ONLINE MASTER'S DEGREE INPROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTING

The Data Analytics Emphasis is designed for those who want to acquire advanced analytical skills in addition to having in-depth accounting knowledge. Using various data analytics tools, students learn how to collect and categorize voluminous data as well as how to analyze and prioritize relevant data to make them useful for decision-making.

Data Analytics is a skill that can apply to many facets of accounting including taxation, auditing, consulting, and risk management. Hence, it is important for accountants who work or plan to work in these areas to know how to undertake and analyze data analytics-related activities. Students in the Master of Professional Accounting who select this emphasis with be equipped with such versatile and valuable skills by the end of their coursework. Students declaring Data Analytics Emphasis should have prior coursework and/or experience in statistics and basic programming.

Courses in the Data Analytics Emphasis include:

• MIS510: Data Mining and Visualization
• MIS542: Business Analytics

Increased occurrences and awareness of fraudulent activities have resulted in increased demand for fraud investigators and forensic accountants. Forensic accounting extends beyond uncovering and investigating fraud. Forensic accountants utilize their accounting skills to provide investigative, litigation, and valuation support in cases involving financial statement fraud, mergers and acquisitions, bankruptcy and insolvency, and divorce. Consequently, forensic accountants can work in public accounting, consulting, and forensic accounting service firms. Forensic accountants can also provide expert services to lawyers, law enforcement agencies, insurance companies, governmental entities, non-profit organizations, and financial institutions.

Students who select this emphasis may be interested in obtaining the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) designation. CSU Global does not provide or prepare students for the CFE designation.

Courses in the Fraud Investigations & Forensic Emphasis include:

• ACT557: Advanced Fraud Investigations and Forensic Accounting
• ACT558: Fraud and Forensic Accounting Data Analysis

Auditing and assurance service is a vital accounting niche. Auditors play important roles in the financial reporting process. Audit and assurance service informs users by painting a true picture of where an organization’s financial information stands, providing relevant insights about financial and non-financial information, changes that are needed as well as how the changes happens so users can make sound decisions. The emphasis is designed for students interested in pursuing careers in internal audit, assurance services, and information technology auditing. Students will learn how to evaluate internal controls and best practices in auditing using computer-based accounting systems.

Students who select this emphasis can further benefit by obtaining the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) or Certified Information Systems Auditor(CISA) designation. CSUGlobal does not provide or prepare students for the CIA or CISA designation.

Courses in the Auditing & Assurance Emphasis include:

• ACT576: Internal Auditing
• ACT577: Advanced Information System Audit

The taxation emphasis builds on students’ previous conceptual understanding of taxation, awareness of tax professionals’ responsibilities, technical competence as tax professionals, and understanding of tax laws and policies. Students will also learn tax research tools and policies.

Tax professionals are in demand in public accounting, corporations, and governmental entities. Students who select this emphasis can further benefit by earning the Enrolled Agent designation. CSU Global does not provide or prepare students for the Enrolled Agent Designation.

Courses in the Taxation Emphasis include:

• ACT550: Advanced Income Taxation
• ACT551: Advanced Tax Policy and Research

This emphasis is designed for students who want to take diverse courses for career growth or for meeting the education requirements of the CPA and other professional licenses’ examinations. In addition to the eight required core courses, students can select two courses from the following list.

Courses in the Professional Accounting Emphasis include:

• ACT550: Advanced Income Taxation
• ACT557: Advanced Fraud Investigation & Forensic Accounting
• ACT558: Fraud and Forensic Accounting Data Analysis
• ACT595: Accounting Internship
  ACT595 is an optional course that will provide students with
  practical experience in accounting. This course may not be
  available in all states; see the State Specific Authorization Policy under Admissions Policies.
• FIN520: Financial Reporting and Analysis
• FIN530: Corporate Finance
• MGT510: Strategy Planning

Getting your Master’s Degree in Accounting may help you climb the career ladder, making you eligible for better, more leadership-oriented accounting roles at organizations of all types, including private companies, public corporations, nonprofit organizations, and state and federal government agencies.

