Degree Plan

Major Requirements: 
The BBA in Finance requires 66–67 hours of major coursework.

General Education Requirements: 
All majors require 44 hours of general education that students complete over four years, in addition to their major courses.

View and download the full degree plan for our Finance major (PDF)

A few examples of the Finance courses students take:

• Intermediate Financial Management – Study corporate finance theories and examine how they apply to corporate decisions in the areas of capital structure, working capital, corporate structuring, mergers and acquisitions, and more.
• Investment Principles and Analysis – Analyze investment vehicles and consider investment decisions in the context of risk-return analysis. Discuss security market operation and portfolio management.
• Financial Institutions and Markets – Develop an understanding of money and capital markets; the flow of funds in the economy; the role of credit; the term structure of interest rates; risk management; regulation and deregulation; and financial crises.
• Special Topics in Finance: Student Managed Investment Fund – The Student-Managed Investment Fund (SMIF) course offers finance majors a unique, hands-on experience in managing a real investment portfolio. Students will take on the roles of fund managers and analysts making investment recommendations intended to achieve long-term growth. This course covers the essential principles of portfolio management, financial analysis, and investment strategies. Additionally, the course considers ethical aspects in investing. Throughout the semester, students will work collaboratively in teams, present their investment recommendations to an advisory board, and provide regular performance reports. The course is designed to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical application, preparing students for careers in finance, investment management, and related fields.

Finance students gain relevant work experience in internships and local, national and even international organizations during their time at St. Edward’s. Many serve as campus and community leaders, obtaining the skills they need to advance in their careers post-graduation.

Internships

Finance students make huge contributions at their respective internship sites. They assist with data mining and mapping, analyze financial data, and develop predictive metrics. They put complex financial concepts to practice, such as modern portfolio theory, portfolio development and investor behavior. These experiences prepare them for both the job search and graduate school. Our students have interned at BBVA Compass, Merrill Lynch, Chase, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Kestra Financial, Tech Ranch and NXP Semiconductors, to name a few.

Financial Management Association International (FMA)

Student organizations, like the FMA, offer Finance students the opportunity to connect with local professionals. In addition to hosting speaker series and other events, the FMA sponsors the FMA National Honor Society, the only international honor that specifically recognizes the achievement of Finance majors and demonstrates their expertise in areas such as financial economics and decision-making.

S.E.R.V.E.

Service is at the heart of the St. Edward’s University community, and the S.E.R.V.E. program exemplifies how dedicated students, faculty and staff are committed to making a difference. Finance major Amanda Rodriguez ’19 gained experience as one of five student coordinators who help plan monthly S.E.R.V.E. 1 Day events, which can include gardening, painting and other one-time tasks.

Finance students are encouraged to set a goal of obtaining a professional certification after graduation. Such certifications can further establish their credibility and expertise in an area of specialty. These can include:

• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) – This credential has become the most respected and recognized investment designation in the world.
• Certificate in Investment Performance Measurement (CIPM) – This certificate program is for those who want to develop advanced, globally relevant, practice-based investment performance and risk evaluation skills.

Degree Plan

Major Requirements: 
The Economics degree plan requires 70 hours of major coursework.

General Education Requirements: 
All majors require 44 hours of general education that students complete over four years, in addition to their major courses.

View and download the full degree plan for our Economics major (PDF).
 

A few examples of the Economics courses students take:

• Microeconomic Theory – Analyze how pricing, output and employment are determined; the role of markets in the allocation of resources; and the types of market structure in a mixed economy.
• Money and Banking – Study the nature of money, the role of the Federal Reserve System, monetary theory and policy, commercial banking, credit structure, financial markets and international finance.
• Law and Economics​ – Learn the basics of our legal and economic systems and examine how regulatory constraints and judicial decisions affect our market economy. Areas of study will include property rights, contract law, criminal law and antitrust.

