The evolution of accounting technology education: Analytics to STEM

The accounting profession is undergoing a radical change that supplants many historical accounting duties by requiring technical skills to be added to the accountant's tool chest. Stakeholders are increasingly adopting disruptive technologies, including data analytics, blockchain, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing. We reviewed 185 accounting schools' websites, curricula, course descriptions, syllabi, and learning outcomes to determine if and how accounting departments incorporate data analytics into their curriculum. We also sent a survey to accounting professionals to seek their opinions regarding data analytics and STEM-designated accounting programs. Generally, data analytics was viewed as adding value, but STEM designated education did not.