Rankings

The 20 Best Online MBA in Accounting Management Schools

Best Online MBA in Accounting Management Schools - featured image

The best online MBA in Accounting Management and MBA in Accounting programs are offered by the top business schools in the United States. These graduate programs provide students with post-baccalaureate education and training in business administration with an emphasis on advanced accounting skills development. Indeed, the best online accounting MBA programs enable students to gain a well-rounded graduate education that, in turn, qualifies them for excellent career advancement opportunities! 

MBA in Accounting Management programs are designed for those professionals looking to advance their careers in the field of accounting management. An MBA in Accounting Management provides learners with the advanced knowledge and skills necessary to become successful accountants with a range of roles, including auditing, taxation, financial reporting, and finance management.

Through a combination of theory and practice, students learn how to interpret, analyze, and use financial data to inform their decisions on strategy and operations. An MBA in Accounting Management also prepares graduates for a variety of leadership roles in the public and private sectors. Students are equipped with the ethical, strategic, and problem-solving skills to analyze financial performance in order to create value for organizations.

Furthermore, the 7% projected job growth for the business and financial occupations in the 2021-2031 period is excellent news for students pursuing an MBA in Accounting degree. This translates to about 980,200 annual job openings, on average. There’s also the resurgence of the domestic and international business industries in post-COVID-19 times that will increase the demand for experienced business professionals.

Best Online MBA in Accounting Management Schools - fact

Most, if not all, of the featured business and financial occupations in the BLS’ Occupational Handbook only require a bachelor’s degree, and you can choose to stop there. But imagine the competitive edge you will have with a master’s degree in business administration with an accounting specialization! 

There’s also the fact that professionals with a master’s degree earn more – about $240 per week – than those who earned a bachelor’s degree and experienced a lower unemployment rate. This is true for MBA degree holders, too, with their median annual salaries in 2022 being $115,000 – and it’s more than double the annual income earned by bachelor’s degree holders. Your compensation package will obviously depend on specific factors, such as your work experience, seniority and company, and location. 

The bottom line: Earning an online MBA in Accounting degree demands significant investments in time, energy, and money, but the wide range of rewards, from better career advancement opportunities to higher salaries, are well worth it. 

At A Glance

Many business schools offering online MBA programs also offer MBA in Accounting Concentration programs that train students in advanced business administration principles and practices for the 21st century while also honing their accounting knowledge and skills. These master’s degree programs take between two and three years to complete, consist of business administration and accounting classes, and usually require a thesis or a capstone project as a culminating requirement. 

The best online MBA in Accounting programs have selective admissions criteria that include a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or a similar field with a minimum GPA (i.e., three on a four-point scale), relevant work experience, and letters of recommendation. Once admitted, graduate students must meet academic standards, including submission of papers, participation in the online learning platform, and completion of the culminating requirement. 

The graduate outcomes are among the best in graduate programs, too! MBA degree holders can conquer the accounting and finance field of public and private industries and even establish a career in academia – all with six-figure salaries. 

Best Online MBA in Accounting Management Programs

We must first emphasize that the MBA programs featured here offer an accounting specialization or concentration instead of being Master of Accounting programs. The MBA in Accounting and Master of Accounting programs are different master’s degrees in several ways, although both are considered graduate accounting degrees. 

Many accounting MBA programs prepare students to sit for the Certified Public Accountant exam, while others aren’t structured in this manner. Both an MBA in Accounting and a Master in Accounting degree can meet the 150-semester hours required to take the exam, but if you want a higher chance of passing it, the latter is the better option. 

MBA degree programs are also more likely to require applicants to present relevant business-related work experience for a minimum number of years. Master in Accounting programs are more coursework-centric, meaning applicants must complete prerequisite coursework in financial and managerial accounting, among others.  

Louisiana State University

Louisiana State University

Online MBA in Accounting Program 

Accredited by the AACSB-Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International, LSU’s MBA Accounting Concentration program prepares students for the complex challenges of business administration and accounting. Graduate students must complete the 30-credit hour curriculum to earn the accounting MBA degree, and the credits earned can be counted toward the 150-credit requirement for the CPA exam. 

