Learn what it takes to get a master's degree in accounting
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Both an MBA with a focus in accounting and a Master of Accounting (MAcc) will prepare you for managerial positions within the field of accounting.
The degrees differ, however, in that the MBA degree will give you broader business skills that are transferable to other arenas while the MAcc will provide you with greater specific accounting expertise and training for the CPA exam. It is important to note, though, that some MBA programs also offer the credit hours required to sit for the CPA exam.
MBA With a Focus in Accounting
The MBA degree's broad curriculum teaches the client management and business strategy concepts that will help in jobs that are more geared towards management. The courses within the accounting concentration primarily emphasize the overlap between general management and business and in-depth accounting applications and concepts.
MAcc (Master of Accounting)
The MAcc curriculum focuses more on preparing students for the CPA exam and the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) exam. MAcc programs also include courses dealing with research, business valuation, cost management, information systems, auditing, policy, taxation, consulting services, and financial and managerial accounting.
Sample Accounting MBA and MAcc Program Details
Required Courses
Accounting for Managers
Financial Statement Analysis
Business Research for Decision Making
Economics for the Global Manager
A Managerial Approach to Marketing
Leadership & Ethics for Managers
Global Financial Management
Strategic Management
Accounting Foundations Courses
Managerial Accounting
Intermediate Accounting I
Intermediate Accounting II
Federal Taxes and Management Decisions
Intermediate Accounting III
Accounting and Finance: Managerial Use and Analysis
CPA Emphasis Courses
External Auditing
Advanced Financial Accounting and Reporting Issues or Business Law: Strategic Considerations for Managers and Owners
Financial Management Capstone: The Role of the Chief Financial Officer
Managerial Finance
Advanced Managerial Finance
CPA Exam-Preparation Courses
CPA Exam Preparation: Auditing and Attestation
CPA Exam Preparation: Business Environment and Concepts
CPA Exam Preparation: Financial Accounting and Reporting
CPA Exam Preparation: Regulation
Elective Course (Choose any one course)
Northeastern University - College of Business Administration
Northeastern offers its AACSB-accredited MBA program in a 100 percent online format. They are a world leader in practice-based education focused on expanding students' managerial skills and knowledge base.
Strayer University
Strayer University is dedicated to helping busy, working adults achieve their educational goals with a valuable, real world education in a fast, convenient format offered online or at one of many campus locations.
University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix makes quality higher education highly accessible for working students through convenient campus locations and flexible online classes. Get a real-world education with real value.
