How long does it take to get an accounting degree? In just one year, Catie Modugno, MSADA’25, earned a graduate degree in accounting from the top-ranked Kelley School of Business. As a student in the MS in Accounting with Data and Analytics (MSADA) program, Catie leveraged every opportunity to gain hands-on accounting experience, including applying the knowledge she gained in her courses toward real-world experience. Now she’s launching her career at Alvarez & Marsal as a tax associate. If you’re interested in how to get into accounting, Catie’s story can point you in the direction of career opportunity:
A master’s degree in accounting that builds career momentum
“I chose to apply to the MSADA program as an undergraduate student in accounting, with goals to earn a prestigious Kelley graduate degree, bring focus to my career, while also investing in my human capital to strengthen my future career trajectory. Planning to stay an additional year at Kelley to add a master’s degree set me up in an ideal way, allowing me to complete my undergraduate degree and complete four years on the IU RedStepper Dance Team. With a strong desire to advance my dance career to a professional level, I became an Indianapolis Colts cheerleader for the 2024–25 season and simultaneously started the MSADA to pursue my academic goals. Balancing the MSADA program’s rigorous course load with my outside commitments strengthened my skills in time management and organization, and sharpened my focus, allowing me to succeed in the program.”
An experiential accounting program that gets you career ready
“Some of the program’s aspects that appealed to me most were the MSADA’s highly regarded field consulting project, the networking opportunities I’d gain, and the range of real-world learning experiences to become a prepared business professional. Applying accounting concepts hands-on through the field consulting project was excellent preparation for a full-time career. I worked alongside three Kelley peers to provide consulting services to Forty5, a production company located in Indianapolis. I was accountable to clients, practiced effective communication, and delivered work to match their expectations—gaining all this experience prior to entering the workforce. In another opportunity, I analyzed financial statements of a real company, applied technical tax concepts, and presented to a panel of professors acting as a governing board. These experiences built a clear bridge from understanding concepts to using the knowledge I gained.”
An MSADA advances your career possibilities
“I’m currently studying for the CPA exam and joined the consulting firm Alvarez & Marsal in Chicago as a tax associate in their global transaction tax group.”
An accounting master’s program well worth the investment
“The opportunity to go directly into graduate school from your undergraduate program facilitates a smoother transition built on academic momentum. My advice? Take advantage of the MSADA program and fully engage in each class. Build your professional network with the MSADA cohort, other Kelley specialty master’s students, the Kelley alumni network, and insightful professors. Approach each opportunity with an open mind and step outside of your comfort zone.”
Like Catie, you can gain a winning edge with the Kelley MS in Accounting with Data Analytics. Reach out to us at acctgrad@iu.edu to ask questions or set up a campus visit. We’re eager to discuss your interests and how an MSADA can equip you to achieve your career goals.
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