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M.S. in Accounting, Business Technology and Analytics

Master data – master your future. Enroll in the Accounting, Business Technology and Analytics graduate degree to gain cutting-edge analytical, accounting and business skills that employers are clamoring for. Taught by expert faculty in a fully online or mostly online delivery, this career-driven program is designed to launch you into high-demand roles in accounting, data analytics and technology-driven business environments.

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An M.S. in Accounting, Business Technology and Analytics – A Distinctive Curriculum in Ohio

ÂÜÀòÉç’s M.S. in Accounting, Business Technology and Analytics (MSABTA) combines deep accounting expertise with hands-on data analytics and emerging-technology fluency in a single 30-credit program. While other Ohio MAcc programs offer analytics tracks as electives, the MSABTA’s curriculum makes machine learning, database analytics, and AI-driven innovation core required coursework – built for accountants who want to lead the next decade of the profession, not just the current one.

Program at a Glance

  • 30 credits, 10 courses
  • Fully online or mostly online
  • 3 start dates per year – fall, spring, summer
  • AACSB-accredited
  • Curriculum integrates accounting + AI + analytics as core required coursework

Why MSABTA?

Traditional accounting graduate degrees prepare you for compliance work – financial reporting, audit, tax. The MSABTA prepares you for what comes after: the analytics, automation, and AI-driven decisions that are reshaping every accounting function. 

ÂÜÀòÉç’s curriculum integrates Python, R, machine learning, database analytics, and AI tools directly into accounting coursework, not as a separate elective track, but as the core of how modern accountants do their work. The program is designed to prepare students for senior analyst, controller, financial systems, and accounting analytics consultant roles that combine accounting depth with technical fluency.

Who This Program Is For

MSABTA is built for three distinct prospect profiles. The fully online or mostly online format and three annual start dates fit around the life you already have.

Working Accountants Pivoting to Analytics Roles

You are an accountant or auditor watching the profession shift toward analytics, and you want to be on the right side of it. MSABTA layers Python, R, machine learning, and AI fluency on top of advanced accounting depth. The program is well-suited for accountants moving into Big Four audit-analytics, financial systems, and advisory practices.

Career-Changers from Non-Accounting Backgrounds

You hold a bachelor’s degree in another field and want to enter accounting through its highest-growth track. Four prerequisite courses get you to baseline; MSABTA’s analytics + tech depth is designed for firms that already value coding fluency in their accounting hires.

Recent Grads Pairing Accounting and Analytics from Day One

You have just finished a bachelor’s in accounting, analytics, or information systems. Stack a master’s that combines all three rather than picking one, and graduate with a credential set most early-career accountants do not develop until they are five years in.

AI and Technology in the Curriculum

The MSABTA is built around the tools and techniques that drive modern accounting. Python and R are taught directly inside accounting coursework. Business intelligence platforms power analytics projects. Machine learning, database analytics, and AI tools appear in dedicated required courses, not as electives.

Tech-Forward Coursework

  • ACCT 63050 Advanced Accounting Analytics and Technology – Applied analytics on real accounting datasets
  • BA 64036 Business Analytics – Predictive modeling and visualization
  • BA 64060 Fundamentals of Machine Learning – ML applied to business and accounting data
  • BA 64082 Database Management and Database Analytics – Data architecture for analytics workflows
  • CIS 54151 Innovating with Digital Technologies and Artificial Intelligence – AI-driven business innovation
  • BA 54038 Analytics in Practice – Capstone-style applied projects

MSABTA vs. M.S. in Accounting (MSA) – Which Is Right for You?

Both programs build on a foundation of advanced accounting. The right choice depends on the next decade of your career. Compare against our M.S. in Accounting program if a CPA-track or traditional accounting role is your goal.