Applicants can choose from multiple start dates, and students can complete the accounting program in as little as ten months. This is among the most affordable accounting MBA programs, too, aside from the financial aid available for graduate students. 

Graduate students in LSU’s MBA programs must take core courses, such as financial management, marketing strategy, and management information systems, that establish a solid foundation in business administration. Then, concentration courses must be completed to earn the online MBA in Accounting degree, and these include fraud detection, taxation, and cost accounting. 

Admission into the online MBA in Accounting program requires admission into the Graduate School first. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree, complete the graduate application, and pay the application fee, among other requirements. Admission is on a selective basis, with applicants evaluated based on their academic performance and potential contributions to the business profession. 

University of Maryland

University of Maryland - Robert H. Smith School of Business

Online MBA in Accounting Program 

Offered through the Robert H. Smith School of Business, the MBA Accounting Specialization program enables students to broaden their knowledge and skills of business administration while specializing in accounting. Focused learning is at the heart of the online MBA program, with students gaining advanced skills in the analysis, application, and communication of financial information in business settings. 

Graduate students in the accounting program learn about financial systems, financial reports, and accounting information systems, too. The online MBA program starts students on foundational courses, including Financial Accounting with emphasis on financial statements and systems and Managerial Accounting, which trains students on effective resource allocation. 

The program of study in the online MBA in Accounting program has a natural progression to in-depth courses. These accounting courses include Fraud, Examination, Detection and Deterrence in the Business Environment, Impact of Taxation on Business Entities, and Financial Planning and Control Systems for Managers and Consultants. 

Students in the accounting MBA program have access to online learning resources that encourage collaboration with their peers and professors. These include digital workspaces, video messaging, and integrated multimedia apps. Such a dynamic online learning environment contributes to effective lesson retention and other measures of student outcomes. 

Maryville University

Maryville University

Online MBA in Accounting Program 

Offered by the  John E. Simon School of Business, the MBA with an Accounting Concentration program can be completed in as little as 14 months. Students should take two courses in every eight-week session to earn the master’s degree in said time, but they can also set their course load in consultation with an academic advisor. Transfer credits from graduate-level coursework are also accepted and can shorten time-to-degree. 

Graduate students in the accounting program complete 39 credit hours of coursework that includes core courses, accounting concentration courses, and a capstone course. The courses include tax planning, financial statement analysis, strategic accounting issues, and forensic accounting. 

With its comprehensive curriculum, the online MBA in Accounting program truly prepares its students for leadership positions in the accounting and finance field! Yet another unique aspect of the online MBA program is its emphasis on building industry connections that result in networking opportunities. 

Admission into the accounting MBA program is on a selective basis, but GMAT/GRE scores aren’t required, and there’s no application fee. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree and a personal letter with an explanation about eligibility for graduate studies. 

Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University

Online MBA in Accounting Program 

Accredited by the ACBSP-Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, SNHU’s MBA in Accounting program allows students not only to earn a master’s degree but also to earn professional credentials. This is a 30-credit online MBA program with a one-year time-to-completion for full-time students (i.e., two classes per term). Students may also enroll on a part-time basis and earn the degree in two years, as well as switch from part-time to full-time enrolment and back, depending on their preference. 

Both non-accounting and accounting professionals are welcome to apply to the online MBA in Accounting program. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in business administration, accounting or finance, or any other field. Accepted students who don’t have an undergraduate degree in business administration, accounting, or finance will be required to complete two foundation courses; their program of study then becomes a 36-credit curriculum. 

All graduate students in the accounting MBA program learn the best practices to analyze financial reports and conduct financial reporting activities, among other accounting skills, as well as gain business administration know-how. Graduates gain leadership skills that complement their accounting skills, and their skill sets enable them to become more impactful business leaders. The online MBA in Accounting program also emphasizes tax-related matters in business administration, including tax research, regulations, and shelters. 

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

Texas A&M University Corpus Christi

Online MBA in Accounting Program

The MBA with an Accounting Concentration program, accredited by the AACSB, empowers students to become competitive in the business industry. Aside from their accounting expertise, graduates also possess effective leadership skills. 