Because an Economics degree develops intellectual ability, quantitative strength and critical thinking, students in this program bring relevant skills to their experience outside the classroom. They participate in internships, conduct research and practice leadership in student organizations.

Economics Club

The Economics Club promotes an interest in economic ideas at St. Edward’s University. The club acts as a forum for discussion of economic issues and as an information exchange regarding economics careers and graduate programs. It also fosters social interactions among students interested in economics. Learn more about the Economics Club and other student organizations recommended by The Bill Munday School of Business.

Research

Faculty in the Finance and Economics Department are dedicated to conducting research that influences the profession and benefits the Austin community. They often include interested Economics students in the research and reporting process. For example, professors and students collaborated on research that determined the economic impact of the Austin Marathon. Their work revealed that the sports event created $34 million in revenue for the city and the local business community

Students pursuing the Economics minor analyze and comprehend global, regional and local issues by learning how goods and services are produced and distributed worldwide.

Required Courses:

• Microeconomic Principles – ECON 2301
• Macroeconomic Principles – ECON 2302
• Any Upper-Division ECON Courses (12 hours) – ECON 3000+

Total Hours: 18

Are you a current student? Contact your advisor for next steps in declaring your major or minor.

At St. Edward’s, our faculty are outstanding scholars, thought leaders, teachers and mentors who bring energy and enthusiasm to our vibrant learning community. They take pride in getting to know you, helping you achieve your goals, and celebrating your successes.

Our faculty members stay active in their fields, specializing in areas such as industrial organization, asymmetric information, data analysis, heterodox economics, statistics, and the economics of networks and high-technology markets. With years of industry expertise, they help connect students to valuable learning and growth opportunities that enhance career development.

View a list of our faculty members and their contact information on the Department of Accounting, Economics and Finance webpage.

Degree Plan

Major Requirements: 
The Accounting Information Technology degree program requires 97 hours of major coursework.

General Education Requirements: 
All majors require 44 hours of general education that students complete over four years, in addition to their major courses.

View and download the full degree plan for our Accounting Information Technology program (PDF).

A few examples of the Accounting Information Technology courses students take:

• Accounting Information Systems – Examine fundamental accounting information systems. The course focuses on semantic modeling and systems design; the relationship of system and organization; and objectives, policies, procedures and plans.
• Database Theory and Applications – Receive an introduction to database concepts, data models, data description languages, query facilities, file organization, file security and data integrity/reliability.
• Web Programming – Learn online programming concepts, including form processing scripts, data structure, basic database connectivity and the appropriate structure and style for the World Wide Web.

As a student in the Accounting Information Technology program, you’ll have the chance to apply what you’ve learned in internships, classes and student organizations that connect you with Austin companies.

Internships

Accounting Information Technology students apply what they learn during internships at “Big Four” firms such as Deloitte and KPMG, national firms such as RSM, and local accounting firms.

 At St. Edward’s, Accounting majors can complete a full-time, “busy season” internship from January to March. These students take accounting courses in a compressed semester after busy season, allowing them to be fully immersed in the professional world for this important time. Students have recently interned with RSM, KPMG and Deloitte as part of this program and have been extended full-time offers after the internship. This option is also available to Accounting Information Technology majors who plan ahead carefully; because AIT requires 150 hours of course work the scheduling is more complicated, but students can make it happen. Some AIT majors choose to intern over the summer to focus on completing their courses during the school year.

Case Studies

In the Accounting Information Systems course, you’ll learn how accounting systems work and how data flows in and out of a system. You’ll interview people at an Austin company — past examples include a major grocery chain and a driving range — about one of its processes, such as payroll, collections or inventory. You’ll document the process and the company’s internal controls and offer suggestions for improvement based on what you’ve learned in the course.

