Best MBA in Accounting Programs 2025
Credit: Witthaya Prasongsin / Moment / Getty ImagesEarning 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
The University of Texas at Dallas
Richardson, TX- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You Should Know
UT Dallas' MBA with a concentration in accounting provides in-person full-time and online part-time options. The online program offers classes synchronously and asynchronously. Online students must complete exams in testing centers. The part-time program offers three start dates throughout the year.
The 53-credit curriculum includes 32 core and 21 elective credits. Part-time students can complete the program at their own pace but must finish within six years.
Applicants may need to submit GMAT or GRE scores if their undergraduate GPA is 3.3 or less. Successful MBA enrollees had an average undergraduate GPA of 3.6 and a median age of 28.
Highlights
- Online career support
- Dual MS and MBA program available
Considerations
- Only part-time program for online attendees
- Attendees may need to complete a no-credit prerequisite course
- The guaranteed tuition rate plan has a higher starting cost than the variable tuition rate
- In-State$16,412
- Out-of-state$45,100
- In-State$15,088
- Out-of-state$29,252
- Retention Rate88%
- Acceptance Rate65%
- Students Enrolled30,885
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment36%
- AccreditationYes
Touro University
- New York, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You Should Know
Touro's MBA program offers seven specializations, including forensic accounting. The 42-credit curriculum consists of 30 general and 12 specialization credits. Forensic accounting students can choose from 12 electives, including international accounting, leadership, or advanced auditing.
Students must complete a capstone course, including a project that demonstrates business knowledge. Students may also complete a business-related internship for 3-6 credits. Part-time attendees typically complete the program in 2-3 years.
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Individuals with a GPA below 3.0 may require an interview or prerequisite course. Forensic accounting MBA applicants must also have completed seven prerequisite courses with a grade of B or better.
Highlights
- Sign up for a free audit course before enrolling
- Students and alums can have one-on-one sessions with career counselors
Considerations
- MBA courses cost $950 per credit
- Limited MBA scholarship opportunities
- In-State$18,560
- Out-of-state$18,560
- In-State$13,068
- Out-of-state$13,068
- Retention Rate84%
- Acceptance Rate71%
- Students Enrolled11,111
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment58%
- AccreditationYes
University of Georgia
- Athens, GA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You Should Know
UGA's MBA program offers an optional concentration in accounting that provides fully online and asynchronous lectures. Students can complete the part-time program within 17-23 months if they commit 20 hours per week to studying and coursework. The program has accreditation from the AACSB.
The curriculum consists of 16 courses, including 10 core and six elective classes. Students may need to work with classmates to complete live assignments. The program offers optional certifications in leading change, workforce diversity, and Lean Six Sigma Green Belt. Students can participate in an in-person domestic or international residency to gain real-life work experience.
Highlights
- Team-based assignments to connect with classmates
- Virtual information sessions
- Automatic scholarship consideration
Considerations
- Requires two years of working experience
- In-State$9,790
- Out-of-state$28,830
- In-State$8,878
- Out-of-state$25,186
- Retention Rate95%
- Acceptance Rate37%
- Students Enrolled41,615
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment20%
- AccreditationYes
University of Denver
- Denver, CO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You Should Know
DU's full-time MBA program offers multiple concentration options, including accounting. The degree consists of 80 course credits and a no-credit summer internship. Students must have an overall 3.0 or higher GPA to graduate.
Students must complete four real-world projects, including entrepreneurship, social, corporate, and global challenges. These team-based projects require working with a faculty advisor and personal coach to help a corporate, local, or global partner. The entrepreneurship project consists of creating a theoretical startup while the other projects may vary.
Prospective students must have at least two years of work experience in any field. Applicants do not need to submit GMAT or GRE scores.
Highlights
- Tuition includes a trip abroad
- Over 80% of admitted students receive merit-based financial aid
- Automatic scholarship consideration
Considerations
- One start date per year
- Two-year tuition cost of $98,880
- In-State$55,260
- Out-of-state$55,260
- In-State$55,260
- Out-of-state$55,260
- Retention Rate88%
- Acceptance Rate71%
- Students Enrolled13,384
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment36%
- AccreditationYes
Clark University
- Worcester, MA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You Should Know
Clark's MBA provides multiple concentration options, including accounting and expanded accounting. The expanded accounting concentration provides courses that help students prepare for the Uniform Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Examination. The MBA program has received accreditation from the AACSB.
