Professionals looking to advance in the accounting field often consider two graduate-level options: a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in accounting and a Master of Accounting (MAcc). While both degrees can lead to high-impact roles in finance, leadership and accounting, they serve different purposes and have distinct career trajectories.
An MBA in Accounting combines business administration and strategy with accounting principles, making it ideal for individuals seeking leadership roles that require financial and managerial acumen. A Master of Accounting focuses on the technical work of accounting, opening doors to private practice or high-level finance roles.
This guide explores these two degrees, comparing their curricula, career outcomes and key differences. With these insights, you can select the path that best suits your goals, interests and vision for the future.
What Is an MBA in Accounting?
STU’s online MBA with a specialization in Accounting program combines general business coursework with practical accounting knowledge. Students develop real-world accounting skills while refining their ability to take on roles as ethical business leaders.
Curriculum Focus
The curriculum covers topics in business administration, ethical leadership and accounting. It includes courses such as Business Data Analytics and Global Marketing Concepts and Strategies, paired with specialized accounting courses like International Accounting, Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination, which provide students with practical tools to make informed financial decisions in a business context. Students also enroll in one of two ethics courses, Organizational Behavior or Management Ethics, which reinforces the importance of responsible leadership.
Ideal Candidates
The program is designed for professionals who want to advance into management roles where business and accounting intersect. It’s especially well-suited for individuals seeking cross-functional leadership roles in finance, operations or consulting.
Benefits and Drawbacks
An accounting MBA can lead to career flexibility, strong earning potential and access to leadership and management positions. However, for those aiming for CPA licensure or specialized accounting roles, the MBA may lack the technical depth of a dedicated MAcc program.
Career Opportunities
The degree opens several career pathways to leadership roles in many business sectors. Graduates are prepared for roles including the following:
- Accounting supervisor
- Finance manager
- Financial controller
- Operations manager
- Tax manager
What Is a Master of Accounting?
STU’s online Master of Accounting program is a specialized graduate program that focuses on the technical, regulatory and strategic aspects of public accounting. The degree provides the coursework and skills required for CPA exam licensure requirements and other roles in public accounting, financial reporting or auditing.
Curriculum
The MAcc curriculum dives into core courses such as Advanced Auditing, Advanced Accounting Information Systems, Advanced Taxation and International Accounting. Students also explore practical accounting applications through courses like Fraud Examination and Forensic Accounting. An entrepreneurship class is also included, helping students develop the abilities to start their own independent practices or consulting firms.
Ideal Candidates
The MAcc is ideal for candidates who have a strong foundation in accounting principles and are looking to advance their careers in the field. The program prepares students for the CPA exam and various high-level accounting roles in public, private or governmental sectors. Students without an undergraduate degree in accounting may still be eligible for the program, but may need to complete prerequisite coursework.
Benefits and Drawbacks
One of the key benefits of having an MAcc is its alignment with CPA exam requirements, making it a strong choice for those pursuing certification. The program also supports entry into highly technical or niche accounting roles within large accounting firms, international corporations and government agencies.
Because it is narrower in scope than an MBA in accounting, a MAcc degree may be less versatile for those seeking more career and role flexibility. The benefit ultimately depends on your personal career goals.
Career Opportunities
A Master of Accounting opens many lucrative and high-level career opportunities with a focus on technical accounting practices. Graduates of an MAcc program qualify for roles such as:
- Accounting supervisor
- Chief financial officer (CFO)
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) (with licensure)
- Accounting supervisor
- Financial controller
- Tax manager
How to Choose the Right Path for You
Choosing between an MBA in accounting and a MAcc starts with considering your career goals, professional background and priorities. If you’re aiming for leadership roles with a combination of business strategy and financial decision-making, an MBA in accounting may be a better fit. The path offers versatility, positioning graduates for management roles in corporate or entrepreneurial settings.
If you’re committed to pursuing CPA licensure or want to specialize in areas like auditing, taxation or forensic accounting, the MAcc provides deeper technical preparation, in lock step with certification requirements. To help clarify the path that’s right for you, ask yourself the following questions:
What are your long-term career goals?
Are you looking to advance to an executive-level leadership position within your current organization? Do you want to manage teams and operations or focus more on accounting systems and compliance? Would you like to start your own practice and join the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)?
Do you prefer a specialized or versatile career path?
Think of your favorite projects and work, and ask yourself what they have in common. Do you enjoy crunching the numbers? Do you like auditing expense reports, preparing financial documents and working through tax preparation? Or do you want to oversee the bigger picture and manage a team?
What type of work environment are you aiming for?
Consider your personal and professional goals over the next five to 10 years. Would you like to gain more financial security or independence running your own practice? Do you want to be a part of a corporation or an expansive industry? Do you have a passion for nonprofit work?
STU offers guidance on how to choose the degree that fits your unique goals. For more assistance on finding the career path that’s right for you, reach out to our admissions team.
Inside the STU Online Experience
STU’s online Master of Accounting and MBA in Accounting programs offer a foundation of flexibility and personalization, making it attainable to balance your continued education with your existing responsibilities. By continuing your current professional life while furthering your education, you can accelerate toward the roles you desire more quickly and with greater confidence.
STU’s courses blend real-world applications with technical precision, helping you put your best foot forward on whatever career pathway you choose. By offering rolling start dates, your next educational journey can align with your personal life, bolstered by a supportive faculty determined to see you succeed.
Our mission-driven education, featuring accessible student services and a focus on ethical leadership, prepares professionals to enter the workforce of their choice, backed by STU’s career management resource, Handshake. Handshake unlocks access to job postings, internships, volunteer opportunities and career services, making your desired professional future tangible.
Begin Your STU Journey Today
Whether you choose the MBA in Accounting program or pursue the MAcc program, STU can help lead you to the long-term career you want. By preparing students with tailored skills and an understanding of accounting practices and principles, they are primed to seize advanced career opportunities on their terms.
Explore STU’s online MBA with a Concentration in Accounting program and online Master of Accounting program. Fill out your free application online today.