Research

Accounting Information Technology majors take a research course that prepares you for the CPA exam. The exam requires you to understand and analyze an accounting database to answer questions, and the course is designed to help you develop this skillset. You’ll work with your professor to choose a topic, develop an argument, research the topic and present your conclusions. Students have presented their work at SOURCE, the on-campus undergraduate research forum, and at the Honors Thesis Symposium. Recent topics include:

• “Bounty Hunting on Wall Street: How to Become a Successful Activist Short Seller”
• “Examining U.S. GAAP’s [Generally Accepted Accounting Principles] updated Revenue Recognition Standard and its Impact on the Software Industry”

Student Organizations

Get to know your fellow students and learn about career options in the Accounting Club. The Accounting club holds several events and invites guest speakers. At Meet the Firms, students hear from representatives of accounting firms about hiring expectations, what their work life really looks like, and the CPA exam.

Delta Sigma Pi is a coed business fraternity that is both a professional and social club. In recent semesters members have attended a panel presentation about digital marketing and a talk about real estate investment careers; traveled to a leadership conference in Kansas City, networked at a happy hour with alumni; and made sandwiches for people living on the street.

Our Accounting faculty members bring experience in the accounting profession — as auditors, tax practitioners, business consultants and government administrators — to their instruction and research. They teach students a combination of qualitative, quantitative and ethical reasoning skills that prepare them for the global economy.

Our Computer Information Technology faculty bring knowledge in database management, software application design and consulting for process improvements. Their courses ensure students gain experience with ever-changing technologies.

View a list of our faculty members and their contact information on the Department of Accounting, Economics and Finance webpage.

Degree Plan

Major Requirements: 
The BBA in Accounting requires 66 hours of major coursework.

General Education Requirements: 
All majors require 44 hours of general education that students complete over four years, in addition to their major courses.

A few examples of the Accounting courses students take:

• Federal Tax – Learn to identify tax issues, understand and apply tax law, prepare tax filings and conduct professional research.
• Audit – Get introduced to the theory, concepts and principles of auditing. The course will emphasize audit evidence, audit risk, ethical conduct and legal restrictions, professional standards, audit planning, data analytics and audit reports.
• Accounting Internship – Gain course credit and accounting experience, and make connections between classroom theory and its application in professional practice.

View the full degree plan PDF for our Accounting major (Option 1 – Traditional course sequencing).

Mini-Mester Option

Take advantage of a mini-mester option, allowing you to work full time in an internship, stay on track for your degree and complete additional courses in a compressed time frame.

The mini-mester option includes a co-requisite of a six-credit hour internship (at least 240 hours of work in a public accounting environment), followed by two three-credit hour courses in a compressed mini-mester. These three-credit hour courses include Legal Environment of Business for Accountants and Accounting Ethics and are offered from mid-April until the end of the spring semester.

View the full degree plan PDF for our Accounting major  (Option 2 – Full-time internship and mini-mester sequencing).

Speak with your advisor to determine which degree-plan option is the best fit for your academic and career objectives.

Companies frequently look for CEOs with a strong foundation in accounting because these candidates understand the financial consequences of business decisions.

Professional Certifications

Career advancement generally requires attaining professional credentials such as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) or Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE).

To earn a CPA credential, students must:

• Meet with an Accounting faculty advisor early on to make sure their degree plan will satisfy CPA requirements.
• Complete 150 semester credit hours in specific, approved academic courses (the minimum required to sit for the Texas CPA exam). All Accounting courses meet the requirements of the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy.

The St. Edward’s Accounting program will prepare you to become an ethical, detail-oriented professional. You’ll develop your skills in internship, volunteer and student organization settings. And you’ll have the chance to conduct research into accounting topics and present your work at professional conferences.

Internships

In the spring, Accounting students can complete a full-time, “busy season” internship during either the audit busy season (January to mid-March) or the tax busy season (January to mid-April). Your Accounting courses will begin in a compressed semester after the busy season, allowing you to be fully immersed in the professional world for this important time. Students have recently interned with KPMG and Deloitte as part of this program and have been extended full-time offers after the internship.

