Explore the UT Dallas MS in Accounting and Analytics Flex Degree Plan
The MS in Accounting and Analytics program requires a minimum of 36 credit hours to complete. Please see below for the degree plan according to the Fall 2023-2024 catalog. Prior year catalogs can be viewed at https://catalog.utdallas.edu/.
The Accounting Analytics Track can be completed online.
Contact Program Director at msaccounting@utdallas.edu for details on course offerings.
Fall 2023-2024 Degree Plan Highlights – MS in Accounting and Analytics
“SCH” indicates “semester credit hours”
1SCH
Program Prerequisite *
MAS 6102 Professional Development (Can be waived if ACCT 6388 is chosen as an elective)
The program is open to students with bachelor degrees across all majors. Students without an accounting background may be required to complete prerequisite courses at the graduate level.
1 semester credit hour
CPA
CPA Exam Requirements
Students wishing to become CPA-eligible should understand the requirements of the State Board of Accountancy in their respective state or jurisdiction.
Learn more.
To submit a Waiver Request Form for any of the Core or Prerequisite Courses based on previous coursework or a MAS 6102 Waiver Request Form, visit the Advising Office Forms Page to review policies and submit a form for each course.
- Core Course Waivers: Up to 9 hours of approved waived Core Courses can be replaced with any Accounting master level elective course to enhance students’ specialized accounting knowledge.
- Prerequisite Course Waivers: After waivers are approved, email JSOMGRAdvising@utdallas.edu to request assistance with registration for subsequent level course.
- MAS 6102 Professional Development: Register for MAS 6102 Professional Development in first semester if waiver is not approved.
- For questions, contact JSOMGRAdvising@utdallas.edu and see catalog for details.
Choose from one of Six Tracks for the MS in Accounting and Analytics Flex
Track-related Core
12 semester credit hours
Track-related Electives
12 semester credit hours
- ACCT 6353 Fundamentals of Taxation II
- ACCT 6320 Database Foundations
or ACCT 6321 Database Foundations for Business Analytics
or ACCT 6344 Financial Statement Analysis - ACCT 6345 Business Valuation
or ACCT 6343 Accounting Information Systems
or ACCT 6383 Fraud Examination
or ACCT 6384 Analytical Reviews Using Audit Software - ACCT 6365 Governmental and Not-For-Profit Accounting
or any 3 semester credit hour Accounting master-level elective course
Job titles and salaries*
- Auditor $44,000 – $60,000
- Audit Associate $48,000 – $63,154
- Staff Auditor $48,000 – $63,211
- Audit Staff $48,000 – $63,000
Certification
- Students sit for the CPA exam.
National median salary (Salary range)**
- $49,000 – $61,000
Job positions for graduating students
Positions in public accounting firms are generally categorized as follows, according to AccountingEdu.org:
- Accounting and auditing services that involve maintaining financial records and preparing and auditing financial statements for use by outside investors and banks
- Tax services that involve the preparation of tax returns as well as advising clients on tax deductions, tax planning and other tax-related issues
- Consulting services, which can involve financial planning services for individuals as well as business consultation services to help management design, develop and implement accounting systems and employee compensation packages
Track-related Core
12 semester credit hours
Job titles and salaries*
- Tax Accountant $52,000 – $65,557
- Tax Associate $48,000 – $54,182
- Tax Analyst $46,000 – $59,913
- Tax Advisor $26,000 – $164,000
- Tax Consultant $16,000 – $148,000
- International Tax Consultant $30,000 – $150,000
- Mergers and Acquisitions Tax Associate $45,000 – $59,000
- Tax Specialist $45,000 – $57,000
- Transfer Pricing Associate $30,000 – $126,000
Certification
- Students sit for the CPA exam.
National median salary (Salary range)**
- $52,000 – $62,250
Track-related Core
12 semester credit hours
Track-related Electives
12 semester credit hours
Choose 9 semester credit hours of JSOM master-level courses with at least 3 semester credit hours with an ACCT prefix. Students interested in pursuing a second master’s degree in Business Analytics or Management Science should choose the appropriate elective courses to facilitate the double degree option.
NOTE: Students interested in the Internal Audit program and the CIA or CISA designation are required to take 9 to 15 semester credit hours from the below courses. For details, students should contact the director of the Internal Auditing Education Partnership (IAEP) program.
