M.S. in Accounting and Analytics

Program Overview

The M.S. in Accounting and Analytics is a 30-credit program, typically completed within 12 to 18 months for full-time students and 2-3 years for part-time students. The curriculum is structured to provide a comprehensive understanding, comprising 6 core courses (18 credits) and 4 elective courses (12 credits). This structure allows students to gain a strong foundation while also specializing in areas like financial planning, fraud examination, or information security, depending on their career aspirations. The program is offered both on-campus and, for some courses, potentially online, providing flexibility. Stevens emphasizes practical learning and hands-on experience, preparing graduates for diverse roles in the evolving accounting landscape.

STEM-designated: Yes, the Stevens Institute of Technology M.S. in Accounting and Analytics program is unequivocally STEM-designated. This is a significant advantage, particularly for international students. The STEM designation makes them eligible for a 24-month extension of their Optional Practical Training (OPT) in the United States, allowing for a total of up to three years of valuable post-graduation work experience. This designation clearly reflects the program's rigorous quantitative, analytical, and technological focus, which is highly valued by employers in the data-driven accounting, finance, and business sectors.

Curriculum: The 30-credit curriculum provides a robust blend of accounting fundamentals and advanced analytical techniques. Required core courses include: Accounting Data Analytics and Information Systems, Tax Compliance and Planning for Business Entities, Accounting Regulations: Research & Applications, Financial Statement Analysis (or Business Analytics: Data, Models & Decisions, or Data Analytics and Machine Learning), Retirement and Estate Planning (or Fraud Examination and Forensic Investigation), and Multivariate Data Analysis I (or Applied Statistics with Applications in Finance). Elective courses further deepen specialization and can include topics like Applied Analytics, Data Visualization Application, Database Engineering, Data Management, Business Intelligence & Data Integration, Cybersecurity Principles, Blockchain Fundamentals and Application, and Management of AI Technologies. The curriculum is developed in collaboration with industry experts to ensure relevance and prepares students with both traditional accounting skills and cutting-edge analytical proficiencies.

Research Focus: The M.S. in Accounting and Analytics program at Stevens, housed within the School of Business, has an applied research focus that emphasizes the integration of data analytics and technology into accounting practices. Faculty research often centers on advancing academic knowledge while simultaneously delivering practical solutions to real-world accounting industry challenges. Key areas of interest include the application of data science techniques in auditing, managerial analytics, tax analytics, financial statement analytics, fraud examination, forensic investigation, and the impact of emerging technologies like AI and blockchain on accounting and financial reporting. Students are exposed to faculty actively engaged in groundbreaking research, which enriches their understanding of how data and analytics are transforming the accounting profession. While not a heavily theoretical research degree, the program fosters a critical, inquiry-driven approach to solving business problems with data.

Industry Engagement: Stevens Institute of Technology places a very high priority on industry engagement for its Accounting and Analytics program. Its strategic location directly adjacent to Manhattan provides unparalleled access to some of the world's largest financial institutions, public accounting firms, and major corporations, offering invaluable networking and career opportunities. The School of Business maintains strong ties with industry leaders, ensuring the curriculum is continuously updated to meet current and future demands of the accounting and finance sectors. Faculty members often bring extensive professional experience, incorporating real-world case studies and practical insights into their teaching. Stevens' robust Career Center actively facilitates internships, co-op experiences, and job placements, connecting students with leading employers seeking analytically-minded accounting professionals.

Global Perspective: Stevens Institute of Technology fosters a strong global perspective within its M.S. in Accounting and Analytics program. This is cultivated through its diverse international student body, which enriches classroom discussions with varied insights into international accounting standards (e.g., IFRS vs. GAAP), global tax compliance issues, and cross-cultural business practices related to data analytics and financial reporting. The increasing globalization of business means that accountants and auditors must understand international regulations and data flows. The program prepares graduates to navigate the complexities of global financial landscapes, apply analytics to international financial data, and contribute to multinational organizations, ensuring they are well-equipped for impactful careers in an interconnected global economy.