Additional Accounting internships include the following:

• The “Big Four” firms: KPMG, Deloitte, PwC and EY
• Audit, tax and consulting firm RSM
• Salling Madeley, PLLC
• WP Engine in Austin
• Disney College Program
• New York Mets
• Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
• BDO USA, Assurance, Accounting, Tax & Advisory Services
• BKD, CPA Firm, Accountants & Financial Accounting
• Maxwell, Locke & Ritter
• Weaver,  Assurance, Tax & Advisory Firm

Service Experiences

Accounting majors help residents of an Austin affordable housing community complete their tax returns. This is a good opportunity to give back to the community while learning what tax preparation looks like in practice.

Student Organizations

Get to know your fellow students and learn about career options in the Accounting Club and the annual Accounting Student Retreat.

A minor in Accounting can be useful for students in almost any discipline because accounting plays a role in nearly every type of organization.

Required Courses:

• Financial Accounting – ACCT 2301
• AManagerial Accounting – CCT 2303 
• Intermediate Accounting I – ACCT 3331 
• Intermediate Accounting II – ACCT 3332
• Cost Accounting – ACCT 3333
• Federal Taxation – ACCT 3334 
• Accounting Information Systems – ACCT 4346  

Total Hours: 21

Are you a current student? Contact your advisor for next steps in declaring your major or minor.

Our Accounting faculty members bring experience in the accounting profession — as auditors, tax practitioners, business consultants and government administrators — to their instruction and research. They teach students a combination of qualitative, quantitative and ethical reasoning skills that prepare them for the global economy.

In addition to holding the CPA license, many of the faculty members hold credentials such as Certified Fraud Examiner and Chartered Global Management Accountant.

View a list of our faculty members and their contact information on the Department of Accounting, Economics and Finance webpage.

Thank you for your interest in the Master of Science in Accounting and Analytics program. If you are looking to complete your 150 hours and/or accounting courses needed for the CPA certification, are seeking a career in accounting, or are a working professional who wants to advance your career, then this degree should be a perfect fit for you.

The Accounting and Analytics 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 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 courses 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 ranked a “best university” by U.S. News & World Report.

I encourage you to take a close look at our program. I believe you will find it to be an exciting opportunity 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. 

Katherine Lopez, PhD
Director, MS in Accounting and Analytics

Check Out This Helpful Q&A 

Katherine Lopez, MS in Accounting and Analytics program director and long-time faculty member, explains how St. Edward’s gives graduates an edge in the evolving accounting and business market.

The MS in Accounting Analytics prepares you to take on virtual accounting environments and unstructured accounting big data, with the goal of solving business problems by constructing meaning out of vast amounts of data. You’ll learn to:

• Identify and evaluate issues that require the application of professional judgment by conducting professional research within the FASB Accounting Standards Codification.
• 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 in deciding what action should be taken

After graduation, our students are prepared for jobs with the Big Four, medium- and small-sized public accounting firms and internal accounting departments.

The MS in Accounting Analytics program requires 30 semester credit hours and is designed for students with an undergraduate degree in business*.

The 30-hour program can be completed in as little as 12 months for students with an accounting undergraduate degree and 17 months for students with a business undergraduate degree other than accounting. Courses are offered in a 7-week accelerated, online format with in-person options and are taken one at a time.

*This program is designed to meet the accounting requirements of the Texas CPA certificate. 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, including two hours of business communication (see their website for additional information).

Three Distinct Paths

1. A Bridge program for students with an undergraduate degree other than accounting who seek to complete their 150 hours and obtain the accounting requirements to sit for the CPA exam, and obtain a CPA license in Texas. 

If students need Intermediate Accounting I and II, the program must be started in the summer.

