MBA vs Master’s in Accounting: Choosing the Right Graduate Degree

Are you looking to take that next leap in your career as a finance professional? Usually, finance professionals who want to obtain a Master’s degree find it difficult to choose between an MBA and a Master’s in Accounting.

The final choice between the two rests on several factors like your long-term career goals, education, and the job positions you want to ace. Read this blog to choose the right graduate degree for yourself.

We will walk you through the various aspects of MBA and Master’s in Accounting degrees, including focus areas, coursework, and career outcomes, to help you select the right career path.

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MBA vs Master’s in Accounting: Key Differences

With an MBA degree, you acquire multiple skills that can be applied to various business scenarios across the operations, management, marketing, and finance sectors.

A Master’s in Accounting, on the other hand, provides in-depth knowledge in the field of accounting, with a focus on specialized skills such as data mining, taxation, and auditing. Read on to explore key differences in terms of core areas, suitability, career outcomes, and curriculum, among others.

Focus Area

Both an MBA and a Master’s in Accounting can open doors to promising career opportunities ahead. Here’s a look at the key differences and similarities in their focus areas, to help you make informed career decisions ahead:

• A Master’s in Accounting helps students acquire advanced accounting skills, including business strategies and finance, while an MBA prepares you for high-level career transitions in business management, IT, etc.
• The former helps you prepare for the CPA (Certified Public Accountant) Exam, while the latter can help with career progression within the same or a different industry.
• Both disciplines include significant learning about the finance industry.

Curriculum

Both degrees, with their significant exposure to evolving trends and best practices, can help you become a valuable asset to your organization. Here is a look at the key differences in the curriculum:

• An MBA program focuses on data analysis, strategic business recommendations, and trend spotting, whereas a Master’s in Accounting emphasizes advanced tax and accounting skills.
• The former focuses on competitive analysis and target audience identification, while the latter focuses on strengthening your accounting knowledge across the public and private sectors.
• Statistical modeling, quantitative analysis, and data-driven decision-making are key components of an MBA curriculum. In contrast, budgeting, auditing, taxation, and financial analysis are essential components of the Master’s in Accounting coursework.

Duration

Here is a look at the average course duration and other relevant details:

• An online MBA course can take 10 months to finish, while a Master’s in Accountancy can be covered in 18 months.
• The duration of the courses usually varies across colleges.
• In a few colleges, an MBA degree may take longer to complete than a Master’s in Accountancy degree.

Course Fee

The tuition fees for the MBA and Master’s in Accounting vary across colleges. Here is a look at the average figures:

• Both programs can cost you USD 15,000 on average.
• Look up specific college websites for the available credit hours.
• With the online learning format, you can save substantially on transportation costs.

Documents Required for Admission

Here’s a quick look at the essential documents required for admission in the MBA and Master’s in Accounting Courses:

• Completed Graduate application.
• Official transcripts showing you have completed a baccalaureate or more advanced degree from a United States-accredited or equivalent post-secondary institution.
• Official transcripts reflecting GPA scores.

Career Outcomes

Explore the highly rewarding career opportunities that both these programs offer you, right here:

MBA:

• Market Research Analyst
• Product Marketing Analyst
• Research Account Administrator
• Research Project Manager
• Business Research Consultant
• Director of Consumer Insights
• Market Campaign Analyst

Master’s in Accountancy: 

• Senior Auditor
• Accounting Entrepreneur
• Senior Accountant
• Financial Manager
• Director of Finance
• Financial Analyst

Suitability

So, MBA vs. MS Accounting: Which One Is the Right Degree for You? We will explore answers right here!

Choose an MBA if:

• You want to choose from multiple career paths or address holistic business challenges.
• You have graduated with a degree that does not include extensive accounting coursework.
• You have several years of business management experience and are now aiming for senior management positions.

Choose a Master’s in Accounting if:

• You want to crack the CPA examination.
• You are keen on pursuing a career in accounting.
• You hold a degree in finance and accounting and are seeking advanced knowledge.
• You have limited professional experience and are looking for faster course credits to sit for the CPA examination.

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MBA vs Master’s in Accounting: Salary Expectations

Positions	Average Annual Salaries
Market Research Analyst	USD 63,777
Product Marketing Analyst	USD 59,506
Research Project Manager	USD 78,253
Director of Consumer Insights	USD 1,44, 246
Market Campaign Analyst	USD 53,996
Senior Auditor	USD 1,34,127
Senior Accountant	USD 1,12,982
Financial Manager	USD 1,17,976
Financial Analyst	USD 80,617

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How Edgewood’s Programs Support Your Career Goals

Explore Edgewood University’s top-notch MBA and Master’s in Accountancy programs to accelerate your career growth. Maximize learning opportunities with its flexible online format, skill-driven curriculum,  and high employability:

• Master of Business Administration Online
• Master of Science in Accountancy Online

FAQs on MBA vs Masters in Accounting

Q: Can I become a CPA with an MBA?
Ans: Yes, it is possible to become a CPA with an MBA, primarily if your MBA coursework focuses on finance and accounting. An MBA degree may not fulfil all the CPA licensing requirements, but it can still provide a strong educational foundation.

Q: What kind of roles do MBA graduates typically land?
Ans: MBA graduates can land high-paying roles, including Market Research Analyst, Product Marketing Analyst, Research Account Administrator, Research Project Manager, Business Research Consultant, Director of Consumer Insights, and Market Campaign Analyst.

Q: Is a Master’s in Accounting more specialized than an MBA?
Ans: Yes, a Master’s in Accounting offers you in-depth knowledge of accounting and finance. At the same time, an MBA helps you acquire skills applicable to various domains like business management, IT, finance, and operations.

Q: Do both MBA and Master’s in Accounting require prior work experience?
Ans: No, prior work experience is not a strict requirement for an MBA and a Master’s in Accounting. However, there are a few colleges that may prefer this approach, so be sure to research your options thoroughly.

Q: Does Edgewood offer online options for its MBA and Master’s in Accounting programs? 
Ans: Yes, Edgewood offers online options for both its MBA and Master of Accounting programs. Explore their courses today to accelerate career growth and land high-paying jobs in your respective industries.