Earning a master's degree in accounting can prepare you for career advancement and higher-paying roles. But when should you choose an MBA in accounting instead of a master of accountancy?
With its focus on organizational leadership and management, an MBA prepares graduates for management careers. An accounting concentration blends core business classes with advanced accounting coursework. Earning an MBA in accounting allows you to pursue work as a certified public accountant (CPA), accounting manager, or financial controller.
Our guide introduces the best MBA in accounting programs to help you find the right fit for your budget, schedule, and career goals.
Top Accounting MBAs
Why Get an MBA Degree in Accounting?
What to Expect From an Accounting MBA
MBA programs emphasize management and leadership abilities. Enrollees can develop foundational business skills across multiple disciplines, including core courses in finance, marketing, human resources, and management.
Most business schools offer concentrations for students to focus their coursework in specific subsets of the field. In an accounting MBA concentration, learners take graduate-level accounting and auditing courses to prepare for CPA licensure, management and consulting roles, or careers that require strong accounting and finance skills.
Earning an MBA typically takes two years, though some programs offer accelerated one-year options. MBA students complete 30-36 credits, though some schools may require a higher credit load. Choosing an accredited business school ensures that the program meets high standards for academic quality.
Should You Get Your MBA in Accounting Online?
Many business schools offer online MBA degrees. These programs use a flexible delivery format that appeals to working adults. Accredited online MBA programs meet the same high standards as in-person MBA programs.
Is an online MBA in accounting the right fit for you? Consider your schedule and learning style to decide whether to earn an MBA online.
Distance learners can potentially save money compared to in-person students — virtual delivery can expand access to more affordable programs beyond local universities.
Admissions Process
An MBA applicant typically needs a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution for admission. While MBA programs generally do not require undergraduate business degrees, they often expect prerequisite courses in financial accounting and statistics. Many programs also require or recommend a minimum of 2 years of professional experience.
In addition, prospective students often submit GMAT or GRE scores as part of their application. Programs also typically request a resume, statement of purpose, and 1-3 letters of recommendation.
Business school admissions can be highly competitive. Review the admission requirements and processes when researching schools to find a good fit.
Popular Master of Business Administration Courses
What courses will you take during an MBA in accounting? While each program sets a specific curriculum, most incorporate core business classes in finance, marketing, and management. MBA students typically complete courses in their specialization during the second year of a two-year program. Here are some common courses you'll find in MBA in accounting curriculums:
- Financial Management: Courses in financial management strengthen financial planning and forecasting skills. Learners explore diverse approaches and tools to manage finances and improve organizational performance. By studying capital budgeting, risk analysis, and international financial markets, MBA students can prepare for roles that require financial management skills.
- Strategic Management: Coursework emphasizes approaches such as competitive analysis and organization assessment to make strategic decisions. The course develops leadership and management skills, emphasizing the development and implementation of administrative decisions.
- Taxes and Business Strategy: Learners examine the connections between taxes and business decisions in organizational structures and international enterprise. Topics such as mergers and acquisitions help to build industry-specific knowledge about tax strategy. The course prepares MBA graduates for roles requiring strong taxation skills.
- Analytics for Accounting: This course introduces analytics software and tools for assessing financial data. Learners expand their statistical analysis skills to apply their knowledge in business decision-making contexts.
How Much Do Accounting MBA Programs Cost?
The cost of an accounting MBA program varies widely depending on the business school. While some MBA programs charge under $20,000 per year in tuition, others cost more than $100,000. These differences can make it difficult to budget for an MBA degree.
What factors affect the price of an MBA? While the top-ranked business schools often come with a higher price tag, school prestige is only one factor that affects cost. In general, public universities charge lower tuition rates than private universities. Students who qualify for in-state tuition typically pay the lowest rates. Online programs may also charge lower tuition rates or allow non-residents to pay the same tuition as state residents.
Financial aid affects the total cost of your degree. Applying for scholarships, fellowships, and grants will lower your net price. You should submit the FAFSA annually to qualify for need-based aid and student loans. Employer tuition reimbursement programs may also help lower costs. Learn more about financing your MBA with the resources below.
Learn More
Take a look at our financial aid guide
Learn more about accounting scholarships
Check out the top affordable master's in accounting
MBA Jobs and Salaries
An MBA can open the door to higher salaries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), management occupations report the highest salaries of any occupation group, with a median pay of $122,090 as of May 2024,
But what jobs can you get with an MBA in accounting? Common career paths include financial and accounting management roles. Graduates can also pursue CPA licenses.
Accounting Manager
Accounting managers oversee staff accountants and accounting departments. They can find employment with accounting firms, public and nonprofit organizations, and private businesses. Accounting managers ensure that accounting departments create accurate financial records and align accounting practices with the organization's goals.
Management Analyst
These analysts evaluate organizations' processes to identify opportunities to improve efficiency and increase profits. Analysts who specialize in accounting may focus on accounting practices, auditing, or financial reporting policies. Management analysts contribute to organizational strategies and may also work as outside consultants.
Financial Planner
Financial planners and advisors recommend investment, savings, and tax strategies for their clients. They help budget for long-term goals, structure businesses strategically, and comply with financial regulations. Some financial planners work for individual clients, while others work in corporate settings.
Certified Public Accountant
CPAs specialize in financial reporting and taxation for government agencies and companies that report earnings. They also prepare taxes for individual clients, and some specialize in auditing. They must maintain current CPA licensure to practice.
MBA in Accounting vs. Master's in Accounting
Should you earn an MBA in accounting or a master's in accounting? The two graduate programs share similar coursework but differ in focus and career paths.
While an MBA in accounting and a master's in accounting can help you prepare for CPA licensure, an MBA emphasizes broader business and management skills. If your goals include management roles, an MBA might be a better fit.
| Key Factor | MBA in Accounting | Master's in Accounting |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Management and accounting | Advanced accounting and auditing |
| Program length | Two years for traditional MBA | 1-2 years |
| Core classes | Financial accounting, managerial finance, marketing strategy, operations management | Financial reporting, analytics for accountants, advanced auditing, managerial accounting |
| Electives | Taxation and management decisions, financial reporting and analysis, management planning and control systems | Corporate tax strategy, accounting for mergers and acquisitions, financial statement analysis and valuation |
| Cost | Varies widely from under $20,000 to over $100,000 | Varies widely; average cost of around $26,000 |
| Career paths | Accounting manager, CPA, tax manager | CPA, financial controller, forensic accountant |
| Earning potential | Average salary with an MBA: $99,000 (April 2025) | Average salary with a master of accounting: $83,000 (April 2025) |
Selecting the Right Graduate Program
What other factors should you consider when choosing your program? Here are some key considerations that can help you find the best fit.
Finally, make sure to choose an accredited university for your MBA to make sure your degree meets licensure and financial aid requirements. Prioritize accredited business departments as well, as these programs meet industry-specific quality standards.