What Is an Online MBA in Accounting?
An online MBA program builds strong financial, analytical, and decision-making skills. Accountants also strengthen their leadership and management abilities to prepare for careers as CPAs, accounting managers, and accounting directors.
Most MBA programs take 1-2 years to complete. During that time, MBA students complete business and accounting classes. MBA programs also incorporate hands-on learning components, such as group projects and internships, to provide career-ready skills for graduates.
Earning an MBA can cost tens of thousands of dollars. However, many of the most affordable online MBA programs offer tuition discounts and financial aid for distance learners.
Why Enroll in an MBA in Accounting Program
An MBA in accounting provides focused training in business decision-making for accounting professionals. Other common MBA specializations, like healthcare management, project management, and financial management, lead to different career paths.
MBA programs often prefer applicants with professional experience. However, students can also enter business school directly after completing their undergraduate degrees. Many MBA in accounting students follow one of the following paths to their degree:
- Recent College Graduates: These students enter graduate school within a year of earning their bachelor's degrees.
- Professionals With Under Five Years of Experience: Many MBA students gain work experience before entering business school.
- Professionals With More Than Five Years of Experience: These applicants often bring clear career goals to their programs.
Individuals with 10-15 years of professional experience often pursue executive MBAs.
What Is the Difference Between an MBA in Accounting and a Master's in Accounting?
An MBA in accounting and a master's in accounting both prepare graduates for advanced roles in the accounting field. However, an MBA offers a broader focus on management and leadership skills. The following information highlights some of the similarities and differences between the two graduate degrees.
MBA in Accounting
- Typically takes 1-2 years and requires 33-36 credits
- Offers business and management courses in addition to accounting classes
- Often meets the requirements for a CPA license
- Admits students with a background in business, such as an associate in business administration or a bachelor's in business administration
- May require prerequisite courses in management, finance, and accounting
- Prepares graduates for careers in business and accounting, including as a CPA, financial manager, or accounting manager
Master's in Accounting
- Typically takes 1-2 years and requires 30-36 credits
- Focuses on accounting courses with less emphasis on management
- Almost always meets the requirements for a CPA license
- Typically requires an undergraduate degree in accounting or a closely related field, including business administration
- Generally requires prerequisite courses in financial accounting, management accounting, and auditing
- Prepares graduates for careers in accounting, particularly as a CPA, accounting manager, or auditing manager
What Can I Expect in an Online MBA in Accounting Program?
MBA programs train graduate students in business analytics, strategic decision-making, and organizational leadership. In an accounting concentration, MBA students also study advanced financial reporting, public accounting, and auditing. Successful online MBA students bring initiative, organization, and discipline to their degrees.
During an online MBA in accounting, degree-seekers complete coursework, group projects, exams, and assignments. MBA courses emphasize practical skills with immediate applications in the workforce. Many programs offer electives to further specialize the degree. MBA students often complete internships to strengthen their real-world skills, as well.
Earning an online MBA degree typically takes two years. Some programs offer accelerated one-year MBA degrees, and others feature part-time MBAs. Depending on the program, learners may enroll in synchronous or asynchronous courses. Before enrolling, prospective MBA students should learn more about the degree and consider ways to increase their chances of success.
Common Courses
During an online MBA in accounting program, graduate students take classes in business, leadership, management, and accounting. Common online MBA accounting courses include:
- Financial management
- Accounting theory
- Business finance and accounting
- Strategic management and decision-making
- Auditing concepts
- Advanced public accounting
Choosing an Online MBA in Accounting Program
When evaluating online MBA accounting programs, prospective applicants should consider several factors. For many students, cost, program length, and learning format rank as the most important considerations. However, MBA students should also research specialization options, internship opportunities, and whether they can apply MBA credits toward CPA requirements.
The cost of an MBA program continues to rise. However, MBA scholarships and other forms of financial aid can make expensive programs more affordable. Before submitting an MBA application, applicants should research online student services, the program's placement record, and the graduation rate.
Accreditation for Online MBA in Accounting Degrees
Prospective applicants should always pursue accredited schools and accredited MBA programs. Accredited programs meet the highest standards for educating students.
The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the International Accreditation Council for Business Education, and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Program grant accreditation to MBA programs.
Accounting Careers and Salaries
An MBA prepares accountants for many career paths. The degree meets CPA licensure requirements, allowing licensees to unlock higher salaries. With an MBA, an accountant can also move into supervisory roles as an accounting manager or director of accounting. At the executive level, professionals with MBAs in accounting work as chief financial officers.
MBA salaries vary depending on the career path, business school, and location. The following information introduces common career paths for professionals with MBAs in accounting.
MBA in Accounting Career Path Outlook
| Career |
Median Annual Salary (2020) |
Projected Job Growth (2019-2029) |
| Chief Executives |
$185,950 |
4% |
| Top Executives |
$107,680 |
4% |
| Management Analysts |
$87,660 |
11% |
| Accountants and Auditors |
$73,560 |
4% |
Source:Bureau of Labor Statistics
Accounting Professional Organizations
ICPA represents certified public accountants. The association offers scholarships, education resources, and advice for students who want to become CPAs.
Founded in 1916, AAA represents accountants in academia. The association provides information on academic careers in accounting, publishes research in the field, and promotes collaboration and innovation.
This professional organization for management accountants offers several certifications, including the certified management accountant credential. Members also benefit from its education center, career resources, and publications.
FWA advocates for women in the accounting and finance field. The alliance offers networking, mentorship, and leadership opportunities to advocate for professional growth.
NABA advocates for Black professionals in accounting, finance, and business. The association offers career resources, educational tools, and campus student chapters to connect Black accounting students.