- ACCT 6334 Auditing
- ACCT 6335 Ethics for Professional Accountants
- ACCT 6336 Information Technology Audit and Risk Management
- ACCT 6374 Advanced Data Analytics for Accountants and Auditors
- ACCT 6377 Corporate Governance
- ACCT 6380 Internal Audit
- ACCT 6383 Fraud Examination
- ACCT 6384 Analytical Reviews Using Audit Software
- ACCT 6386 Governance, Risk Management and Compliance (GRC)
- ACCT 6392 Advanced Auditing
- ACCT 6V98 Accounting Internship
Job titles and salaries*
- Corporate Auditor $57,000 – $80,000
- IT Auditor $65,000 – $80,000
- Risk Advisory Consultant $36,000 – $49,000
- Cybersecurity Analyst $58,000 – $92,000
- Compliance Analyst $44,000 – $64,000
- Process Analyst $44,000 – $70,000
- Risk Management Associate $44,000 – $74,000
- Controls Analyst $41,000 – $65,000
Certifications
- Students pursue a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) and/or a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certificate.
National median salary (Salary range)**
- $54,900 – $61,000
Track-related Core
Choose 6 semester credit hours from Set A, 3 semester credit hours from Set B, and 3 semester credit hours of master-level courses offered within JSOM.
Set A
- ACCT 6333 Advanced Financial Reporting
- ACCT 6341 Planning, Control and Performance Evaluation
- ACCT 6342 Strategic Cost Management
- ACCT 6344 Financial Statement Analysis
- ACCT 6345 Business Valuation
Set B
- ACCT 6320 Database Foundations
or ACCT 6321 Database Applications for Business Analytics in Accounting - ACCT 6338 Accounting Systems Integration and Configuration
or ACCT 6343 Accounting Information Systems - ACCT 6384 Analytics Reviews Using Audit Software
- BUAN 6324 Business Analytics with SAS
or BUAN 6356 Business Analytics with R - FIN 6301 Financial Management
- OPRE 6332 Spreadsheet Modeling and Analytics
Track-related Electives
Choose 12 semester credit hours of JSOM master-level courses with at least 6 semester credit hours with an ACCT prefix. Students interested in pursuing a second master’s degree in Business Analytics or Finance should choose the appropriate elective courses to facilitate the double-degree option.
Job titles and salaries*
- General Accountant $40,000 – $60,000
- Cost Accountant $48,000 – $62,000
- Property Accountant $39,000 – $60,000
- Data Analyst $46,000 – $75,000
- Business Intelligence Analyst $62,000 – $85,000
- Financial Analyst $60,000 – $80,000
- Business Analyst $52,000 – $78,000
- Budget Analyst $40,000 – $62,000
Certification
- Students pursue a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) certification.
National median salary (Salary range)**
- $53,000 – $83,000
Track-related Core
12 semester credit hours
Track-related Electives
Choose 12 semester credit hours of JSOM masters/Ph.D level courses with at least 6 credit hours with an ACCT prefix. Students interested in pursuing a second master’s degree in Business Analytics or Finance should choose the appropriate courses to facilitate the double degree option. Students planning to pursue doctoral degree in accounting are advised to take the following electives to gain relevant institutional knowledge.
Job titles and salaries*
- Research/Teaching positions after completing PhD $80,000 – $150,000
- Data Analyst $61,000 – $130,000
- Forensic Accountant $78,000 – $150,000
- Security Analyst $62,000 – $103,000
- Securities and Exchange Commission Financial Reporting Staff $70,000 – $129,000
National median salary (Salary range)**
- $103,100 – $180,000
* Source for full-time job and salary information: Glassdoor.com.
** Sources for Salary and job information: NACE Salary Survey – Fall 2018, Robert Half 2019 Salary Guide, Financial Additions Salary Guide for DFW, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Consider Adding an MS Degree
Obtaining two degrees simultaneously provides an opportunity for you to potentially share coursework between the two degrees.
Double degrees often have considerable advantages, including potentially sharing coursework between the two degrees. Moreover, consider the career advantages gained when obtaining a second degree, not to mention the potential time and tuition benefits. Visit with an advisor to understand the particular benefits of the double degree pathway.
Learn more about double degreesStudent Testimonials
Yijin Wang, Class of 2020
Current Student
Our program director and coordinator have always helped me whenever I had any questions, whether it be with my course selection, degree plan or CPA exam preparations. They are concerned about both me personally and professionally. They keep me in mind for whatever they find beneficial to me. Our professors are always willing to help and share patiently. I learned from all of them that I would not only pay back to them on how they have helped me, but also pay forward to other UTD students who need my help. I chose to come to UT Dallas because Senior Lecturer Mary Beth Goodrich explained how the master’s in accounting program at UTD can benefit me with both academics and social resources, and encouraged me to apply for it. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions.
