Master of Science in Accounting with Data and Analytics

The Master of Science in Accounting with Data and Analytics (MSADA) at Indiana University Bloomington is a one-year graduate programme offered by the Kelley School of Business. It is designed for students who want to strengthen their accounting knowledge while developing the analytical and technology skills increasingly used in modern financial and business environments. The STEM-designated curriculum prepares graduates for careers in auditing, assurance, taxation, risk management, corporate accounting, and data analytics.

Curriculum Structure

The programme requires a minimum of 30 credit hours and is generally completed over two semesters. Students combine advanced accounting subjects with data analytics coursework and practical business projects. The curriculum allows students to select electives in areas such as assurance, data analytics, risk management, and taxation.

Core Accounting and Business Knowledge

Students develop a strong understanding of accounting principles, financial reporting, business decision-making, and professional responsibilities. Their studies cover areas such as:

• Advanced Financial Accounting

• Auditing and Assurance

• Taxation

• Corporate Accounting

• Risk Management

• Accounting and Business Law

• Financial Analysis and Reporting

Data Analytics and Technology

The programme incorporates data analytics into accounting coursework, helping students use data to investigate financial information, identify irregularities, and support business decisions. Students develop skills in areas such as:

• Statistical Analysis

• Data Analytics for Accounting

• Business Intelligence

• Data Interpretation and Visualisation

• Technology-Enabled Auditing

• Detecting Earnings Management

Electives and Specialised Study

Students can shape their studies around their professional interests by selecting courses in assurance, data analytics, risk management, or taxation. This flexibility allows them to develop expertise in public accounting, corporate finance, tax practices, or analytical roles.

Experiential Learning

Students participate in a semester-long field consulting project, working in teams to address business challenges for an area organisation. Additional learning opportunities include the Deloitte Assurance Learning Lab and the Washington Campus Accounting and Public Policy course, which introduce students to professional accounting practices, financial institutions, regulatory agencies, and public policy issues.

Focus Areas

• Accounting and Financial Reporting

• Auditing and Assurance

• Taxation and Tax Planning

• Risk Management

• Accounting Data Analytics

• Statistical Analysis and Data Interpretation

• Business Intelligence

• Corporate Finance and Accounting

• Technology-Enabled Auditing

• Financial Decision-Making

Learning Outcomes

Graduates learn to apply accounting principles across different business functions and interpret financial information to support sound organisational decisions. They develop the ability to use data analytics to examine business performance, identify potential financial irregularities, and recommend practical solutions.

The programme also strengthens professional judgement, ethical decision-making, teamwork, management, and communication skills. Students gain experience connecting technical accounting knowledge with wider business needs through collaborative coursework and consulting projects.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The programme is STEM-designated and is designed to help students meet the educational requirements to sit for the CPA examination in Indiana. The Kelley School notes that it has not confirmed that the degree meets CPA examination requirements in every other jurisdiction, so students planning to qualify elsewhere should check the relevant state board requirements.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The Kelley School of Business reports strong employment outcomes for MSADA graduates. According to its published programme information, 100% of students receive job offers within 90 days of graduation. The school also reports that 93.6% of graduates have employment in their field within six months. These figures refer to different reporting measures and timeframes.

The programme's employer network includes major accounting and consulting firms such as Deloitte, EY, KPMG, PwC, Crowe, FORVIS, and Grant Thornton. Graduates pursue opportunities in public accounting, corporate finance, taxation, banking, financial services, government, and nonprofit organisations.