What You Will Learn in ֱ State’s MSABTA Program
- Modern curriculum – Discover how ֱ State’s MSABTA program uniquely integrates machine learning, Python, R, and AI directly into students’ core required curriculum, rather than treating them as optional electives.
- Thorough coursework – Learn about the specific advanced accounting, database management, and business intelligence skills you will master.
- Career opportunities – Understand how mastering advanced analytics skills translates directly into high-growth roles, preparing students to become a business analytics consultant or financial systems analyst in an automated world.
The Future of Accounting Is Data-Driven
The accounting industry is rapidly changing, and skilled professionals are needed more for high-level analysis and advising rather than tasks like data entry, classification, and reconciliation that are increasingly handled by AI. Despite the changes, demand in the field remains high, with through 2034.
ֱ State’s Master of Science in Accounting, Business Technology and Analytics (MSABTA) is the solution for future-proofing your career, combining deep accounting expertise, hands-on data analytics, and emerging-technology fluency in a 30-credit, 10-course format. Our program is the ultimate credential for professionals wanting to lead the next decade within the accounting profession.
How the MSABTA Curriculum Is Structured
Traditional MSA programs often focus on compliance – financial reporting, auditing, taxes – while using remaining credits for standard course electives. The MSABTA structure is different. It completely replaces such electives with a mandatory technology core, letting students hone their skills in machine learning, database analytics, business intelligence, and AI.
Analytics isn’t an optional track in the program – it’s a fundamental core of our coursework
Our program is offered in a 100% online format and a mostly online format, with asynchronous coursework tailored to full-time workers. Three start dates are available per year – fall, spring, and summer – and the program can be completed by full-time students in two semesters plus a summer term.
| Traditional MSA | ֱ State MSABTA | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary focus | Compliance – financial reporting, auditing, taxes | Advanced accounting plus applied analytics and emerging technology |
| Remaining credits | Customizable, standard course electives | A mandatory technology core |
| Technology core | ✕ Not required | ✓ Required of every student |
| Geared toward | Standard CPA prep and compliance roles | Machine learning, Python, R, and AI skills |
The bottom line: Our MSABTA has been designed to fit the lives of busy, working professionals while delivering the rigorous technical training they need to advance.
Course Breakdown: What You Will Learn
Students in the MSABTA program will take classes from our Advanced Accounting Core, receiving a premier, technology-focused accounting education. Classes include:ACCT 53020 Advanced Financial Accounting
- ACCT 53033 Income Taxation II – Entity Taxation
- ACCT 63031 Advanced Auditing Theory and Practice
- ACCT 63022 Professional Issues and Ethics in Accounting
These courses provide the advanced foundation necessary for students to evaluate complex business transactions and apply ethical frameworks in their data-driven decisions.
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Classes for the Tech-Forward Analytics Core include:
- ACCT 63050 Advanced Accounting Analytics and Technology (applied analytics on real datasets)
- BA 64036 Business Analytics (predictive modeling)
- BA 64060 Fundamentals of Machine Learning
- BA 64082 Database Management and Database Analytics (data architecture)
- CIS 54151 Innovating with Digital Technologies and Artificial Intelligence
- BA 54038 Analytics in Practice (capstone applied projects)
Where the Degree Can Take You
Graduates of our program have honed their accounting skills and tech fluency during coursework, positioning themselves for career roles like:Senior financial analyst
- Accounting manager/controller
- Business analytics consultant
- Financial systems analyst
- Technology integration specialist
- Audit-analytics associate at Big Four firms
The MSABTA also equips students for the new CPA exam’s Core + Discipline model, specifically preparing them for the Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR) discipline section.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an undergraduate degree in accounting to apply for the MSABTA?
No, if you are looking to change careers and pursue accounting opportunities, you do not need a bachelor’s in accounting to enter our program. You will, however, need to complete four foundational prerequisite courses: Financial Reporting I and II, Auditing Fundamentals, and Individual Income Tax. Once completed, you will be able to start primary coursework.
What is the main difference between the MSABTA and the M.S. in Accounting (MSA)?
While the traditional MSA uses its remaining credits for customizable electives geared toward standard CPA prep and compliance roles, the MSABTA requires you to use those credits to master hard analytics skills like machine learning, Python, R, and AI.
How long does it take to complete the online MSABTA program?
Our 30-credit-hour, 10-course program is very flexible, and most full-time students are able to complete their program in just two semesters plus a summer term.
Prepare for Your Accounting Career at ֱ State
Our experienced instructors are ready to teach you modern accounting methods and technologies to set you up for success. Reach out with any questions about our program or apply today to get started.
