Master’s Degree Requirements for Accounting and Data Analytics

Whether you are an accounting professional who wants to earn a master’s degree without disrupting your career or someone who wants to pivot your career towards corporate, finance-oriented roles, our flexible online Master of Science in Accounting and Data Analytics degree is for you. Gain the technical acumen and data analysis skills demanded across lucrative careers in public accounting, and all corporate accounting and finance roles. Learn from an AACSB-accredited department with a tried-and-true track-record of preparing graduates to confidently qualify for their certified public accountant (CPA) license or their certified management accountant (CMA) license.

Our flexible approach to graduate education was also designed to accelerate the careers of students without an undergraduate degree in business or accounting. While you may need to take fundamental accounting prerequisites, these can be taken as a part of the M.S. degree requirements. In particular, no additional courses (or costs) are required.

After you are admitted to the program, you can make an advisor appointment and our graduate advisor will help you create a plan of study that includes all accounting prerequisites and M.S. accounting degree requirements.

Learn more about master’s degree requirements for accounting and data analytics.

Admission Criteria

Successful applicants hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and have earned at least a 3.0 GPA. We do not require the GRE or GMAT, nor do we require accounting prerequisites for admission. Applications are considered holistically. Make a graduate advisor appointment if you have questions about admissions criteria.

Steps to Apply

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and students can start the program in the fall or spring semester. Applicants should submit their application at least two months prior to the intended starting semester.

The MSU Broad application process starts when you complete the online application to the M.S. in Accounting and Data Analytics (MSADA) program. Once an application is started, it can be saved and edited until you submit it as complete.
- Note: Within the application “Other Information” section, select the “Major Preference” drop-down and choose “Accounting and Data Analytics (Online Program) (Masters)” to apply to this program.
- GRE/GMAT scores are not required
- Any employment or activities not listed on your resume should be included in those respective sections of the application.
- Applicants only need to submit two letters of recommendation, however the system currently requires three. For the third letter, please use the following as a recommender:
  - - Name – MSADA Program
    - Email – msada@broad.msu.edu
- Upload a statement of purpose answering the following questions:
  - - Why are you interested in the MSADA program?
    - What are your career goals and how will the program contribute to achieving these?
Submit your application and pay the application fee.
- After you complete the first part of the graduate school application, you will gain access to the Graduate Education Student Portal. This allows you to check your application status, send e-messages to the department, upload the required additional documents, and request and check the status of your letters of recommendation.
- Please upload:
  - - An unofficial transcript (An unofficial transcript is a copy or screenshot of your transcript, as opposed to the official transcript, which comes directly from your college or university.)
    - A resume

After you complete the MSU Broad application, we will work as quickly as possible to inform you of our decision. Admission decisions can be made in as little as a week once all required documents have been received.

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Financial Aid

We offer one of the most affordable Master of Science in Accounting and Data Analytics programs in the nation. Our tuition rate of $817.25 per credit hour applies to in-state and out-of-state students. Scholarships may also be available to further cut costs. Visit our financial aid page to learn more or make an advisor appointment to explore options.