Shruthi Pattabhi Shankar, Class of 2021
Current Student
The master’s in accounting program at UT Dallas has multiple tracks to offer, which adds best value to incoming students. Each track is tailor-made to suit the background and interests of the students. The program has a plethora of networking events and resources — to socialize, volunteer, meet prospective employers and make some amazing friends. The warmth and kindness of everyone in the department has made my transition here a smooth one.
Vidya Mohanraj, Class of 2020
Current Student
UT Dallas has given me so many opportunities to figure out what is out there and what interests me. I had so many questions about my future career, and my journey to answering those questions was supported by the workshops, panels, students, staff and faculty at UTD. UTD had resources in so many different forms and that made me believe that I could truly thrive in the environment there. The organizations that I have participated in since I was a freshman have supported me throughout my undergraduate and now graduate curriculum, and I have gotten to work in departments on campus that have truly shaped the way I approach situations and solve problems.
Rachel McKenna, Class of 2020
Current Student
I chose to come to UT Dallas due to the prominence of the business school, the accessibility of jobs in the Dallas area after graduation, proximity to my family, and the existence of the five-year Professional Program in Accounting (PPA). I stayed at UTD due to the people I met and built relationships with, and the positive learning environment I have experienced as a student. I felt it was important to me in starting here as a freshman to identify resources on campus that would guide me throughout college. One thing I have learned about UTD is that the resources are available, and taking the time to become informed about all UTD has to offer is well worth it!
Claude Owens, Class of 2018
Manager of Economic Development, PepsiCo
My time in the master’s in accounting program was inspiring, challenging and rewarding. I decided to join this program after making a change to my career. I received more than I expected through this program. Challenging professors and fellow students have shaped me and prepared me in achieving a successful career.
Zelika Kadogo, Class of 2019
Tax Associate, EY Dallas
UTD’s staff and faculty members are very dedicated to the success of students. Overall, the quality of the education I received here has exceeded my expectations. In addition to the great courses, the highlight of my time at UTD has been the student organizations I joined. I was a Graduate Dean’s Council member, a peer mentor and on the leadership board of the National Association of Black Accountants.
Justin Hogue, Class of 2016
Risk Advisory Senior Associate, BDO USA, LLP
The professionals who came to recruit or speak in a class and those who I met being a TA, did a lot to influence and motivate me. The staff and faculty are also so vested in the success of those around them and the students. I learned a lot of new ideas, outlooks and viewpoints, which has really added to who I am as a person.
Ares Ross, Class of 2020
Current Student
As an undergrad at UT Austin, I studied government and sociology while pursuing a career in public service. After working for several years in the Texas State Senate, I returned to Dallas to study business. After taking a class in accounting, I came to UT Dallas where I could study at my own pace. As a grad student, I was able to serve my academic community while honing my skills as a student leader and mentor. By participating in the Internal Audit Education Partnership program, I applied my liberal arts and public service experience to find my accounting career.
Xiaoqu (Joy) Chen, Class of 2019
Risk Assurance Associate, PwC Hong Kong
Attending events gave me a great opportunity to network with peers, faculty and professionals to learn about what was happening in the real world. The more I was involved, the more confidence I gained. I am especially thankful for the mentoring sessions that helped me plan my career path and the UTD Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) chapter for playing a huge role in helping me land my dream job at PwC Hong Kong as a risk assurance associate.
Wonseok (Aiden) Go, Class of 2020
FSO Tax Staff, EY Dallas
I chose UT Dallas, … and I’m satisfied with my decision for several reasons. The program is flexible so that I can take classes based on my own interest. For example, we can take few general classes in the first semester and dig into one or two specific areas such as internal audit and tax. The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex is one of the fastest growing areas in the U.S. There are a lot of job opportunities, so I was able to obtain several internships from a public accounting firm and the aviation industry. Everyone at UT Dallas is always willing to fully support each student not only about their professional careers but also other important aspects of school life, such as cultural differences, housing, hobbies and health. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns about the application, program, living in Dallas, and your professional career.
Lori Goodwin, Class of 2017
Risk Assurance Senior Associate, PwC
One of the things that attracted me to UTD was the ability to do an MS in Accounting/MBA degree and have enough credits to sit for the CPA Exam. Due to the flexibility of the program, I was able to work full time while taking classes at night and online. I was also able to be part of the key planning of the ProConnect program, which is now a vital part of the MS in Accounting degree.
Chenyang (Cheryl) Hu, Class of 2020
Business Consultant, EY Dallas
After coming to UT Dallas, what has influenced me the most are those who are around me. The dedicated professors, the diligent students and every friend I have made here, always keep me motivated to become a better person. I have opportunities to meet different people every single day. They might be alumni, a professional giving a speech at an organization event or a student I just met with a different background. I try and get connected with them. Because of this wonderful journey, there has been a huge improvement in my communication skills.
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