The accounting program has a 36-credit curriculum consisting of foundation and concentration courses. Students can earn the MBA in Accounting degree in 1-2 years, depending on their course load. Both non-accounting and accounting professionals agree that it’s a challenging program with its emphasis on contemporary accounting principles and practices. 

Graduate students in the online MBA in Accounting program gain core business knowledge in accounting-related areas, too, including operations management, marketing management, and supply chain management. Since it’s an accounting program, there are also core accounting courses like Taxes and Business Strategy, Auditing and Assurance Services, and Forensic Accounting. The accounting MBA is then an excellent preparation for the CPA exam. 

Admission into the selective online MBA program requires a bachelor’s degree with at least a 2.5 GPA, satisfactory GMAT or GRE scores, and a current resume. A 500-word minimum essay is also required – the applicant must state their professional and educational goals in the personal statement. 

Syracuse University

Syracuse University

Online MBA in Accounting

Offered through the Martin J. Whitman School of Management, Syracuse’s MBA With Accounting Specialization program is among the best because of its exceptional quality of instruction. Graduate students in the online MBA program tackle a rigorous 36-credit curriculum, including core accounting classes like financial accounting, fraud examination, international accounting, financial statement analysis, and business strategy. 

The curriculum also features several electives that allow students to broaden their knowledge of business administration and accounting. The electives also customize their master’s degree to a certain extent. 

The online MBA can be completed in 24 months. Expert faculty with hands-on experiences in their field lead the students in their learning. 

Student outcomes in the online MBA in Accounting program emphasize knowledge and skills development in the advanced concepts of business administration and accounting. Analytical and critical thinking skills are also emphasized, as are research skills and professional conduct underlined by ethics. 

Alumni of the prestigious accounting MBA program are leaders in well-known companies like JP Morgan Chase, Bank of America, and Ares Management. Their career paths are varied, too, and it’s no wonder considering the comprehensive coverage of the MBA program. 

University of Texas Permian Basin

University of Texas Permian Basin

Online MBA in Accounting Program

Accredited by the AACSB, UTPB’s MBA with Accounting Emphasis program places equal emphasis on business leadership skills and on accounting skills. Both non-accounting and accounting professionals can apply to the program thanks to its unique structure. 

Among the online MBA Accounting programs featured here, this is the only one that offers two tracks: 

  • The Certified Public Accountant track prepares students for success in the CPA exam. Financial accounting, professional ethics, and federal income taxation are among the required electives. 
  • The non-CPA track allows students to customize their master’s degree and, thus, gain skills in accordance with their unique goals and interests. Students must choose electives in control systems, federal income taxation, fraud examination, and forensic accounting to earn the MBA degree. 

All accounting students in the online MBA program complete between 33 and 42 credit hours that include core courses in financial management, accounting analysis, and marketing management. Time-to-degree is as little as four semesters with full-time enrolment. On-campus professors teach online accounting classes, thus, ensuring high-quality academic instruction. 

Admission to the accounting MBA program requires a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA, minimum, in the last 60 credit hours earned. There’s a rolling admissions policy in the online MBA program and a $500 scholarship for Spring 2023 incoming students.  

Florida Atlantic University

Florida Atlantic University - College of Business

Online MBA in Accounting Program

The MBA in Accounting program at FAU is among the best programs for professionals who want to take the CPA exam or gain credits for their CPA license. Business managers, accounting professionals, and management consultants agree that the knowledge and skills learned here made them better leaders! 

The selective admission process of the accounting MBA program includes a one-on-one consultation with an academic advisor and an academic record review. Students should ideally have a bachelor’s degree in either accounting or taxation, but those who don’t have an undergraduate degree must comply with the specialization prerequisites. 

The accounting students in the online MBA program complete 40-46 credit hours to earn the master’s degree. The coursework includes core courses, concentration courses, and foundation courses in financial accounting and managerial accounting. The time-to-degree varies between 16 and 23 months, depending on the course load. The courses are delivered in eight-week terms. 

Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 or higher GPA and four years of professional work experience. GRE/GMAT scores aren’t required. 

William Paterson University

William Paterson University

Online MBA in Accounting Program

Accredited by the AACSB, WPU’s MBA in Accounting Concentration program is among the shortest MBA programs, with a 12-month time-to-completion. But with a short stay comes rigorous coursework that interested individuals must be aware of before applying to the online MBA program. 

The accounting concentration features a 30-credit curriculum that meets the standards for advanced accounting study, particularly for the CPA exam. Graduates pursue diverse paths in public accounting, taxation, and risk management, and more. 

The accounting students in the online MBA program take core courses, including an integrated learning capstone experience course as well as concentration courses. The latter includes comprehensive coverage of topics related to financial accounting and reporting, auditing and attestation, and taxation of individuals and business entities. The program of study also covers business analytics, international economics, and law and ethics, as well as accounting research. 

In the capstone course, students can choose a project with practical applications for their professional interests. Examples include workplace issues, startup business proposals, and independent research projects on business and accounting concerns. Students also develop their personal strategic plans. 

Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree, a professional resume, and official transcripts. 

Lamar University

Lamar University

Online MBA in Accounting Program

Business leadership skills combined with accounting know-how are at the heart of training in Lamar’s MBA in Accounting program. Students gain extensive knowledge about contemporary accounting principles and practices, including the regulations that govern them. Since business administration and accounting are ever-evolving, students also learn best practices to stay on top of the changes. 

MBA students in the accounting concentration can complete the program in as little as 12 months, thanks to its accelerated format. The 30-credit curriculum of the online MBA program consists of core and accounting courses. The core courses cover managerial accounting, financial management, international business, strategic management, and marketing management. Students choose three concentration courses internal and external financial reporting, financial statement analysis, and partnership taxation. 

Graduates of the accounting MBA program are among the best business professionals and are able to pursue diverse career paths, including C-suite management careers. Their career advancement opportunities are also in the healthcare, insurance, and information technology industries, as well as in the public and nonprofit sectors. 

Applicants must submit a completed application and pay a one-time application fee, as well as present proof of a bachelor’s degree and official transcripts from a regionally accredited institution. 

University of West Florida

University of West Florida

Online MBA in Accounting Program

The MBA with Accounting Emphasis program at UWF promises its students the opportunity to accelerate their professional careers in business administration and accounting. The real-world knowledge and skills acquired during their stay in the online MBA program give them a competitive edge not just in the job marketplace and in entrepreneurship but also in the CPA exam. 

The MBA students pursuing the accounting concentration must complete 36 credit hours and can earn the MBA degree in as few as 16 months. The MBA program courses include business analytics, business and public policy, financial management, and advanced managerial accounting and economics. The accounting specialization courses are in corporate tax, commercial law, and advanced auditing, among others. 

Note that admission to the online MBA in Accounting program requires a strong background in accounting, particularly a bachelor’s degree. Foundational proficiencies will also be determined during the admissions process. 

Students gain a wide range of skill sets during their stay in the MBA program, and these skills have real-world applications, too. Analysis of complex business problems and their cause and effect from the economic, finance, and management perspectives is among the most notable skills. Knowledge of financial and managerial accounting, federal income taxation, and accounting information systems is also on the agenda. 

Fitchburg State University

Fitchburg State University

Online MBA in Accounting Program

Fitchburg State’s MBA in Accounting program is among the best MBA programs accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education. Students benefit from the interactive, collaborative, and participatory learning environment that the faculty members encourage. Many of these faculty members are accounting professionals themselves, not to mention that professors who teach online courses also lead the on-campus classes. 

Students pursuing the online MBA degree train for challenging jobs, such as financial managers, operations managers, and accountants. The rigorous curriculum consists of 30 credit hours spread over the advanced core, accounting concentration, and elective courses. MBA students in the accounting concentration can earn the MBA degree in 12 months with accelerated study. 

In preparation for these challenging jobs, students take courses in accounting theory, management information systems, and strategic management, and more. There are three concentration courses, too – Advanced Managerial Accounting, Taxation for Managers, and Accounting Information Systems – that are designed for in-depth knowledge of modern accounting practices. 