The MBA degree offers multiple options, including in-person, accelerated, full-time, and part-time programs. The online MBA program does not offer an accounting concentration. Students must complete 12 courses, including three electives and nine core courses. Additionally, students must complete a summer internship.
Individuals can apply by submitting an online form, application fee, and required documentation. The school requires GMAT or GRE scores, but offers waivers for qualified students. Waiver requirements include an undergraduate degree with a 3.2 or above GPA, CPA licensure, or five years of managerial work experience.
Highlights
- Individuals with three or more years of managerial experience may receive a course waiver
- Opportunity to work on research projects
Considerations
- Must complete an economics prerequisite course through an accredited university
- Cost of $1,658 per credit
- In-State$52,000
- Out-of-state$52,000
- In-State$47,650
- Out-of-state$47,650
- Retention Rate88%
- Acceptance Rate42%
- Students Enrolled4,148
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment16%
- AccreditationYes
Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus
- Madison, NJ
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You Should Know
FDU's MBA offers a specialization in accounting. Attendees interested in taking the CPA exam can schedule a meeting with the department chair to discuss exam requirements and recommended courses.
The MBA program offers in-person and hybrid choices. The hybrid option offers online asynchronous courses and a weekly Saturday in-person class. Students can typically complete the AACSB-accredited program within 2-3 years.
The curriculum consists of 15 courses, including three accounting specialization classes and a capstone course. Students can waive up to four courses if they meet the minimum grade requirement, complete the course within the last five years, and provide a course syllabus copy.
Highlights
- In-person and hybrid programs have the same tuition rate
- Classes have a 25-student limit
Considerations
- Lack of elective options; the program pre-selects all courses
- The MBA accounting concentration does not qualify for the bachelor's-to-master's path
- Minimum 3.0 GPA from an AACSB-accredited school or 3.2 GPA from a non-AACSB accredited school for admission
- In-State$38,811
- Out-of-state$38,811
- In-State$21,279
- Out-of-state$21,279
- Retention Rate80%
- Acceptance Rate89%
- Students Enrolled2,823
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment23%
- AccreditationYes
Chapman University
- Orange, CA
- 4 year
- Campus
What You Should Know
Chapman's full-time MBA program offers eight concentrations, including accounting. The MBA curriculum has 50 credit units, including 35 core and 15 elective credits. Students can pursue the concentration by taking at least three qualified accounting electives. Attendees must maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher to graduate. Each course must have a grade of C+ or higher to count towards graduation.
Individuals can apply online by submitting an application, required documentation, and a GRE or GMAT score. The MBA class profile consists of attendees with an average 3.4-3.9 GPA, 600-660 GMAT score, and 1-4 years of working experience.
Highlights
- Offers merit-based scholarships
- Has employer partnerships, on-campus recruiting events, and career development services
Considerations
- Required interview for admittance
- Tuition cost of $2,015 per credit
- In-State$60,288
- Out-of-state$60,288
- In-State$37,603
- Out-of-state$37,603
- Retention Rate90%
- Acceptance Rate56%
- Students Enrolled9,961
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment2%
- AccreditationYes
University of Bridgeport
- Bridgeport, CT
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You Should Know
UB's MBA program offers a concentration in accounting that focuses on integrating business and accounting skills. The program offers fully online and in-person choices. On-campus courses provide flexible options, including day, evening, and weekend classes.
The program's curriculum has 36 credits, including core, concentration, and capstone courses. Students must complete three capstone courses, including an integration, practicum, and experiential course. The experiential course offers various choices, including a case study, internship, or thesis.
Students with a non-business degree may need to complete two preparatory classes in accounting and management. They can take these preparatory classes through the MBA program.
