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Online MACC academics

The growth for accounting careers will remain strong well into the next decade, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. To stay ahead of the curve, many organizations are seeing greater value in the application of big data within traditional accounting units. Meeting the needs of working professionals and organizations alike, the innovative Online Master of Accountancy and Data Analytics (Online MACC) integrates data analytics throughout the curriculum and offers evening virtual classes led live by esteemed faculty. Join us to complete your degree and transform your career in one or two years.

Curriculum

With the option to graduate in one or two years, the Online MACC from ASU is a combined synchronous and asynchronous program that requires 30 total credit hours to complete. Esteemed faculty experts bring real-world experience into each class, giving your degree even more long-term value.

Classes are held live virtually two evenings per week, starting at 6 p.m. Arizona time (one evening a week for students who choose the two-year program). Attendance in the synchronous sessions is expected and required.

Students may need to work with employers to ensure they can attend planned classes, depending on their schedule and time zone. Learn more about the Online MACC experience, including career resources for online students.

Online MACC courses

Addresses analytics in accounting, auditing and tax contexts. Focuses on the methods and techniques to analyze data sets while also making it easier to interpret, present and utilize the results for financial decision making. Presents additional frameworks and approaches to equip students to recognize and interpret patterns in data and models and recommend actions. Students learn multiple concepts to improve decision making related to accounting data. Also serves as a continuation of the extraction, cleaning and transformation of data for accounting applications.

Applies the technical knowledge of accounting theory and principles developed in other academic courses through the use of 'real life' case studies, where such knowledge and professional judgment is applied in resolving advanced accounting problems and issues.

Addresses analytics in accounting, auditing and tax contexts. Focuses on the introduction of methods and techniques to analyze data sets while also making it easier to interpret, present and utilize the results for financial decision making. Presents frameworks and approaches to equip students to recognize and interpret patterns in data and models and recommend actions. Teaches multiple concepts to improve decision making related to accounting data. Also serves as a practical introduction to the extraction, cleaning and transformation of data for accounting applications.

Develops skills necessary to exploit financial reporting information in a business environment and appreciation of reporting issues faced by management.

Addresses internal control frameworks and U.S. Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS) related to an auditor's consideration of internal controls for purposes of financial statement audits and audits of internal control over financial reporting. Covers various schemes pertaining to misappropriation of assets, corruption and fraudulent financial reporting.

Covers advanced topics in strategic implementation and control, stressing their application to real-world settings. Topics include performance measurement, the design of compensation plans, and the design of information-based control systems to build winning organizations. Utilizes case studies drawn from a wide range of firms in various industries and countries, emphasizing the use of critical thinking to interpret data for solving managerial problems. Should be of interest to anyone thinking of a career in a corporate setting, consulting and private equity. Should also be useful for those interested in public accounting to develop an understanding of client organizations.

Builds on the skills obtained in the beginning auditing (assurance) course and focuses on audit planning, risk assessment, evidence, and reporting procedures and fraud.

Focuses on advanced financial accounting topics along with their application in the financial reporting process. Topical coverage includes consolidations, mergers and acquisitions, derivatives, foreign currency translation, fair value accounting, and equity-based compensation. Addresses the implications of these topics for earnings management and earnings quality.

Prepares accounting and finance-oriented students to lead organizations. Explores corporate governance topics including sustainability reporting and related ethical issues from the perspectives of accounting and finance professionals. Corporations employ different governance structures each with its strengths, weaknesses and differing ethical norms. Corporate governance is changing quickly now with thousands of companies that are incorporating environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues and metrics into their internal finance and accounting operations and their external reporting. Utilizes cases supplemented with articles (no textbook) along with substantial discussion and writing components.

3 one-hour courses cover the primary duties of a professional accountant including serving the public interest, acting with integrity, maintaining objectivity and independence and practicing due care in fulfilling one’s professional responsibilities. An emphasis is placed on developing the requisite professional credentials to be a practicing accountant.

Prerequisites

A foundational knowledge of accounting is critical to your success in the master’s program. Students must have successfully completed an undergraduate degree in accounting from an accredited institution or completed either the Pathway Program or Bootcamp prior to admission.

Pathway for non-accounting students

The School of Accountancy offers a Pathway Program for students with a non-accounting background. Including four foundational courses that you can complete in person or online, the program delivers essential skills and knowledge needed to excel in the master’s degree. To get started, simply submit your Pathway Program application.

The School of Accountancy also offers a dynamic MACC/MTax Bootcamp — including three, custom-designed non-credit courses that allow you to complete the foundational program prerequisites 100% online and in a single summer. No matter which option works best for you, our graduate recruiters are available to answer questions and support your next steps.

Multiple Paths Illustration

CPA test prep

Thanks to a W. P. Carey partnership with industry leader Becker CPA Review, you can access a suite of CPA exam prep materials, even before your first class, and at no additional cost! That means you can prepare for and pass the CPA exam while still enrolled in the master’s program, making you a more competitive applicant for opportunities in the short term and providing you a great foundation for the rest of your career.

Learn more about CPA test prep from Becker CPA Review

Faculty

Consistently ranked Top 20 in the nation by the Public Accounting Report, the School of Accountancy enjoys an outstanding relationship with the public accounting community and a broad spectrum of firms that employ our graduates. Our state-of-the-art curriculum provides you with technical expertise in the field and develops your critical thinking, team-building, communication and information technology skills.

The School of Accountancy has been accredited by the AACSB since 1987. Accounting faculty members are nationally reputed leaders in their respective fields. They have designed a technology-enriched accountancy curriculum that exposes students to accounting systems and database concepts with an emphasis on faculty-supervised team projects.