The right Master’s course can make all the difference in your future career. Whether you want to become a CPA, enter corporate leadership, or just explore an area of interest, a quality program will lead you to your goal.
However, that doesn’t make choosing which program to take in the accounting field easier. Two of the most popular graduate tracks for accountants and business leaders are the MBA in Accounting concentration and the Master’s in Accounting. They sound similar, but these degrees vary in quite a few ways.
If you’re not sure what the difference is between an MBA in Accounting vs. a Master’s in Accounting, don’t worry. This guide will help you decide which best aligns with your goals.
Degree overview
Before any specifics, you should understand the main focuses of a Master’s in Accounting vs. an MBA in Accounting and the type of student they’re made for.
MBA in Accounting
An MBA in Accounting is a general business degree with a concentration in accounting. You’ll take core courses in marketing, operations, leadership, and accounting. It aims to build well-rounded professionals who understand financial data and how to use it to lead teams and make strategic decisions.
Master’s in Accounting
A Master’s in Accounting mainly focuses on technical accounting. It’s made for students who want to specialize in accounting and prepares graduates for the CPA exam. The curriculum puts taxation, auditing, and financial reporting in the spotlight.
Curriculum comparison
The main difference between an MBA in Accounting vs. a Master’s in Accounting is the scope of the curriculum. The Master’s in Accounting is more narrowly focused on accounting, while the MBA in Accounting degree covers wider business topics.
MBA in Accounting
- Core focus: Based on general business knowledge with an accounting concentration. You’ll learn how to manage teams, make strategic decisions, and understand broader operations while studying accounting.
- Curriculum scope: Includes coursework in marketing, economics, finance, organizational behavior, and operations management.
- CPA preparation: Not all programs are designed to fulfill CPA exam requirements, but many offer electives or certificates to prepare students.
- Admissions requirements: Open to applicants from various backgrounds. Most don’t require prior coursework in accounting.
Master’s in Accounting
- Core focus: Specializing in developing deeper technical skills in accounting. This includes a focus on financial reporting, auditing, and taxation.
- Curriculum scope: Includes coursework in corporate taxation, auditing standards, government accounting, and accounting information systems.
- CPA preparation: Structured to meet most U.S. states’ 150-credit hour requirement for CPA licensure. Many programs include CPA exam support pre-integrated.
- Admissions requirements: A bachelor’s degree in accounting or completion of specific prerequisite courses.
University of Bridgeport’s Ernest C. Trefz School of Business!
Career paths
Another difference between an MBA in Accounting vs. a Master’s in Accounting? The career options after graduation. No matter which program you choose, it provides valuable skills, but the career outcomes might change.
MBA in Accounting
Graduates with an MBA in Accounting degree are set up for leadership roles requiring business insight and financial knowledge. This degree is helpful for those interested in pivoting industries or stepping into executive roles. Career outcomes can include:
- Financial Manager
- Controller
- CFO
- Strategic Consultant
- Operations Manager
Master’s in Accounting
Comparing the Master’s in Accounting vs. MBA in Accounting, this degree is ideal for those pursuing a public or specialized accounting career. It’s especially helpful for students wanting to become CPAs and work in audit, tax, or forensic accounting. Some popular careers with this degree are:
- Auditor
- Tax Advisor
- Forensic Accountant
- Staff Accountant
- Financial Analyst
Time, flexibility, and program structure
Another consideration when deciding on an MBA vs. a Master’s in Accounting is each program’s length and flexibility. This is important if you’re balancing work or other responsibilities.
MBA in Accounting
- Length: Typically completed in two years of full-time study, although one-year options are available at some institutions.
- Formats: Many programs offer hybrid or online formats, ideal for professionals advancing their careers while working.
- Experiential learning: Internships, consulting projects, case competitions, and leadership development workshops.
- Cohort-based: Many MBA programs are structured around cohorts, allowing students to complete the program with the same group while networking.
Master’s in Accounting
- Length: Typically shorter than an MBA, the Master’s in Accounting can usually be completed full-time in 12 to 18 months.
- Rigidity and focus: More structured and intensive, due to CPA preparation. Most programs follow a prescribed course sequence with limited elective options.
- Early career targeted: Geared toward recent undergraduates with an accounting background who are looking to complete CPA requirements quickly.
- Fewer scheduling options: These programs do not typically offer the same virtual or hybrid options that MBA programs do.
Additional considerations
While curriculum, careers, and time commitments are major factors, other variables may play into choosing your degree. Let’s look at some more points that could tip the scales for the MBA vs. Master’s in Accounting.
Professional goals
Think about where you want to be in five to ten years. Do you want to rise into management, lead a department, or explore multiple business opportunities? In that case, an MBA gives you those skills. It’s also a great option if you’re transitioning from another industry. However, if you want to specialize in Accounting and become a CPA quickly, the Master’s in Accounting will give you a more direct and technical path.
Industry expectations
In public accounting firms, a Master’s in Accounting is often the expected credential for entry-level roles and CPA-track careers. While in private industry, corporate finance, and entrepreneurial settings, an MBA in Accounting degree may be more appealing due to its broad business foundation and leadership focus.
Which degree is right for you?
Both the MBA in Accounting concentration and the Master’s in Accounting offer distinct advantages, and the right one for you depends on your goals, background, and preferred career direction.
For a solid foundation in business, leadership opportunities, and broader career flexibility, the MBA in Accounting might be a better fit, especially if you want to grow beyond traditional accounting roles. It’s also ideal for professionals looking to make a career pivot, develop their strategic thinking, or eventually lead a company.
University of Bridgeport offers a flexible and versatile MBA in Accounting program for today’s future leaders. With internships and expert faculty, this program prepares students for success across accounting and leadership roles.