Sample Degree Plan

• Intermediate I (1st Summer, 1st 7 weeks)
• Intermediate II (1st Summer, 2nd 7 weeks)
• Accounting Theory and Research (Fall, 1st 7 weeks)
• Auditing (Fall, 2nd 7 weeks)
• Advanced Accounting Problems (Fall, 14 weeks)
• Fraud Examination and Forensic Accounting (Spring, 1st 7 weeks)
• Accounting Ethics (Spring, 2nd 7 weeks)
• Individual and Corporate Taxation (Spring, 14 weeks)
• Accounting Analytics (2nd Summer, 2nd 7 weeks)
• Audit Analytics and Technology (2nd Summer, 1st 7 weeks)

*Students who have taken the equivalent of Intermediate Accounting I, Intermediate Accounting II, Audit, Individual and/or Corporate Taxation may substitute these classes with Accounting Analytics, Business Analytics or MBA electives that meet the student's long-term professional goals. 

*Students who have already taken an ethics and/or research course that meets the requirements to obtain a Texas CPA license may replace Accounting Ethics and/or Accounting Theory and Research, respectively, with Accounting Analytics, Business Analytics or MBA electives that meet the student’s long-term professional goals.

2. A heavy analytics-based program for students with an undergraduate degree who seek to complete their 150 hours and obtain the accounting requirements to obtain a CPA license in Texas.

Sample Degree Plan

• Audit Analytics and Technology (1st Summer, 1st 7 weeks)
• Accounting Analytics (1st Summer, 2nd 7 weeks)
• Accounting Theory and Research (Fall, 1st 7 weeks)
• 3-Hour Elective from Accounting Analytics, Business Analytics or MBA Program (Fall, 2nd 7 weeks)
• Advanced Accounting Problems (Fall, 14-weeks)
• Fraud Examination and Forensic Accounting (Spring, 1st 7 weeks)
• Accounting Ethics (Spring, 2nd 7 weeks)
• Individual and Corporate Taxation (Spring, 14-weeks)
• 3-Hour Elective from Accounting Analytics, Business Analytics or MBA Program (2nd Summer, 1st 7 weeks)
• 3-Hour Elective from the Accounting Analytics, Business Analytics or MBA Program (2nd Summer, 2nd 7 weeks)

*Recommended Business Analytics elective courses for students seeking a stronger analytics background include: 

• Introduction to Business Analytics and R – BANA 6310
• Data Summarization and Visualization – BANA 6312
• Python for Business Analytics – BANA 6320
• Big Data and Database Management – BANA 6330
• Inferential Statistics – BANA 6332
• Predictive Analytics – BANA 6340
• Simulation Modeling – BANA 6350
• Artificial Intelligence – BANA 6352
• Optimization Modeling – BANA 6360

*To complete this degree in 12 months, the student has the option to take 4 courses in their summer session, 2 courses in their summer session and 4 courses in the fall and spring semesters; or 3 courses in their summer session and 4 courses in either the spring or fall semester. 

*Students who have taken the equivalent Individual and/or Corporate Taxation may substitute this course with an Accounting Analytics, Business Analytics or MBA elective that meets the student’s long-term professional goals. 

*Students who have already taken an ethics and/or research course that meets the requirements to obtain a Texas CPA license may replace Accounting Ethics and/or Accounting Theory and Research, respectively, with electives that meet the student's long-term professional goals.

3. For finance or other business majors who seek a master’s degree that will give them a stronger background in accounting and finance, but who are not seeking to meet the requirements to obtain a CPA in Texas.

Sample Degree Plan

• Intermediate I (1st Summer, 1st 7 weeks)
• Intermediate II (1st Summer, 2nd 7 weeks)
• 3-Hour Elective from the Accounting Analytics, Business Analytics or MBA Program (Fall, 1st 7 weeks)
• Auditing (Fall, 2nd 7 weeks)
• Advanced Accounting Problems (Fall, 14-weeks)
• Three-Hour Elective from the Accounting Analytics, Business Analytics or MBA Program (Spring, 1st 7 weeks)
• Three-Hour Elective from the Accounting Analytics, Business Analytics or MBA Program (Spring, 2nd 7 weeks)
• Individual and Corporate Taxation (Spring, 14-weeks)
• Audit Analytics and Technology (2nd Summer, 1st 7 weeks)
• Accounting Analytics (2nd Summer, 2nd 7 weeks)

*Recommended MBA elective courses for finance students in the Non-CPA-Seeking track include: ACCT/FINCE 6322 Corporate Governance, ACCT/FINC 6320 Valuation, and ACCT/FINC 6316 Financial Statement Analysis.