A bachelor’s degree with no less than a 2.8 GPA is required for admission. Applicants must also submit a professional resume with details on relevant work experience. 

Ohio University

Ohio-University

Online MBA in Accounting Program

Accredited by the AACSB, Ohio’s MBA with Accounting Concentration program provides students with robust career support services like individual career coaching and personal branding support. These are in addition to the easy-to-access student support services for online MBA students. 

The MBA program is also designed for working professionals who want the convenience of online learning but want to learn in a rigorous program. With its 90-year experience – and counting – in business education, it’s the Buckeye State’s largest MBA degree conferrer. Plus, it offers generous financial aid packages, including a College of Business $5,000 scholarship! 

MBA students in the accounting concentration must complete three concentration courses – Intermediate Accounting Concepts, Advanced Accounting Concepts, and Accounting Information Systems. Each course tackles specific topics in accounting, such as fraud examination, forensic accounting, and cost accounting. 

The online MBA program has an in-person component known as the Leadership Development Conference. Here, students from various business programs at Ohio University meet during a two-day, on-campus event to interact with their peers and professors. MBA students may only attend the conference once to fulfill the requirement. 

University of Southern Indiana

University of Southern Indiana

Online MBA in Accounting Program

The AACSB has accredited USI’s MBA with a Concentration in Accounting program for several years. Graduates become leaders in the business industry thanks to their intensive academic and hands-on preparation in the program. Many have become senior accountants and auditors, chief financial controllers, and financial managers. 

The program of study emphasizes transferable skills that enable professionals to analyze complex business issues and propose practical solutions. The online MBA in Accounting program has a 30-credit curriculum that can be completed in as little as 11 months, among the fastest online MBA programs today. 

Applicants to the online MBA program will be evaluated based on their academic performance and leadership potential. A bachelor’s degree with at least a 2.5 GPA, professional references, and a professional resume are required for consideration. 

Once admitted to the MBA program, students in the accounting concentration must complete core and accounting courses. The core courses establish the foundation for solid business administration skills with an accounting-centric perspective, and these include financial management, financial markets, leadership skills, and innovation. The accounting courses focus on financial statement analysis and accounting compliance. 

St. Thomas University

St. Thomas University - Online

Online MBA in Accounting Program

With its general business administration and specialized accounting coursework, STU’s MBA with a Concentration in Accounting program builds practical business and accounting knowledge among working professionals. Students are encouraged to apply their lessons in their businesses and/or workplaces as well as to bring their work experiences and insights to the virtual classroom. 

Students can earn the online MBA in Accounting degree in just 12 months through an accelerated program of study. The regular curriculum consists of 36 credit hours for students with a business administration or accounting degree. The program of study can include foundation courses totaling nine credit hours – for a total of 45 credit hours – for students without the relevant educational background.  

The MBA program has seven-week courses during the regular term and six-week long courses during the two summer terms. Core courses in the online accounting MBA track include international business, managerial accounting, and business data analytics. Concentration courses cover international accounting, fraud examination, and forensic accounting. 

The admission criteria for the online MBA program differ depending on the cumulative GPA of an applicant’s bachelor’s degree. Applicants with a 2.75 GPA or greater, for example, may only submit their resumes and transcripts for evaluation. Still, applicants with a 2.33 to 2.49 GPA must also show proof of at least four years of progressive administrative professional experience. 

Emporia State University

Emporia State University

Online MBA in Accounting Program

With accreditation by the AACSB, the MBA with Accounting Concentration program at Emporia State complies with the rigorous academic standards of the best business schools. Earned credits can be counted toward the 150-credit requirement for the CPA exam. Faculty members with hands-on business experiences working with students in their online learning for this purpose. 

The 100% online MBA in Accounting program with its 33-credit curriculum features accelerated seven-week courses. Time-to-completion is two years, but it depends on each student’s course load per term. Students benefit from the rigorous program of study by gaining advanced accounting expertise that will serve them well in leadership positions.

