The University of Baltimore's Merrick School of Business announced that its M.S. in Accounting and Business Advisory Services program's curriculum has been optimized to meet future market conditions and is now designated as a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) program. The University received the approval of the Maryland Higher Education Commission on April 4. It will begin offering this curriculum in the fall of 2024. This designation recognizes the program's emphasis on the growing role of technology and data analytics in the accounting profession.

"We are so excited that our M.S. in Accounting and Business Advisory Services joint program with Towson University is now STEM-designated," said Mikhail Pevzner, professor of Accounting and graduate business program director at The University of Baltimore. "It reflects our commitment to training the current and future generations of accountants in skills the accounting marketplace needs."

The program's curriculum has been updated to reflect the evolving demands of the profession, including a focus on:

• Data Analytics
• Technology
• Generative AI

These advancements are fundamentally changing the way accounting services are delivered across all areas, from audit and tax to advisory and management accounting.

The recent changes to the CPA exam, incorporating explicit testing of data analytics and technology knowledge, further underscore this trend. As Prof. Pevzner states, "This new 'CPA Evolution' content emphasizes the reality that accounting is becoming a data- and technology-driven profession."

The program provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in a dynamic field. The program offers a flexible format, including courses delivered online and on-campus, making it ideal for working professionals seeking to advance their careers. UBalt and Towson University established the program's partnership in 2004; it allows students to enroll in accounting courses at both universities.