MS in Accounting Analytics (MSAA) Academics Preview

Course Registration

There are some great perks to being a graduate student at the University of Louisville College of Business, one of which is that you will never have to navigate through a confusing and time-consuming registration process.

Our enrollment coordinator will register you for your classes each semester. As soon as your registration is processed, you will be able to see your first semester courses in ULink.

The first registrations for Fall semester will happen around mid-July. After that point, your registration will be processed once your deposit is received. Just keep an eye on ULink.

ULink

ULink is the student, faculty, and staff information hub.

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UofL Blackboard

Access your online/hybrid courses and related class materials.

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Curriculum

The curriculum is what we call “lock step,” which means that you and your cohort classmates will take your core courses together and in a particular order.  All MSAA classes, for all cohorts, take place each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evening from 6:00-9:30 p.m. 

Additionally, there are optional self-guided CPA prep sessions available throughout the program.

Visit the online course catalog for the complete curriculum.

Team Introduction and Contract Day

September 14th, 2024 

  • Master of Science in Accounting Analytics, Master of Business Analytics – 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
  • Full Time MBA, Innovation MBA and Professional MBA – 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.

Teamwork is an essential component of cohort-style graduate programs. On this day, you will be introduced to your teams and have team-focused training. This team contract will outline the group work expectations as you progress through the program.

Frequently Asked Questions About Taking the CPA Exam

Question:Where do I start my CPA journey?
Answer: You need to sign up for Becker CPA Review. Register for an account. The software cost is included in the tuition. 

Question:  What do I do after I sign up for Becker CPA Review?
Answer:  Create a study plan in the Becker CPA software and begin to study.

Question:  How often should I study for the CPA?
Answer:  You should be studying every day.

Question: How do I get a grade for the CPA Exam Prep courses?
Answer: CPA Exam Prep is an online self-study course. In order to receive a grade; you must complete 75% of each section. If you do not complete 75% you will receive an X. You cannot graduate with a grade of X for any course work.
Example: Student A is studying for FAR for the fall semester. Student A completes 75% of the Becker CPA Review for FAR CPA Prep. Student A studies BEC during the Spring semester and completes 75% of BEC CPA Prep during the Spring. After the Fall semester, Student A receives a X grade for BEC. After the Spring semester, Student A’s grade for BEC CPA Prep is changed to an A and receives an A for FAR CPA Prep of the Spring semester.

Question: Do I have to take the CPA exam in any order?
Answer: No, you can take in any order. The MSAA schedule list:

  • BEC CPA Prep – Fall Semester
  • AUD CPA Prep – Spring Semester
  • FAR CPA Prep – Spring Semester
  • REG CPA Prep – Summer Semester

Question: Will the course work in the MAC program totally prepare me for the CPA Exam?
Answer: No, the CPA exam consists of accounting concepts taught in undergraduate programs. Yet, you will find a large portion of the course work helpful in your study.  Becker CPA Review will be your main source of preparation for the CPA exam.

Question:  How do I become a Certified Public Accountant in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and what are the fees?
Answer: Visit the Kentucky Board of Accountancy website resources:

Question:  Are there other resources for the CPA exam?
Answer:  The Association of International Certified Public Accountants website is a great resource.

Frequently Asked Questions About Taking the CMA Exam

Certifications are important for your career development. Not everyone wants to be a CPA so, the MSAA program is having a soft opening for the CMA exam.  You have an option to take the CPA or the CMA exam. Any time you have questions about the CMA exam, please contact Prof. Michael Wade, Program Director, by MS Teams chat.

Question: Have many parts does the CMA have?
Answer: The CMA exam: two parts covering 12 competencies:

  • Exam 1
    • Part 1: Financial Planning, Performance, and Analytics
      • 15%     External Financial Reporting Decisions
      • 20%     Planning, Budgeting, and Forecasting
      • 20%     Performance Management
      • 15%     Cost Management
      • 15%     Internal Controls
      • 15%     Technology and Analytics
  • Exam 2
    • Part 2: Strategic Financial Management
      • 20%     Financial Statement Analysis
      • 20%     Corporate Finance
      • 25%     Decision Analysis
      • 10%     Risk Management
      • 10%     Investment Decisions
      • 15%     Professional Ethics

Question:Where do I start my CMA journey?
Answer: You need to sign up for Becker CMA Review. Register for an account. The software cost is included in the tuition. 

Question:  What do I do after I sign up for Becker CMA Review?
Answer:  Create a study plan in the Becker CMA software and begin to study every day.

Question: How do I get a grade for the CMA Exam Prep courses?
Answer: CMA Exam Prep is an online self-study course. In order to receive a grade; you must complete 75% of each section. If you do not complete 75% you will receive an X. You cannot graduate with a grade of X for any course work. 
Example: Student A is studying for FAR for the fall semester. Student A completes 75% of the Becker CMA Review for FAR CPA Prep. Student A studies BEC during the Spring semester and completes 75% of BEC CPA Prep during the Spring. After the Fall semester, Student A receives an X grade for BEC. After the Spring semester, Student A’s grade for BEC CPA Prep is changed to an A and receives an A for FAR CPA Prep of the Spring semester.

Question: Do I have to take the CMA exam in any order?
Answer: No, you can take in any order. The MSAA schedule list:

  • BEC CPA Prep – Fall Semester (Part 1: CMA)
  • AUD CPA Prep – Spring Semester (Part 1: CMA)
  • FAR CPA Prep – Spring Semester (Part 2: CMA)
  • REG CPA Prep – Summer Semester (Part 2: CMA)

Question: Will the course work in the MSAA program totally prepare me for the CMA Exam?
Answer: No, the CMA exam consists of accounting concepts taught in undergraduate programs. Yet, you will find a large portion of the course work helpful in your study. Becker CMA Review will be your main source of preparation for the exam.

Question:  How do I become a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and what are the fees?
Answer: The CMA does not require you to be licensed in any state.  

Question:  Are there other resources for the CMA exam?
Answer:  Main source of CMA information is on the IMA website.

International Travel

Each of our students is required to enroll in a global learning course that includes a study of international business, trade, and culture. This course also provides the option to travel internationally with classmates and faculty on a 10-day global residency to experience international business environments and to learn from business leaders and MBA/MSAA students of different cultures as part of this course.   

MBA/MSAA International Study Trip