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Master Degrees in Accounting: MAcc and MBA

Learn what it takes to get a master degree in accounting

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Accounting MBA

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. Find accounting MBA programs.

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. Find MAcc programs.

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Sample Accounting MBA and MAcc Program Details

American Intercontinental University

American Intercontinental University—MBA with a Concentration in Accounting and Finance

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

DeVry University

DeVry University—Master of Accounting and Financial Management with a Certified Public Accountant Emphasis

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)