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MS in Audit and Advisory Services at DePaul University (MSAA)
Lead with Insight. Advise with Impact.
DePaul’s MS in Audit and Advisory Services (MSAA) is your fast track to a career in auditing, advisory and risk management. This STEM-designated program blends advanced analytics with real-world application, giving you the power to mitigate risk, strengthen controls and shape strategic decisions.
As one of just 15 universities selected as a KPMG Master of Accounting with Data and Analytics (MADA) partner, DePaul gives you access to exclusive tools, training and connections that put you ahead—before you even graduate. Through hands-on projects with Chicago firms and instruction from faculty with deep industry expertise, you’ll graduate with skills employers trust—and the portfolio to prove it.
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Program Snapshot
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Duration: As little as 12 months
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Format: Flex: Traditional in-person sessions with the option to attend classes remotely
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Location: Downtown Chicago or Online
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Start Term: Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer
Why Study Audit and Advisory Services at DePaul?
Apply Data Analytics to Assurance Work
What You’ll Build:
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Technology Proficiency: Gain hands-on experience with Alteryx, Power BI, SAS, R, Excel and Tableau—tools used every day by Big Four and top-tier firms.
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CPA Exam Readiness: Complete coursework aligned with the CPA Exam and connect with Graduate Students for Accounting (GSA) resources for prep and peer study support.
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Forensic & Fraud Expertise: Learn investigative approaches to uncover fraud and strengthen internal controls from faculty with nationally recognized expertise.
Chicago Is Your Professional Launchpad
We integrate the city into your learning through:
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Company-Integrated Projects: Work with real clients—such as those in ACC 639 Audit Analytics—to solve current auditing challenges.
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Industry Connections: Access an extensive network with large and mid-sized accounting firms and DePaul’s unparalleled Chicago connections through faculty and industry partnerships.
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Career Talks & Site Visits: Meet professionals from local and global firms and explore how they apply analytics and auditing in practice.
Where This Degree Can Take You
With an MSAA from DePaul, your career path expands far beyond traditional accounting. You’ll gain the expertise and connections to step into influential roles that shape financial strategy, ensure compliance and guide organizations through complex challenges.
Earning your degree at DePaul opens doors to careers such as:
- Accounting leadership
- Audit and assurance
- Advisory services
- Regulatory compliance
- Risk management
- Forensic accounting
- Data analytics for financial decision-making
MSAA alumni excel at the
Big Four and other large accounting firms, Fortune 500 companies. and government agencies—in Chicago and beyond. With DePaul’s network and Chicago connections, you’ll be positioned for opportunities few other programs can offer.
Learn From—and Alongside—Chicago’s Accounting Leaders
Whether your future takes you to a global firm, a nonprofit or a Fortune 500 company, DePaul’s practical, high-touch approach gives you an edge in a competitive field.
Our courses are taught by full-time faculty who are active in the profession—consulting for major corporations, publishing in respected journals and advising on industry standards. They bring their experience into the classroom, sharing insights from work with organizations such as the Big Four, federal agencies and leading advisory firms.
You’ll learn from experts who not only teach accounting theory but also show you how to apply it in high-stakes, real-world scenarios. They’ll challenge you to strengthen your analytical skills and deliver work that drives meaningful results.
“The MSAA program at DePaul is uniquely designed with coursework, case studies, and real-world partnerships to equip students with practical data analytics, forensic accounting, and auditing skills to prepare students for a successful accounting career.”
Professor Jeff Ng, MSAA Program Director
You’ll also benefit from:
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Guest Speakers: Senior leaders from Chicago-based firms will share how they navigate evolving regulations, emerging technologies and strategic advisory challenges in today’s business environment.
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Networking Opportunities: Exclusive events connect you with our extensive alumni network in Chicago and beyond—opening doors to mentorship, internships and job opportunities.
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Applied Learning: In course projects, you will work directly with real client data to address challenges in areas such as compliance, risk assessment, audit planning and financial performance analysis.
Support That Extends Beyond Graduation
At DePaul, your success doesn’t stop at graduation—or even the city limits. You’ll have access to a robust network and dedicated resources that continue long after you earn your degree.
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DePaul’s
Career Management Center: Work 1:1 with experienced career coaches and get tailored support for job searches, resumes and interviews.
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Faculty with Industry Ties: Learn from instructors who are active researchers and ready to open doors and provide a real-world perspective.
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Alumni Network That Opens Doors: Join a global business community with more than 74,000 DePaul business graduates—16,000 in Chicago alone—working across consultancies, corporations and government agencies.
"DePaul supported me every step of the way—from undergrad through my master’s in accounting—by connecting me with mentors, leadership experiences, and a close-knit community that helped me grow both personally and professionally. It truly prepared me for the next stage of my career."
Suchita Farkiwala, MSAA alum
"The MSAA program at DePaul was my perfect sandbox - a space to build myself, share ideas, and learn blueprints to carry into the industry."
Srinath Iyer, MSAA alum
Read the Kellstadt Blog to explore more alumni perspectives
91%
of DePaul graduate business alumni report favorable career outcomes six months after graduation.
Upcoming Application Deadlines
| Enrollment Quarter |
Domestic Student Deadline |
International Student Deadline |
| Fall |
August 15 |
June 15 |
| Winter |
December 1 |
October 15 |
DePaul offers a range of tuition support and financial aid options to make your investment count.
Learn more about scholarships
For more information, contact the Kellstadt office at (312) 362-8810 or
kgsb@depaul.edu.
Named a Best Value College by U.S. News & World Report (2025)
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We’ll send you information about the degree, admission requirements and upcoming info sessions. Let’s get started.