A Master of Business Administration (MBA) in accounting is a versatile graduate credential that combines business leadership with financial expertise. Whether your goal is to advance into public accounting, move into leadership within your current organization or transition into nonprofit or government service, this graduate-level degree can help open the door.
This article explores what an MBA in accounting entails, what you’ll learn and the career opportunities it supports. You’ll also learn how Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s online MBA with a Concentration in Accounting program stands out through its flexible delivery, accredited instruction and real-world relevance.
What Is an MBA in Accounting?
An MBA in accounting is a graduate-level degree designed to build on foundational business and accounting knowledge while deepening competency in financial reporting, auditing, taxation and data-driven decision-making. This versatile degree combines general leadership training with specialized accounting coursework, setting students up for senior-level roles in business accounting.
This degree is ideal for professionals with a background in business or finance who wish to deepen their accounting expertise. It’s also suited for individuals planning to sit for the CPA exam; while not always required, an accounting MBA often helps meet the educational requirements for licensure in many states.
What Will You Learn in an MBA in Accounting Program?
Graduate accounting programs equip students with technical, analytical and managerial skills that many industries value. Coursework often includes subjects such as:
- Financial management: Examines risk and return trade-offs, evaluation of stocks and bonds, dividend policy, firm valuation, and other related topics
- Managerial economics: Dives deeper into economic theory and quantitative methods as they apply to business decisions about pricing, production and profit
- Accounting and taxation research: Studies principles of accounting and taxes, and examines business research issues
- Behavioral management: Expands on the study of human behavior and its impact on achieving organizational goals in a business environment.
- Strategic management: Focuses on integrating management skills to develop long-term strategies and achieve organizational goals
Because it’s delivered as an MBA, Southeastern’s high-value degree program also covers business strategy, marketing management and data analysis, which are essential for those interested in executive or consulting roles. Students also gain skills such as data interpretation, strategic planning and compliance evaluation in this program, which are versatile and valuable tools in a range of industries.
Courses are frequently aligned with CPA exam content to support licensure preparation. This combination of coursework ensures that students are not only prepared for accounting roles, but also for leadership responsibilities that demand financial oversight, critical thinking and decision-making.
MBA Accounting Career Pathways
A master’s degree in accounting can lead to opportunities in nearly every sector of the economy, including banking, healthcare, insurance, technology and manufacturing. Graduates are prepared for a number of roles in these industries, including:
- Public accounting: Tax advisor, external auditor or auditing manager
- Corporate finance: Controller, financial analyst or chief financial officer (CFO)
- Government and nonprofit: Budget analyst, auditor or financial reporting manager
- Forensic accounting: Fraud examiner, compliance officer or litigation consultant
- Consulting and advisory services: Risk analyst, financial planner or systems auditor
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for accountants and auditors is projected to grow by 6% from 2023 to 2033. Master’s-prepared professionals, particularly those pursuing CPA licensure, often command higher salaries and enjoy greater mobility across industries. Students may also consider pairing the degree with Southeastern’s Graduate Certificate in Leadership as an additional skillset to bolster their career readiness.
Inside Southeastern’s Online Experience
Southeastern’s MBA in Accounting online program is designed for working professionals seeking to advance their careers. The flexible, fully online format allows you to balance coursework with job responsibilities and personal obligations, making it possible to pursue an advanced degree without having to step away from your career.
The program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International), a prestigious distinction held by less than 6% of business schools worldwide. This accreditation reflects a commitment to academic excellence, continuous improvement and real-world applicability.
Experienced faculty bring academic expertise and practical business insight to the virtual classroom. Students benefit from modern learning technologies, 24/7 technical support and a strong focus on applicable knowledge they can apply immediately in professional settings.
The program is also competitively priced, making it a cost-effective option for earning a respected, high-value credential that delivers long-term value. Financial aid is available to those who meet the qualifications. For more information, contact the Student Financial Aid Office or file your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Advancing Accounting Careers With Graduate-level Education
The MBA in Accounting online program from Southeastern Oklahoma State University provides a flexible and affordable path to career advancement in finance, public accounting and beyond. Graduates of the program gain deep technical knowledge, strategic business skills and the confidence to lead financial operations in a variety of settings.
Southeastern offers a range of online MBA programs designed to support career advancement across industries. If you’re ready to specialize in financial leadership, the online MBA in Accounting program provides a flexible, accredited and affordable path to earning an in-demand, high-value credential.
Learn more about Southeastern’s online MBA in Accounting program.