MS Accounting & Analytics | Assessment of Learning

Program Learning Goals & Objectives

Program Goal #1 – Students will develop a working knowledge of representative software used in tech- based accounting practices in CPA firms and industry, including ERP systems, Blockchain, Python, R, Tableau, and Visio.   

  1. Explain fundamentals of SAP systems.
  2. Explain fundamentals of one or more visualization software applications.

Program Goal #2 – Students will develop the ability to prepare documents and reports that are standard practice in the field of accounting   

  1. Incorporate critical documentation and written communication elements commensurate with expectations for accounting practitioners.
  2. Construct and present financial report/project designed to communicate data and findings to senior management, clients and regulator.

Program Goal #3 – Students will develop advances analytical and critical thinking skills as applied through practitioner capstone projects.   

  1. Explain and interpret the financial data provided by practitioner.
  2. Sort and filter the data to make it informative and useful.
  3. Determine missing data and other requisite financial analytics.
  4. Write and present appropriate reports using proper English formalities.

Program Goal #4 – Students will demonstrate technical and non-technical skills that will position them for professional accounting related careers.   

  1. Demonstrate and document IT audit risk assessment and analytical skills.

Outcomes Data

We have compiled data to assess competency objectives through our MS Accounting and Analytics courses, These course serves as a comprehensive tool for evaluating progress toward our key objectives and AACSB accreditation standards, as it is a mandatory requirement for all undergraduate students. We have outlined various assessment methods across different areas of the course, which allow us to collect data and measure performance against established benchmarks.

Find program outcomes data here: MS Accounting & Analytics

Closing the Loop & Continuous Improvement

When program objective assessments are submitted, the submission form includes a section for a "closing the loop" discussion. This allows for reflection on potential adjustments that could be made to enhance the ongoing improvement of the MS Accounting & Analytics program. These discussions, along with other efforts, have highlighted areas where changes could be implemented.

Student performance

  • Advisory Board input led to 1) a greater programmatic emphasis on accounting courses over analytics to better align with CPA exam needs and market demands. 2) Feedback from students, the Accounting Advisory Board and distinguished alumni, emphasized the critical importance of networking in the job search process. Both groups highlighted the need for students to develop strong soft skills—acquired through networking, mentoring, and participation in social events—alongside the technical skills they gain in the classroom.
  • Course Substitution: Two analytics courses were replaced with accounting courses in 2023–24.
  • Networking Events: To support students in building essential soft skills, the department, and Accounting Advisory Board, organized a scavenger hunt event in Fall 2023. In Spring 2024, they organized a Traveling Tiger trip, where students visited two "Big 4" public accounting firms and two regional firms. This trip resulted in four job offers for their students from one of the firms.
  • Advisory Board Mentoring: This one-to-one mentoring program supports students in key areas such as resume building, course selection, and navigating the corporate world, with particular emphasis on helping international students adjust to the U.S. job market.

Potential changes to assessment methods

  • Curriculum Updates: ACCT 745 (Accounting Information and Analytics) was enhanced to include more data management and analysis, and ACCT 738 (Information Systems Auditing) was revised for better CPA exam alignment. The course prerequisite was removed after content realignment.
  • Speakers with Real World Cases: Introduced into ACCT-745 Accounting Information and Analytics after assessing Core Goal 4:  Technical and non-technical skills for accounting professionals. Assessed in the first cycle the program introduced speakers to the course to showcase real world cases of analytics. Assessment of the learning goal in the following cycle benefited students and increased performance levels by helping them to integrate theory and practice.
  • Course Revision: ACCT-645 revised to support the PhD curriculum. Topics and topic hours were heavily revised to strengthen the research component. New course was recoded as ACCT-745.
  • Program Goal 4: Internal Controls and COF Revision: Internal Control: Students will demonstrate knowledge of internal controls Objective a) Students demonstrate an understanding of Sarbanes-Oxley requirements of company management was assessed in ACCT-738: Information Systems Auditing and Assurance Service. To better align the outcome with the course content, a new topic was introduced in the Course Outline Form: Security, Fraud, Auditing Internal Controls and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.