The core courses, such as managerial economics, financial management, and quantitative analysis, are designed to develop practical decision-making skills in the business area. Students complete a capstone course that demonstrates their learnings and applications in their profession. 

The MBA in Accounting online program’s concentration courses provide students with the tools, techniques, and insights in understanding advanced management accounting, federal income taxation, and accounting theory. Students choose from several electives, such as advanced auditing and fraud examination, which will expand their accounting expertise. 

This is an affordable MBA program that can be completed in 12 months, thus, reducing the total cost of attendance, lost income, and opportunity costs. Applicants to the online MBA program can choose from six start dates.  

University of Scranton

University of Scranton

Online MBA in Accounting Program

Scranton’s Kania School of Management, which offers the popular but selective MBA Accounting Specialization program, is among the best business schools in the United States. The MBA program itself is accredited by the highly selective Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. 

Students in the online MBA program attest to the excellent student support and career services provided by Scranton from admission to graduation. These include simulations, tools, and networks, as well as an IT help desk that ensures a positive learning experience from day one. 

Yet another aspect that makes the online MBA in Accounting program attractive to working professionals is its non-cohort, part-time model. Students can then proceed at their own pace while still meeting target milestones in the two-year master’s degree program. 

Students in the MBA with an Accounting Specialization program complete 36 to 48 credit hours to earn the graduate degree. The accounting specialization courses cover advanced topics in financial reporting and research, auditing, managerial accounting, and taxation. Since accounting is the language of business, students also develop their accounting communication skills.  

Graduates can sit for the CPA exam and qualify for other industry certification exams. But first, admission is selective, with applicants required to have a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 or greater GPA, three years of relevant work experience, and letters of reference, among others. 

La Salle University

LaSalle University

Online MBA in Accounting Program

The AACSB-accredited MBA Accounting Specialization program at La Salle provides students with the convenience, flexibility, and affordability that they want in the best MBA programs. Students learn advanced business administration and accounting concepts through a comprehensive curriculum that emphasizes real-world applications. 

Graduates of the online MBA – Accounting Specialization program are well-prepared for leadership roles in the business, accounting, and finance fields. Many are engaged in accounting research and development, too, which promotes the field while also adding to its body of knowledge. Graduates have gained in-depth knowledge of online privacy, ERP systems, and financial security issues, which is uncommon in MBA programs. 

Students in the online MBA in Accounting program must complete 33-42 credits and earn the degree in 14-16 months of full-time study. The MBA program features foundation, core, and specialization courses that contribute to a well-rounded graduate business education. There’s also an integrative capstone course that wraps up, so to speak, their training and showcases their learnings. 

The GRE/GMAT scores requirement may or may not be waived depending on an applicant’s academic performance and professional experience. 

St. Cloud State University

St. Cloud State University

Online MBA in Accounting Program

The AACSB-accredited Herberger Business School offers its prestigious MBA with an Accounting Concentration program to the best and brightest, too. Students can earn the degree in as few as ten months but must be prepared for a challenging curriculum that emphasizes a balance between business acumen and accounting expertise. 

The 30-credit online MBA in Accounting program focuses on the advanced theories, principles, and practices of 21st-century accounting. Students become experts in financial statement analysis, business strategies, and information systems, as well as operations management, financial management, and marketing management. The emphasis on experiential learning also contributes to the student’s ability to find real-world applications for their learnings, particularly in their current workplaces and/or businesses. 

Such business administration and accounting expertise are developed through a combination of core and concentration courses. Students must also complete a master’s degree culminating project and a seminar in accounting to earn the online MBA degree. 

The MBA programs at St. Cloud State have a selective admissions process, and thus, students in the accounting concentration must meet high academic expectations. While GMAT scores aren’t required, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree with at least a 2.75 GPA. 

Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University

Online MBA in Accounting Program

Students in the MBA in Accounting online program learn about the accounting principles and practices that underline business stability and growth in the 21st century. Bookkeeping and other accounting-related aspects are discussed along with advanced concepts in economics, marketing management, and operations management. The result is a well-rounded graduate education that prepares students for leadership roles in the public and private sectors. 