 MSAMSABTA
Best forAccountants pursuing CPA, CMA, CISA, CFE, or CIA certifications and traditional accounting rolesAccountants moving into analytics, technology, and AI-forward roles
Curriculum FocusFinancial reporting, audit, tax, ethicsAccounting + Python, R, machine learning, business intelligence, AI
Technology DepthLimitedEmbedded throughout the program
CPA PathwayBecker CPA Review materials integrated; combined with bachelor’s coursework, helps students reach the 150-credit-hour CPA pathwaySpeak with the program advisor about the 150-credit-hour pathway
Best-Fit RolesPublic accounting, tax, audit, controllershipAnalytics-forward accounting, financial systems, advisory practices

Program Information for M.S. in Accounting, Business Technology and Analytics

Program Description

Full Description

The Master of Science degree in Accounting, Business Technology and Analytics provides students with advanced accounting knowledge while integrating emerging technologies and data analytics into business decision-making. This interdisciplinary program provides unique opportunities to learn the interconnections among accounting, business technology and data skills, preparing competitive candidates for the evolving careers in accounting and data-driven business world.

Admissions for M.S. in Accounting, Business Technology and Analytics

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university1
  • Minimum 3.000 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
  • Official transcript(s)
  • Résumé
  • Goal statement
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:2
    • Minimum 79 TOEFL IBT score
    • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
    • Minimum 58 PTE score
    • Minimum 110 DET score
1

Applicants who do not have an undergraduate degree in accounting or equivalent coursework are required to successfully complete four accounting prerequisite courses: ACCT 53001, ACCT 53010, ACCT 53012 and ACCT 53041. Applicants may be permitted to waive one or more prerequisite courses if they have strong work experience or undergraduate preparation in accounting.

At a minimum, applicants should have general knowledge of inferential statistics, basic knowledge of business information systems and technologies and a solid understanding of algebra and general mathematics with some exposure to calculus. Students entering the program may fulfill deficiencies in these prerequisites by taking one calculus class (MATH 11012), one analytics course (ACCT 43009, BA 24056 or BA 64005) and one information system course (CIS 24053) or equivalents as applicable. The business analytics program director may consider concurrent enrollment according to the strength of the student’s baccalaureate curriculum and preparedness and the courses proposed to be taken concurrently with the prerequisites.

2

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores may be considered for admission.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Semester
    • Application deadline: March 15 (international student) and July 1 (domestic student)
  • Spring Semester
    • Application deadline: October 15 (international student) and December 1 (domestic student)
  • Summer Term
    • Application deadline: May 1

Applications received after these deadlines will be considered on a space-available basis.

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Analyze, evaluate and report on complex accounting and business transactions using advanced accounting knowledge and data analytical tools.
  2. Apply accounting research and data analytical skills to solve accounting and business problems.
  3. Identify ethical dilemmas in the areas of accounting, business technology and data analytics; and apply an ethical framework to develop a resolution.
  4. Effectively convey orally and in writing the outcomes of analytics for business decision-making.
  5. Demonstrate the ability to pursue professional certifications and a commitment to ongoing professional development.

Coursework

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Prerequisite Requirements
ACCT 53001
FINANCIAL REPORTING I
ACCT 53010
AUDITING FUNDAMENTALS
ACCT 53012
FINANCIAL REPORTING II
ACCT 53041
INDIVIDUAL INCOME TAX
Major Requirements
ACCT 53020ADVANCED FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING 3
ACCT 53033INCOME TAXATION II - ENTITY TAXATION 3
ACCT 63031ADVANCED AUDITING THEORY AND PRACTICE 3
ACCT 63050ADVANCED ACCOUNTING ANALYTICS AND TECHNOLOGY 3
BA 54038ANALYTICS IN PRACTICE 3
BA 64036BUSINESS ANALYTICS 3
BA 64060FUNDAMENTALS OF MACHINE LEARNING 3
BA 64082DATABASE MANAGEMENT AND DATABASE ANALYTICS 3
CIS 54151INNOVATING WITH DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE 3
Culminating Requirement
ACCT 63022PROFESSIONAL ISSUES AND ETHICS IN ACCOUNTING 3
Minimum Total Credit Hours:30

Graduation Requirements

Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
- 3.000
  • No more than one-half of a graduate student’s coursework may be taken in 50000-level courses.
  • Grades below C are not counted toward completion of requirements for the degree.
Roadmap

Roadmap

This roadmap is a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for this program. Students will work with their advisor to develop a sequence based on their academic goals and history. Courses designated as critical (!) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation.

