courses (24 hours)

ACCT 6303 Business Law, Contracts and Equity for Accountants

ACCT 6305 Advanced Federal Taxation

ACCT 6309 Accounting Theory and Practice

ACCT 6310 Advanced Accounting Problems

ACCT 6312* Accounting Ethics

ACCT 6323 Cases in Cost Accounting

ACCT 6324 Accounting Analytics

ACCT 6326 Audit Analytics and Technology

*Students who have completed Accounting Ethics in their undergraduate curriculum may substitute this course with a three-hour elective from the MSAA, MBA or MSBA program

Elective Courses (6 hours)

In addition to the eight core courses, students choose two three-hour elective courses from the MSAA, MBA or MSBA programs to broaden and deepen their knowledge from a variety of advanced electives.

Detailed Course Description 

The M.S. in Accounting Analytics prepares students to take on virtual accounting environments and unstructured accounting big data, solving business problems by constructing meaning out of vast amounts of data. Students will learn to:

• Identify and evaluate issues that require the application of professional judgment by conducting professional research
• Evaluate financial data and apply relevant professional standards to resolve financial reporting issues of U.S. business entities
• Apply knowledge of tax laws for planning and compliance purposes
• Use accounting data to identify anomalies and trends to better understand a company, identify areas of potential risk, and determine where further investigation may be needed
• Evaluate an accounting ethical dilemma by correctly identifying the key stakeholders and appropriately applying an ethical framework to assist them deciding what action should be taken

The Bill Munday School of Business delivers an impactful education that connects students with the marketplace and prepares them for today’s dynamic business environment. MSB curriculum and programs all reflect five pillars of the Austin business scene: entrepreneurial thinking, social enterprise, innovation management, global collaboration, and business analytics.  All full-time faculty are CPAs with professional experience working in accounting, and all adjunct professors are currently employed in the field.

Applicants for the online M.S. in Accounting Analytics must hold a bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Business from a regionally accredited college or university (or appropriate international equivalent). Students who do not have undergraduate degrees in accounting may have additional prerequisite accounting courses.

The GMAT, GRE and/or other standardized admissions tests are not required. However, foreign applicants may be required to demonstrate English language proficiency needed to successfully complete the program.

Supplementary materials for the application include your current resume, personal statement expressing your interest and goals for the program, and transcripts from all institutions previously attended.

To start an application, follow these steps:

1. Complete your application for admission. The application can be completed online here. You will need to create and validate an account before beginning the application.
2. Submit official transcripts from all institutions attended. St. Edward’s University prefers transcripts to be submitted electronically. If your undergraduate institution does not provide electronic transcripts, please have official transcripts mailed to: St. Edward’s University Office of Admissions 3001 South Congress Austin, TX 78704-6489.
3. Submit a personal statement. Please use the personal statement to describe your background and interests and to explain why you wish to pursue your online M.S. in Accounting Analytics. Please also include some information on your post-graduation goals.
4. Submit your current résumé.
5. International students or permanent residents may be required to submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) to demonstrate proficiency in English sufficient to successfully complete the program.

NOTE: The GMAT, GRE and/or other standardized admissions tests are not required for admission.

The Bill Munday School of Business at St. Edward’s University uses a rolling admissions process to evaluate each candidate. Applicants should be expected to be contacted within two business days of their finalized application regarding next steps, and the Admissions Committee should make their decision within two weeks.

The online M.S. in Accounting Analytics is a smart investment. Total tuition is $37,260* and includes all course fees. Tuition does not include books, comprehensive fees or other course materials. Once accepted to the program, students are required to submit a $500 non-refundable tuition deposit. Deposits are applied towards the total tuition costs and secure your place in the upcoming class.

The St. Edward’s University Financial Aid office provides information about financial aid opportunities available to graduate students. Please visit our financial aid page or call us at (512) 368-9577 if you are interested in learning additional details.

*Tuition is based on the 30 hr Program; the 39 hr program will have additional tuition fees. Tuition is subject to change at the discretion of the St. Edward’s University Board of Trustees.