GCU being a Christian university, the Colangelo College of Business emphasizes the greater good that students and alumni of the online MBA programs can have on their local communities and beyond. Students learn that, indeed, a business can be a force for good, and doing business founded on the values of conscious capitalism is possible. 

Among the courses in the online accounting MBA program toward this end are Leadership and Organizations. Accounting courses include advanced financial accounting and financial statement analysis, finance principles, and applied business probability and statistics. Students must then have a good balance of communication and math skills to thrive in the MBA program. 

This is a 54-credit program that can be completed in two years. The courses have eight-week lengths and are delivered via an intuitive online learning platform. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the other professional credentials aside from being a Certified Public Accountant that can be pursued with an MBA in Accounting degree? 

Your online MBA in Accounting degree can also be used in pursuing equally prestigious professional certifications like: 

  • Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), a professional with expertise in the internal control and audit of information systems in a wide range of industries, including businesses, government agencies, and nonprofits. 
  • Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA), an authority on management accounting, including the development of management strategies 
  • Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), a professional with expertise in risk analysis, financial portfolio management, and investment consulting at the individual and organizational levels 

Indeed, the beauty of the master’s degree in business administration with an accounting specialization is its versatility in the application! 

Who is the ideal candidate for an online MBA in Accounting degree? 

There really isn’t a single ideal mold for the best candidates for online accounting MBA programs, particularly as each master’s degree program has its unique academic requirements and expectations. But if these aspects resonate with you, consider an online MBA in Accounting program:

  • You want to take advantage of career advancement opportunities that come with a master’s degree. 
  • Your thirst for knowledge about business administration and accounting can be satisfied with an online MBA in Accounting degree. 
  • You are a busy working professional who will benefit from the convenience and flexibility of online learning. 
  • You are a business owner and/or manager who has extensive business administration experience but wants to improve your accounting knowledge and skills for improved business performance. 

Note that a master’s degree in business administration isn’t an easy degree to achieve. The best online MBA programs have intensive and rigorous coursework that demands effective time management, organizational, and study skills. 

How much will a Master’s degree in Business Administration with an Accounting specialization cost? 

In general, online MBA programs can be more affordable than their on-campus counterparts because there’s less traveling, room and board, and other campus-related expenses. But it must also be emphasized that earning a master’s degree can be expensive, and accounting MBAs aren’t an exception. This is partly due to the fact that the cost of higher education has outpaced the inflation rate in the United States. 

Earning a master’s degree can also result in lost income and opportunity costs that, in turn, can add not just to the financial cost but also the emotional toll. This is particularly true for full-time MBA programs that preclude full-time employment – and that’s where the beauty of online MBA programs comes in. Students can maintain full-time employment while earning their master’s degree, thanks to the benefits of online learning. 

In terms of cost in dollars, the average cost of an MBA degree is $61,800, but it can range from a low of $34,000 to $112,000+ for a two-year program.  If cost is an issue, graduate students can apply for federal financial aid, with the most popular being the  Federal Stafford Loan and the Federal Grad PLUS Loan. Many employers also offer tuition reimbursements, while business schools can also have scholarship programs for graduate students, among other forms of financial aid. 

Is an MBA in Accounting degree worth the time and money spent?

The answer to this question depends on your particular goals and career aspirations. An MBA in Accounting can be a valuable addition to your resume and might help you to stand out in a competitive job market, but it also costs a significant amount of time and money to complete. Consider the return on investment you hope to receive before pursuing an MBA in Accounting.


Wrap Up

Being a graduate student in an MBA in Accounting degree program has its challenges, from the cost of tuition and other fees to the rigorous coursework. Still, these become a thing of the past when excellent career advancement opportunities are within your reach! Earning an online MBA in Accounting degree isn’t different from earning an on-campus MBA in Accounting degree, too, since these master’s degrees usually have the same curriculum and faculty. Many online MBA programs even encourage their students to enjoy face-to-face interactions with their peers through orientations, seminars, and group projects. 

So, what are you waiting for? Go back to the list of the best online MBA in Accounting programs and choose the best one for you! 


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