Highlights
- Business degree-holders can waive up to 12 credits
- Can complete the degree within a year
- Seven years to finish the program
Considerations
- The school only offers $3,000 and $4,000 graduate scholarships
- In-person MBAs cost 50% more than the online MBA
- In-State$32,860
- Out-of-state$32,860
- In-State$19,096
- Out-of-state$19,096
- Retention Rate68%
- Acceptance Rate82%
- Students Enrolled3,988
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment67%
- AccreditationYes
Iowa State University
- Ames, IA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You Should Know
Iowa State's MBA offers 11 specialization options, including accounting and accounting analytics. Attendees can pursue up to two specializations concurrently. The accounting specialization focuses on traditional accounting skills, while the accounting analytics specialization focuses on data and receives a STEM designation.
The program's curriculum has 48 credits, including 30 required and 18 elective credits. Attendees can select nine relevant elective credits to complete a specialization. Up to one course can be used in two different specializations.
Students can pursue a bachelor's-to-MBA or dual-degree option. The bachelor's-to-MBA option can be completed within five years. Applicants for the bachelor's-to-MBA program typically have a minimum 3.0 GPA and 600 GMAT score.
The dual-degree program allows attendees to combine an MBA with another master's degree. Some courses can count toward both degrees, lowering the overall cost and time commitment. Students can choose among 10 applicable dual-degree programs, including a master of accountancy or master of business analytics.
Highlights
- MBA students can add a 12-15 credit graduate certificate
- Scholarships and assistantships do not require additional forms
- Mandatory two-day business case competition
Considerations
- Only 30-35 competitive assistantships offered per year
- In-state students pay $818 per credit while out-of-state students pay $1,825 per credit
- In-State$8,982
- Out-of-state$26,168
- In-State$10,572
- Out-of-state$26,776
- Retention Rate85%
- Acceptance Rate89%
- Students Enrolled30,177
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment55%
- AccreditationYes
Chicago State University
- Chicago, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You Should Know
CSU's MBA with a concentration in accounting caters to working professionals by offering courses on Friday evening and Saturday. The curriculum includes 36 credits and can be completed within four semesters.
Students must take core courses, concentration electives, and one capstone class. The capstone course offers three focuses, including management for nonprofit organizations, entrepreneurial management, and strategic management.
Prospective students need an undergraduate degree with a minimum 2.75 GPA. Applicants should also have completed prerequisite courses in accounting, statistics, economics, and finance. Individuals can meet the prerequisite requirements through undergraduate courses, standalone accredited classes, or relevant work experience.
Highlights
- Offers a for-cost, on-campus daycare for children aged 3-5. Parents may qualify for childcare assistance
- Provides full-time and part-time internship opportunities
Considerations
- Mandatory interview during the application process
- Charges mandatory fees based on credit hours
- In-State$7,656
- Out-of-state$7,656
- In-State$5,976
- Out-of-state$11,679
- Retention Rate55%
- Acceptance Rate49%
- Students Enrolled2,317
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment60%
- AccreditationYes
Why Get an MBA Degree in Accounting?
Meet CPA Requirements
If you want to become a CPA, earning an MBA in accounting can help you meet the 150-credit requirement for licensure. Many states require business classes and accounting courses, and an MBA can provide an ideal way to meet your state’s educational requirements.Increase Earning Potential
An MBA can help you increase your earning potential. According to April 2025 Payscale data, professionals with MBAs earn an average salary of $99,000. In comparison, Payscale data from this period also reveals that individuals with master of accounting degrees earn an average of $83,000. Earning potential varies widely by job title, location, and industry.Move Into Management Roles
The leadership and management courses in an MBA program offer strong preparation for management roles, including as a financial manager or accounting manager. These career advancement paths offer greater responsibilities and stronger earning potential.
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.
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.
Cost and Financial Aid
The right MBA should fit your budget. In addition to the program’s tuition rate, research your financial aid opportunities, including institutional scholarships.Location and Delivery Method
With online, in-person, and hybrid options, you’ll want a program that matches your schedule, budget, and learning style. Location can also affect cost and employment opportunities.Business School Resources
Beyond the reputation of each business school, consider its student resources, career services, and alumni network.Experiential Learning Opportunities
Completing an internship during your MBA can broaden your professional network and lead to employment opportunities after graduation. Make sure to research each program’s practical learning expectations before applying.
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.
Common Questions About MBAs in Accounting
An MBA in accounting is a graduate degree in business with a concentration in accounting. MBA students take core business classes and advanced accounting courses to develop analytical, strategic, and decision-making skills.
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