Plan of Study Grid
Fall TermCredits
ACCT 53020 ADVANCED FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING 3
ACCT 63031 ADVANCED AUDITING THEORY AND PRACTICE 3
BA 64036 BUSINESS ANALYTICS 3
BA 64082 DATABASE MANAGEMENT AND DATABASE ANALYTICS 3
 Credit Hours12
Spring Term
ACCT 63022 PROFESSIONAL ISSUES AND ETHICS IN ACCOUNTING 3
ACCT 63050 ADVANCED ACCOUNTING ANALYTICS AND TECHNOLOGY 3
BA 54038 ANALYTICS IN PRACTICE 3
BA 64060 FUNDAMENTALS OF MACHINE LEARNING 3
 Credit Hours12
Summer Term
ACCT 53033 INCOME TAXATION II - ENTITY TAXATION 3
CIS 54151 INNOVATING WITH DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE 3
 Credit Hours6
 Minimum Total Credit Hours:30

Program Delivery

  • Delivery:
    • Fully online
    • Mostly online
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus

Accreditation for M.S. in Accounting, Business Technology and Analytics

AACSB International - The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries for M.S. in Accounting, Business Technology and Analytics

Accountants and auditors

4.6%

about as fast as the average

1,579,800

number of jobs

$81,680

potential earnings

Budget analysts

1.0%

slower than the average

50,400

number of jobs

$87,930

potential earnings

Financial and investment analysts

5.7%

faster than the average

368,500

number of jobs

$101,350

potential earnings

Notice: Career Information Source
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' . Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the MSABTA different from a traditional M.S. in Accounting?

MSA programs prepare students for compliance-focused accounting roles – financial reporting, audit, and tax – and integrate Becker CPA Review materials. 

MSABTA prepares students for analytics-forward accounting roles, with Python, R, machine learning, AI, and business intelligence integrated directly into the accounting curriculum. Speak with the program advisor about the 150-credit-hour CPA pathway if that applies to your goals.

Is the MSABTA fully online?

The MSABTA offers two delivery options: fully online and mostly online with some ÂÜÀòÉç campus coursework. Both formats are designed to fit around full-time work, with asynchronous coursework that supports varied schedules and time zones.

How long does the program take to complete?

The MSABTA is a 30-credit, 10-course program. Most full-time students complete the major coursework across two semesters plus a summer term. Career-changers without an accounting background also complete four prerequisite courses before starting the major coursework.

Do I need an undergraduate degree in accounting to apply?

No. Applicants without a bachelor’s in accounting complete four prerequisite courses (ACCT 53001 Financial Reporting I, ACCT 53010 Auditing Fundamentals, ACCT 53012 Financial Reporting II, ACCT 53041 Individual Income Tax) before starting major coursework. The program is structured to support career-changers from a wide range of bachelor’s backgrounds.

What roles is the MSABTA designed to prepare graduates for?

The program is designed to prepare students for roles such as:

  • Senior financial analyst
  • Accounting manager or controller
  • Business analytics consultant
  • Financial systems analyst
  • Technology integration specialist in finance
  • Data analytics professional in accounting firms

The combination of accounting depth and analytics fluency is well-suited for Big Four firms, corporate accounting departments, and consulting practices.

When can I start the program?

Our MSABTA admits new students for fall, spring, and summer terms. Application deadlines: Fall (March 15), Spring (October 15), Summer (July 1).

Contact Us to Begin Your Master’s in Accounting, Business Technology and Analytics

Have questions about this M.S. degree? Contact ÂÜÀòÉç today and we will be in touch soon. If you are ready to take your career to the next level, apply to earn your master’s in accounting, business technology and analytics!

Adam Cooke
ADAM COOKE

Email | crawfordgrad@kent.edu

Phone | 330-672-1280

Tamere Massey photo
TAMERE MASSEY

 Email | tmassey2@kent.edu
Phone | 330-672-1225