Online MBA in accounting
An MBA in accounting program can teach you business, leadership, and accounting skills. Read on to discover program details and common career paths.
See all MBA programsWhy earn an MBA in accounting online?
Flexibility
Asynchronous programs can help you balance your career and school responsibilities.
Versatile skills
Learn skills that you can apply to multiple career paths, including financial analysis, taxation, and marketing.
Connections
MBA in accounting programs can offer networking opportunities through classmates, professors, and school-organized events.
Master of business administration (MBA) in accounting programs can prepare you to pursue a career in business, accounting, or finance. You should understand the requirements and benefits of an MBA in accounting degree before applying. The following page highlights key career paths, courses, and admissions requirements.
See all MBA programs with an accounting focus
What careers can you get with an online MBA in accounting?
MBA in accounting programs consist of general business and specialized accounting courses. Graduates can pursue a career in either field. However, many MBAs emphasize accounting.
Accounting careers exist in almost every industry. Companies may require accounting professionals to monitor financial statements, control costs, and forecast budgets. Depending on your preference, you can pursue in-person or remote jobs.
Professionals with more credentials may qualify for senior positions and promotion opportunities. Managerial roles may be available to professionals with relevant work experience or an education in management.
Common jobs for MBA degree-holders: Accountant, auditor, financial analyst, budget analyst, tax manager
Salary expectations
MBA-holder salaries can vary based on career path, industry, and location. However, the 2023 median annual salary for common business and financial occupations was $79,050, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Below are the median salaries in 2023 for common jobs that MBA graduates can pursue, with data from BLS:
You may start your career with a below-average salary as you gain experience and additional skills. Companies may increase salaries over time based on years of experience, promotions, credentials, and cost-of-living adjustments.
Career outlook for MBA graduates
The accounting, finance, and business fields encompass many careers with different expected growth rates. The BLS projects certain careers will grow within the next decade while others may shrink. For example, jobs for cost estimators are expected to decrease by 4%, while roles for market research analysts will grow by 8% from 2023 to 2033.
Overall, the BLS projects 963,500 job openings per year for business and financial occupations between 2023 and 2033. You can review the BLS website to help determine your ideal career path.
What can you expect from an online MBA degree in accounting?
MBA in accounting programs teach managerial and leadership skills combined with accounting knowledge. Graduates can pursue careers that require auditing, taxation, or forensic accounting skills. MBA programs aim to include enough accounting and business courses to satisfy state-specific certified public accountant (CPA) requirements.
Each program has its own curriculum, which typically includes 30 to 72 credits. Full-time students can complete the program within 10 to 30 months. Part-time attendees can complete courses on a flexible, asynchronous schedule but may have a maximum time limit to complete the program.
General MBA programs can offer multiple specialization tracks, including accounting. Students can personalize their accounting track by choosing relevant electives.
Admissions for online MBA in accounting programs
MBA in accounting programs may have different application requirements. Highly sought-after schools may have more stringent requirements than the average MBA program. Many MBA programs may require you to submit:
- An application form
- Application fee
- Résumé
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal essay or statement of purpose
- Official transcripts from an accredited university
- GMAT or GRE scores (some programs may waive this requirement)
Some schools may require a minimum GPA of 2.8. However, if you do not meet the minimum GPA requirements, you may be considered for admission based on your work history or standardized test scores.
Check individual programs for exact admissions requirements.
Curriculum for online MBAs in accounting
MBA in accounting program curriculums can include core, elective, concentration, and foundational courses. The following list highlights common classes found in most programs.
- Accounting for managers: This course teaches students how to review financial statements to understand a company's fiscal health. Professionals can use managerial accounting to identify unprofitable projects and forecast costs.
- Taxation: Taxation courses cover tax laws and regulations for individuals, corporations, estates, and trusts. Course topics may include business deductions, federal tax rates, and personal expenses.
- International accounting: International accounting courses explore key differences between U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and international financial reporting standards. Professors may review the challenges of international businesses, including foreign currency transactions and inflation.
- Options and futures: This course discusses complicated financial derivatives and their use in risk management. Students may learn about pricing models, strategies, and arbitrages.
- Marketing: Marketing courses can discuss market analysis, common marketing strategies, and marketing management. Learn about pricing strategies, product development, and typical industry challenges.