Audit and Advisory Services

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.

Program Snapshot

• Duration: As little as 12 months
• Format: Flex: Traditional in-person sessions with the option to attend classes remotely
• Location: Downtown Chicago or Online
• 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:

• 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.
• 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.
• 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:

• Company-Integrated Projects: Work with real clients—such as those in ACC 639 Audit Analytics—to solve current auditing challenges.
• Industry Connections: Access an extensive network with large and mid-sized accounting firms and DePaul’s unparalleled Chicago connections through faculty and industry partnerships.
• 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.