Program Overview

Master of Accountancy, Plan C, Data Analytics and Systems Specialization

The Master of Accountancy program at Colorado State University is a 30-credit program that provides students with practical, job-related knowledge and prepares them for a successful career in accounting. The program offers a specialization in Data Analytics and Systems, which provides advanced coursework in auditing of accounting systems with a focus on preparation for practice of public accounting, particularly in systems auditing.

Program Description

The curriculum reflects the breadth of services performed by CPAs, with an emphasis on systems auditing, data analytic techniques, and computer information systems. The program is designed to provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to successfully sit for the national Uniform CPA Examination.

Learning Objectives

Successful students will demonstrate the ability to:

1. Develop the necessary research skills to investigate complex accounting issues.
2. Apply analytical and conceptual problem-solving skills to the field of corporate taxation.
3. Describe the role of information systems and technology in accounting.
4. Communicate complex accounting issues orally and in writing.
5. Recognize ethical and legal issues in a variety of accounting situations.

Program Requirements

The program requires a minimum of 30 credits to complete. The course list includes:

• Required core:
  • ACT 540: Professional Ethics and Responsibilities (3 credits)
  • ACT 541: Forensic Accounting and Fraud Auditing (3 credits)
  • ACT 561: Legal and Regulatory Issues in Accounting (3 credits)
  • ACT 602: Accounting Research and Communication (3 credits)
  • ACT 610: Accounting Analytics (3 credits)
  • ACT 631: Corporate Taxation (3 credits)
  • CIS 575: Applied Data Mining and Analytics in Business (3 credits)
  • CIS 576: Business Data Visualization (3 credits)
• Select one course from the following:
  • CIS 563: Information Assurance and Security (3 credits)
  • CIS 570: Business Intelligence (3 credits)
  • CIS 600A: Project Management: Information Technology (3 credits)
  • CIS 601/MGT 601: Enterprise Computing and Systems Integration (3 credits)
• Select one course from the following:
  • ACT 537: Advanced Taxation of Business Entities (3 credits)
  • ACT 570: Government and Nonprofit (3 credits)
  • ACT 612: Issues in Financial Reporting and Auditing (3 credits)
  • ACT 614: Financial Statement Analysis and Valuation (3 credits)
  • ACT 618: Sustainability Reporting and Accounting (3 credits)
  • ACT 635: State and Local Taxation (3 credits)
  • ACT 639: Special Topics in Taxation (3 credits)

Graduate Degree Requirements

For more information on graduate degree requirements, please refer to the Graduate and Professional Bulletin. The bulletin outlines the procedures for completing a master's or doctoral degree, including application deadlines, diagnostic examinations, appointment of advisors, and selection of graduate committees.

Summary of Procedures for Master's and Doctoral Degrees

The following steps outline the procedures for completing a master's or doctoral degree:

1. Application for admission (online)
2. Diagnostic examination (when required)
3. Appointment of advisor
4. Selection of graduate committee
5. Filing of program of study (GS Form 6)
6. Preliminary examination (Ph.D. and PD)
7. Report of preliminary examination (GS Form 16)
8. Changes in committee (GS Form 9A)
9. Application for Graduation (GS Form 25)
10. Submit thesis or dissertation to committee
11. Final examination
12. Report of final examination (GS Form 24)
13. Submit a signed Thesis/Dissertation Submission Form (GS Form 30) to the Graduate School
14. Submit the thesis/dissertation electronically
15. Graduation