An online Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree with a specialization in accounting prepares individuals for advanced leadership positions, offering tailored career paths that align with personal and professional goals. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in accounting is expected to grow at a rate of 6% through 2033, making accountants and auditors with master’s degrees in high demand across many industries.
The online MBA in Accounting program at St. Thomas University (STU) offers a flexible, leadership-driven program designed to fit seamlessly into the lives of working professionals. With adaptable pacing online and accessible coursework, you don’t have to pause your career to accelerate your education. Discover what an accounting MBA entails and how earning your degree from STU can set you up for long-term success.
What Is an MBA in Accounting?
An MBA in accounting is a graduate business degree with a specialized focus on accounting practices. This degree combines a core curriculum in business management and ethics with accounting principles, preparing students for leadership roles in accounting and finance. The degree instills a deep understanding of technical accounting expertise and broad business administrative knowledge.
If you possess ambition, professionalism, a collaborative spirit and work experience, you have the potential to become an excellent MBA in accounting candidate. The ideal applicant is a student with a desire to advance their career in accounting by growing their leadership, supervisory and managerial skills. Individuals should possess:
- A drive for career advancement in accounting
- A desire to broaden their skill set, particularly in finance strategy
- Aspirations for higher earning potential and increased responsibilities
- Work history in relevant accounting fields
What Will You Learn in an MBA in Accounting Program?
The curriculum for the online MBA in Accounting program from STU can be sorted into two categories, core and specialization courses. First, students in all MBA online programs at STU complete the following courses:
- Business Data Analytics
- Global Marketing Concepts and Strategies
- Financial Management
- Policy, Planning and Strategy Systems
- Managerial Accounting
With a specialization in accounting, students will also take courses that delve into accounting policy and procedure. These include the following:
- International Accounting
- Forensic Accounting
- Fraud Examination
- Selected Topics in Accounting
At STU Online, ethical business practices are at the forefront of all leadership-driven programs. Every MBA program includes enrollment in one of two ethics courses: Management Ethics or Organizational Behavior. These classes ensure that graduates will approach any work environment with a strong knowledge base and a thorough understanding of business ethics and its practical application. Additional foundation courses might be required depending on a review of transcripts.
Accounting MBA Career Paths You Can Pursue
An online MBA in accounting expands the range of career choices in leadership, private practice and high-level roles in a multitude of industries. Below are some common sectors in which graduates of this program work:
- Accounting firms: Consulting firms, private practice and public accounting firms
- Consulting: Financial consulting, tax consulting and private consulting
- Corporate accounting: Local businesses, large corporations and start-ups
- Finance: Commercial banking, hedge funds, investment banking and private equity
- Government: Local, state and national agencies
- Healthcare: Healthcare systems, hospitals and health insurance companies
- Nonprofit organizations: Charities, foundations and mission-based organizations
Within these industries, degree holders will find leadership-level career possibilities. These include the following:
- Business consultant: Provides advice and oversight to corporations on several aspects of their operations, including budgeting, profit and loss reviews and banking
- Business valuation specialist: Determines the financial value of a business for a variety of reasons, including valuation, budgetary forecasts, mergers and legal proceedings
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA): Provides various services, such as tax preparation, financial statement preparation and auditing, but must first pass the Certified Public Accountant exam
- Chief operating officer (COO): Oversees the day-to-day operations of a company, including financial planning, health and goals
- Chief financial officer (CFO): Acts as the top financial executive in a company, responsible for economic policies, procedures and operations
- Financial analyst: Analyzes financial information, creates projections and advises on strategies and procedures based on data
- Financial planner: Helps individuals, families and corporations manage finances, including investments, risk management and retirement planning
- Wealth manager: Aids individuals in managing their wealth through investments, estate planning, legacy building and endowments
Inside the Online MBA in Accounting Experience at STU
St. Thomas University offers mission-driven graduate programs with a growing online presence. Renowned for its leadership development in business, justice, ministry and science, STU prepares MBA in Accounting students to be financially-minded executives, focusing on the key traits of successful leadership: confidence, ethics and knowledge.
The MBA in Accounting online program instills the importance of critical thinking and data analysis, empowering you to pursue executive-level roles. It also deepens your knowledge of vital accounting services, including auditing, data collection and managerial applications, while simultaneously developing ethical, human-centered leadership skills. As a student of this flexible program, you can work at your own pace and maintain real-world responsibilities.
To apply for the online MBA in Accounting program, you’ll need to complete the online application, submit official transcripts from all previously attended institutions and provide a professional resume. STU does not require a Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or a Graduate Record Examination (GRE) for program consideration.
STU offers a range of student services, including career services, job postings, internships, volunteer opportunities and more, all easily accessible through Handshake, a career management tool designed to launch the next chapter of your career.
Start Your Path to Accounting Leadership Now
Armed with a versatile skill set that combines the benefits of an MBA with specialized accounting education, graduates of the MBA in Accounting online degree program from STU have the potential to become highly sought-after employees in many fields. As a graduate, not only will you have gained confidence and a comprehensive understanding of your chosen field, but you will head into your future equipped with the tools necessary to climb ladders, shatter ceilings and lead your organizations with unwavering ethics.
Ready to advance your career and life goals? Explore STU’s online MBA in Accounting program and start your application today.
