Systems Advisory Concentration

Students select their concentration at the end of the fall semester and take concentration courses in the following spring and summer semesters.  The Systems Advisory concentration courses are:

• MSA 522 Business Database Systems
• MSA 524 Information Systems Analysis and Design
• MSA 535 Systems Advisory Practicum

Students who choose the systems advisory track will be entering a dynamic, demanding field.  Systems professionals must be technically proficient, staying well-informed of the multitude of technological changes that could affect their clients or employers.  They must also enjoy problem solving and risk management because practitioners play a pivotal advisory role, helping clients and employers make business decisions to minimize their IT risks and liabilities while improving their overall performance.

Advisory is one of the fastest-growing service lines in public accounting.  Regardless of economic conditions, businesses must still comply with and plan for compliance legislation.  As IT departments increase their focus on data integrity to ensure financial statement reliability, the work of a systems professional becomes even more valuable.  IT auditors assist companies in planning for a multitude of risks associated with information technology.  They must also plan for other aspects of advisory, such as performance improvement, compliance assessments, and competitive advantages for the client. The systems track offers MSA graduates the opportunity for a rewarding career.