Considerations for Electives
What to Consider When Selecting Electives
The MSA program provides a flexible curriculum and free elective space for you to customize your degree to fit your educational and career goals. The following items are important to consider when planning how to use your free electives.
What skills do you want to demonstrate?
One of the first considerations is if you would like to pursue the Data Analytics major and/or the additional concentration of Deal Service & Assurance Services; these courses go toward the MSA degree and 30 credit hour minimum degree requirement. The Data Analytics major is ideal for students who wish to gain additional data analysis & presentation skills. The Deal Service & Advisory Services concentration is designed for students with an interest or plan to work within the mergers and acquisition area.
The MSA program provides opportunities to learn new skills or gain more depth in your area of interest. You can take additional accounting courses as free electives from a concentration you have not declared like Tax Services, Audit & Assurance Services, or Deal Service & Assurance Services. For students who have an interest in a particular sector, the MSA program provides courses in areas such as Sustainability, Real Estate, and Healthcare. Additionally, if you are considering a Ph.D. after your MSA degree, research courses are available.
Will you participate in a career search?
The career search for accounting typically takes place in the first few weeks of the Fall semester. Students are encouraged to plan time for resume building, interview preparation, and the application process. Some students may decide to take a lighter courseload for Module 1 (first eight weeks of Fall) to allow for additional time during their career search.
Do you plan to take the CPA Exam?
It is your responsibility to know and understand the requirements for the CPA exam in the state you plan to sit. If you have questions on the requirements you may contact our CPA advisor Tim Morrison.
We do not recommend you sit for any part of the CPA exam during the Fall semester. If you plan to sit for a part of the CPA during your degree; Spring is the preferred semester. Students may decide to take a lighter course load during the Spring term (Module 3 and Module 4) and more courses during the Fall semester.
What Notre Dame experiences and opportunities do you want to participate in?
What experiences do you want from your Notre Dame MSA degree? There are student associations & clubs to lead and participate in with your peers, 26 varsity sports with games to attend, the Basilica and Grotto for reflection within, intramurals, volunteer opportunities, museums and performances to enjoy, and much more. What do you want to make time for and experience?
Planning your degree is an exciting time! Feel welcome to contact your academic advisor who can assist with questions on curriculum, discussing trade offs with your time, and mapping out your path to complete your degree.