*Students who have taken the equivalent of Intermediate Accounting I, Intermediate Accounting II, Audit, Individual and/or Corporate Taxation may substitute these classes with Accounting Analytics, Business Analytics or MBA electives that meet the student's long-term professional goals.

Prerequisites for the program: Principles of Accounting I and II, or equivalent.

The Program is 30 hours and can be completed in as little as 12–17 months.

Course Descriptions

Intermediate Accounting I – ACCT 6331

This course covers recording business transactions in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. Topics include: accounting for cash, receivables, inventories, investments, intangibles, current liabilities and contingencies, property, and equipment.

Prerequisites: ACCT 2301 and ACCT 2303 or equivalents.

Intermediate Accounting II – ACCT 6332

This course is a continuation of ACCT 6331, Intermediate Accounting I. It continues the coverage of recording business transactions in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. The course also provides exposure to the use of the FASB’s Accounting Standards Codification website. Topics include: accounting for taxes, pensions, bonds, revenue recognition, and corporate capital.

Prerequisite: Intermediate Accounting I or equivalent.

Auditing – ACCT 6343

An introduction to the theory, concepts and principles of auditing, emphasizing audit evidence, audit risk, ethical conduct and legal restrictions, professional standards, audit planning, and audit reporting.

Prerequisite: Intermediate Accounting I or equivalent.

Individual and Corporate Taxation – ACCT 6340

Introduction to the broad structure of income tax law as it applies to individuals and corporate tax issues. Includes issues associated with the personal tax return, corporate tax returns, and tax planning.

Prerequisite: Intermediate Accounting I or equivalent.

Accounting Theory and Practice – ACCT 6309

Covers accounting theory and the conceptual framework for generally accepted accounting principles and procedures. Includes professional pronouncements and reporting regulations as well as issues involved in the preparation of financial statements. 

Prerequisites: Intermediate Accounting I and Intermediate Accounting II or equivalents.

Advanced Accounting Problems – ACCT 6310

The application of GAAP related to the proper accounting for consolidations, mergers and acquisitions, and the preparation of consolidated financial statements. Accounting for partnerships, reorganizations, estates, and foreign currency translations and transactions is covered. 

Prerequisites: Intermediate Accounting I and Intermediate Accounting II or equivalents.

Accounting Ethics – ACCT 6312

A study of ethical issues in the accounting profession, including analysis of core values and ethical reasoning applied to ethical dilemmas as well as the professional standards of integrity, objectivity and independence. Approved by the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy to qualify candidates to sit for the Certified Public Accountant exam in Texas. 

Prerequisite or concurrent registration: Audit or equivalent.

Fraud Examination and Forensic Accounting – ACCT 6318

A study of occupational fraud and abuse, as well as fraud prevention, detection, and forensic accounting techniques. Topics include: perpetrator behavior and demographics, asset misappropriation, fraudulent financial statements, corruption, fraud investigations and corporate governance policies.

