What is the Difference between an MBA in Accounting and a Master’s in Accounting?

Business professionals who want to pursue careers in accounting often consider earning advanced degrees in the discipline, and they investigate the difference between an MBA in Accounting and a Master’s in Accounting (MAcc). Choosing between these two degree options requires that students understand their short and long term career goals.

A student who wants to prepare for the rigorous certified public accounting (CPA) license exam and finish earning the 150 semester hours of accounting and business credits that are required for the CPA license may opt to pursue a MAcc.

Related: What are the CPA Exam Requirements and Prerequisites?

A mid level accounting or finance professional who wants to move into accounting roles that are associated with greater job responsibilities may choose to earn a management focused MBA in Accounting.

Here are some examples of differences in entrance requirements, curricula, and career opportunities for the two degree programs.

Typical Academic Program Entrance Requirements

There are many types of MAcc programs that are available to today’s students, and they include full time, part time, accelerated and integrated options. Depending on the type of program, a student may be required to have an undergraduate degree in accounting or business from an accredited university prior to enrollment. Other programs may admit students who have undergraduate degrees in other disciplines if those students take a series of prerequisite courses in introductory accounting, economics and statistical topics.

The GMAT, which is the primary admissions test for graduate level business programs, can sometimes be waived for students who have earned excellent grades in undergraduate accounting degree programs. Alternately, students can usually gain entrance into MBA in Accounting programs without having to have undergraduate degrees in accounting; they only need to have undergraduate degrees from accredited universities. The GMAT is almost always required for entrance into MBA in Accounting programs.

Most of the developers of these advanced degree programs assume that admission candidates have some relevant work experience, and students are typically required to submit their resumes and statements of professional intent within their admission packages.

Common Course Topics

Both today’s MAcc and MBA in Accounting programs offer students incredible flexibility when it comes to customizing their educational experiences. Students can often choose specializations and concentrations that fit their particular interests and professional goals. However, most MAcc programs include courses that relate to topics like advanced auditing, tax research, advanced financial statement analysis and international financial reporting standards. Most of these topics are covered extensively on the CPA exam which is why CPA candidates mainly earn MAcc degrees. Students will likely encounter courses that focus on financial decision making, organizational dynamics and the global economic landscape when they pursue typical MBA in Accounting degrees.

Career Opportunities

MAcc degree holders are usually well qualified to gain employment in front line, hands on positions like auditor, budget analyst, corporate accountant or financial analyst. According to many labor analysts, employers are almost expecting that successful job candidates for these positions have advanced degrees. MBA in Accounting graduates can typically position themselves to gain access to financial controller and senior accountant jobs. Graduates with extensive experience may qualify to fill executive level positions like chief financial officer.

Conclusion

Deciding to return to school for an advanced degree is often a smart move when economic times are weak and when one must refresh knowledge and gain new skills to stay competitive in the job market. However, one should fully understand the benefits of the many academic programs that are available. This understanding often begins with a thorough analysis of the difference between an MBA in Accounting and a Master’s in Accounting.