Pursuing a Graduate Program in Accounting and Data Analytics
If you enjoy digging into financial data to solve business problems, there is high demand for professionals with both financial and data analysis expertise.
There are various career opportunities for a Master’s in Accounting and Data Analytics degree. Start or advance your career today, with or without an undergraduate degree in Accounting.
Why Choose a Career in Accounting and Data Analytics?
A career in accounting and data analytics combines financial expertise with analytical skills, making it highly valuable in today’s data-driven business environment.
It is perfect for those who enjoy:
- Gathering
- Organizing
- Analyzing data in
- Solve large-scale organizational problems
This diverse field offers opportunities across all sectors. Choosing a career in accounting and data analytics can provide you with a stable profession and rewarding impact.
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Data Analytics Careers are in High Demand
Every business requires professionals who can handle financial transactions, analyze data and provide insights for decision-making.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of Financial Analysts is expected to grow 9% from 2021 to 2031.
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Career Stability
Accounting and Data Analytics are essential to organizations. This stability offers long-term job security. Professionals often progress into senior roles such as Senior Financial Analyst or managerial positions.
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Unlimited Salary Potential
Careers in Accounting and Data Analytics often offer competitive salaries. Specialized roles such as Financial Analyst often command higher salaries, over $95,000 on average, due to the advanced skill sets and expertise they require.
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Impactful Decision-Making
Accounting and Data Analytics professionals play a crucial role in decision-making within organizations by:
- Analyzing financial data
- Identifying trends
- Providing insights
- Contributing to strategic planning
- Risk management
- Resource allocation
That means your work can directly influence business outcomes.
A Career Full of Possibilities
You’ll develop a strong understanding of financial concepts, regulations, reporting standards, statistical modeling and visualization techniques.
The knowledge & skills gained in this field are highly transferable. This makes you a valuable asset in the business world.
You can work in various businesses such as:
- Public accounting firms
- Private corporations
- Government Agencies
- Nonprofit organizations
- Start your own consultancy
With Accounting and Data Analytics credentials and experience, you could succeed in many roles:
- Auditor
- Business data analyst
- Financial analyst
- Financial manager
- Forensic accountant
- Government accountant
- Internal auditor
- Risk analyst
- Risk manager
- Tax accountant
How to Prepare for a Master’s in Accounting and Data Analytics Degree With a Non-Business Undergraduate Degree
This program does not require a business undergraduate degree. Although, without it, there are some additional required steps to bridge the knowledge gap.
Here is what you can do to effectively prepare for a Master’s in Accounting and Data Analytics degree:
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Take prerequisite courses
If you lack a background in Accounting, Statistics or Business, consider taking undergraduate or online courses to build foundational knowledge before starting the program.
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Gain foundational business knowledge
Study topics such as:
- Finance
- Economics
- Marketing
- Organizational behavior
Online resources or introductory business courses can help you acquire this foundational knowledge.
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Develop quantitative skills
Since data analytics involves working with numbers and statistical analysis, focus on:
- Enhancing your quantitative skills
- Math and statistics
- Learn how to work with spreadsheets
- Learn statistical software such as Excel or Python
Online tutorials or local workshops can help improve your skills in these areas.
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Self-study accounting principles
Familiarize yourself with basic accounting principles such as:
- Financial statements
- Journal entries
- Financial ratios
There are abundant online tutorials and resources provided by accounting organizations that can help you grasp these fundamental concepts.
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Develop data analytics skills
Start building your data analytics skills by learning about:
- Data manipulation
- Visualization and statistical analysis techniques
- Tools like Excel and SQL
- Programming languages like Python or R for data analysis
Online courses and specialized data analytics courses can help you gain proficiency in these areas.
Your Background
For students without a business undergraduate degree, we’ll help you develop business acumen in foundational coursework and equip you with real-world experience so you’re ready to launch your career in today’s workplace.
If you have an undergraduate degree in business but not a degree in accounting, you can choose to refresh your skills in fundamental accounting coursework or skip the classes that you’ve already mastered and take courses in specialization areas that align with your goals.
Those with an undergraduate degree in accounting will deepen their understanding of advanced accounting topics like M&A, taxation and complex managerial accounting. Our program will strengthen your skills and ensure you remain in demand for the entirety of your career.
Learn more about MSU’s Master’s in Accounting and Data Analytics degree.