Accounting Master’s programs prepare you for a successful career as a professional accountant, and they also prepare you to take the Certified Public Accountant exam (CPA), which provides an excellent opportunity to increase your value to organizations and marketability with hiring managers.

If you want to be on the cutting edge of fiscal management, analysis, and advising, and you would like to play a vital role in helping both clients and organizations run more efficiently and effectively, then getting your accounting master’s degree is an excellent idea.

Whether you already have experience in accounting, or you’re looking to enhance your resume to improve the chances of landing a more senior role in the field, getting your M.S. in Accounting may be an excellent way to advance your career.

Getting a Master’s Degree in Accounting will prepare you for a variety of accounting-related tasks, ensuring you’ll bring value to any organization from day one.

The courses you complete will provide you with all the skills and abilities needed to take on the daily job duties required of professionals accountants, ensuring you’re prepared to: 

• Design and executive accounting strategies to solve complex organizational problems and improve performance.
• Evaluate and manage ethical and legal conflicts or issues related to organizational finances.
• Adapt accounting methods and practices to meet unique organizational needs. 
• Identify ways to increase value, reduce costs, and improve a client’s, or organization’s bottom line.

Master’s courses in Accounting will hone your skills and abilities for utilizing accounting methods and practices, economic and financial concepts, principles and theories to make better decisions about managing individual and organizational finances.

Completing your Accounting Master’s Degree online will improve your eligibility for landing a variety of important financial advisory and leadership roles, as the skills and knowledge you develop will ensure you’re prepared for top accounting job titles, like:

• Accountants & Auditors / 2019 Median Pay: $71,550
• Financial Managers / 2019 Median Pay: $129,890
• Top Executives / 2019 Median Pay: $104,690
• Operations Research Analysts / 2019 Median Pay: $84,810
• Budget Analysts / 2019 Median Pay: $76,540

Yes. CSU Global’s online Master’s Degree in Professional Accounting is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission—which has the highest accreditation standards and is only awarded following an investigation by independent, external auditors.

Regional accreditation ensures that CSU Global keeps its promises to students, including promises like:

• Ensuring that the degree prepares students for relevant careers in the field.
• Providing financial and other assistance to students who want it.
• Employing faculty members who are adequately qualified to teach their courses.
• Using ethical strategies to attract prospective students.

Our accredited online Accounting program was designed to help you juggle education, work, and family responsibilities, with no requirements for showing up at set times or physical locations, monthly class starts, and accelerated eight-week courses.

Yes. Completing a Master’s Program in Accounting is a valuable investment in your career, and could play a significant role in helping contribute to your overall career advancement.

Whether you want to work for a private company, public corporation, nonprofit organization, federal, state or local government agency, the accounting skills you hone in our M.S. in Professional Accounting program will prepare you to take charge of fiscal management, analysis and advising for clients or organizations.

With our program’s emphasis on leadership, teamwork, planning, and communication skills, you’ll graduate prepared to take on a leadership role in the field.

CSU Global’s online Accounting Master’s program is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.

We are also considered one of the best accounting graduate schools, with our program having recently earned several awards, including:

• A #1 ranking for Best Online Master’s in Accounting Degree Programs by Intelligent.
• A #1 ranking for Best Master’s in Forensic Accounting by Best Masters Programs.
• A Gold School of Distinction award from Best Colleges, making us one of only 15 schools to receive gold rankings, out of more than 2,000 online degree programs.

Furthermore, our Master’s Program in Accounting has proven to be capable of delivering excellent results for alumni, including:

• 93% of alumni from the M.S. in Accounting program report working in their field after graduation.
• The top three job titles as reported by program Alumni are Accountant/Auditor, Financial Manager, and Bookkeeper.