Accounting Analytics – ACCT 6324

This course explores the impact of data analytics on financial accounting and auditing. As technology advances, traditional methods of financial accounting and auditing are also changing. The accounting profession today is faced with the challenge of embracing the power of data analysis in all aspects of accounting practice. Developing the skills necessary for an understanding of how data can be collected and analyzed in financial accounting and auditing settings is critical to the continued advancement and value of the accounting profession. Students will learn seven skills in this course:

1. Develop an analytics mindset
2. Understand the process of data scrubbing and preparation
3. Recognize data quality
4. Perform basic analysis in descriptive analytics
5. Analyze data through data manipulation
6. Solve problems through statistical data analysis
7. Report results through data visualization

Audit Analytics and Technology – ACCT 6326

This course explores appropriate analytics used in the audit profession, the theory behind advanced audit techniques, and hands-on learning of audit analytic tools and other technologies used in the audit field.

Prerequisite: Audit or equivalent.

Possible Electives

Financial Statement Analysis – ACCT/FINC 6316

Financial statements provide a basis for a wide range of business analyses. The primary goal of this course is for students to learn how to improve business decision-making by taking a set of financial statements and systematically analyzing the data. This course consists of three parts:

1. Accessing the historical performance of the firm using ratio analysis and cash flow analysis
2. Forecasting the firm’s future performance
3. Estimating the equity value of the firm 

This course is designed to help students develop the necessary analytical skills required for careers in corporate management, investment banking, credit analysis, security analysis, or consulting.

Prerequisites: ACCT 2301 and ACCT 2303 or equivalent for ACCT 6316; FINC 6317 or equivalent for FINC 6316.

Valuation – ACCT/FINC 6320

This course builds on the financial theories, intuitions, and tools developed in Financial Management courses. It introduces valuation concepts related to the valuation of projects and business enterprises and to the claims on the cash flows that they generate. Topics covered include forecasting cash flows, discount rate estimation, the interaction between capital structure and value, as well as cost, market, income, and option‐based valuation methods. Students are introduced to the relevant theories and tools and are taught how to apply these theories and tools in realistic settings. 

Prerequisite: FINC 6301 Financial Management or FINC 6317 Finance for Managers.

Corporate Governance – ACCT/FINC 6322

This course is designed to increase individual skills and knowledge of good governance practices such that graduates would be seriously considered for appointment to the board of directors of a small not-for-profit organization. The course aims to increase understanding of the legal, economic, managerial and psychological issues directors confront as well as provide a better appreciation for their normal duties. Using this knowledge, students will be asked also to consider how directors should deal with a range of complex crises: the gradual decline of a company, hostile takeovers, proxy battles, changes in corporate strategy, or the faltering performance of a CEO. While many issues in corporate governance remain controversial, a critical aspect of this course is to acquaint participants with the broad range of governance options, their implementation, best practices, and their consequences. 

Prerequisite: ACCT 2301 and ACCT 2303 or equivalent for ACCT 6322. FINC 6301 Financial Management or FINC 6317 Finance for Managers for FINC 6322.

For more information, view the Graduate Bulletin.

Faculty within The Bill Munday School of Business deliver an impactful education that connects students with the marketplace and prepares them for today’s dynamic business environment. The business school’s curriculum and programs reflect five pillars of the Austin business scene: entrepreneurial thinking, social enterprise, innovation management, global collaboration and business analytics.  

All full-time faculty members in the Accounting Analytics program are CPAs with professional experience working in accounting, and all adjunct professors are currently employed in the field.

View a list of our faculty members and their contact information on the Department of Accounting, Economics and Finance webpage.

At $37,260, the online Master of Science in Accounting Analytics degree is a smart investment. The skills acquired in this program prepare business and accounting professionals to sit for the CPA exam and move into executive-level roles in accounting and finance. Tuition* includes all course fees but does not include books, comprehensive fees or other course materials. Once accepted to the program, you are required to submit a $500 non-refundable tuition deposit. Deposits are applied toward tuition and secure your place in the upcoming class.

*Tuition is subject to change at the discretion of the St. Edward’s University Board of Trustees.

Financial Aid

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 512-387-3110 if you are interested in additional details.

To apply for the program, students are required to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university and complete the application process. Review application dates and submit an application. 

Need more information? Please contact an Enrollment Counselor at 512-326-7501.