Seton Hall University Launches M.S. in Professional Accounting and Analytics

On Oct 24, 2023

Designed primarily for recent graduates with a bachelor’s degree in accounting, the program also serves experienced accounting professionals seeking to bolster their capabilities in this rapidly evolving field. This STEM-intensive program comprises 30 credits and complements a bachelor’s degree in accounting, helping students meet the 150-hour educational requirement for the sought-after Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credential.

Students can choose to attend evening classes in person or join remotely. The program can be completed within a year, but many students opt for a part-time study schedule to accommodate their professional commitments. Upon completion of the program, graduates are well-equipped for diverse and rewarding career paths, including roles as certified public accountants, corporate finance professionals, financial analysts, forensic accountants, risk analysts, risk managers, internal auditors, government accountants, and tax accountants.

“While we’ve always been proud of our accounting programs at Seton Hall, the MSPAA program represents a significant step forward in preparing our students for the demands of today’s accounting profession, which requires a deeper understanding of data analysis and applications” said Joyce Strawser, Ph.D., dean of the Stillman School of Business.

Stillman stands as being the only school in northern New Jersey with both business and accounting accreditation from AACSB International, an international seal of approval which ensures that schools meet the highest academic standards. With small class sizes and personalized academic and career advising, graduates of Stillman’s programs have consistently found success in securing positions with the Big Four global accounting firms, national accounting firms, regional accounting firms, and Fortune 500 companies.

With accounting as the backbone of any organization — along with the rapid growth of data-driven decision-making — professionals who possess a deep understanding of both accounting principles and data analytics are in high demand. New Jersey, as a hub for various industries, is an ideal place to pursue a graduate degree in accounting coupled with analytics. Seton Hall’s MSPAA program equips students with the skills to thrive in this competitive landscape.

Mark Holtzman, C.P.A., Ph.D., associate professor and chair of the Department of Accounting and Taxation, Department of Accounting and Taxation, said, “To develop this program we worked with our stakeholders to identify the skills that accountants are going to need in the coming decades. Then, in cooperation with our colleagues throughout the Stillman School, we curated a collection of courses in accounting, IT systems and data analytics. Our graduates will be well prepared for a future career that will be driven by change management.”

The MSPAA curriculum includes an array of accounting and analytics courses, such as Big Data and Business Impact, Enterprise-Wide Accounting Information Systems, and Introduction to Data Analytics/Business Intelligence. Additionally, students will explore topics such as in-depth analytics and accounting/tax research. The program also offers elective courses, including the option for graduate internships.

“Through this program, we aim to bridge the gap between traditional accounting and the advanced analytics skills that are increasingly in demand in the industry,” said Danielle DiMeglio, M.B.A., instructor of accounting and taxation and director of graduate accounting programs.

The Stillman School of Business is known for placing a strong emphasis on values, providing an ethics-centered curriculum that enriches each student’s life. Graduates will emerge from the MSPAA program well-prepared to assume roles as principled business leaders who understand the power of data-driven decision-making as well as some of the challenges it can present.

Individuals interested in the MSPAA program are encouraged to register for an upcoming information session on Monday, Nov. 6 at 6 p.m. ET or contact Director of Graduate Admissions Greg Davis at (973) 761-9220 or [email protected]. More details on the program can be found here: https://www.shu.edu/academics/ms-professional-accounting-and-analytics.html

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