A major shift is taking place in the MSU accounting curriculum, one that will equip students to succeed in an increasingly complex, data-driven environment. A new focus on data analytics is being incorporated throughout the program.

“The goal is to ensure that Mississippi State accounting graduates enter the profession with the technology skill set to make strategic, data-centric decisions in a complex and rapidly changing environment,” says Adkerson School of Accountancy Director Dr. Shawn Mauldin. “These changes allow evolving technologies to be easily incorporated into the existing structure without revamping the entire curriculum.”

Data analytics content has been integrated into existing undergraduate and graduate courses, and a new analytics course has been added to the graduate requirements. A Business Analytics minor has been developed to enhance the undergraduate curriculum as well as the Master of Professional Accountancy and Master of Tax programs.

The changes were developed with the involvement of the ASAC curriculum committee, College of Business information systems faculty members and the ASAC Advisory Council. They received the unanimous support of the accounting faculty and were approved by the University Courses and Curriculum Committee to begin effective summer 2018.

“Technology is a key enabler across all aspects of business, including accounting, tax and auditing,” observes Susan Bell, a partner with EY and an Advisory Council member. “MSU’s added curriculum around data analytics and emerging technologies will help our students be more efficient and effective business leaders and advisors.”

Today, Mississippi State accounting graduates have a near-100 percent placement rate. With this new focus on big data and analytics, our students will remain at the leading edge of the profession.