MBA with Accounting Concentration

It depends on your state and the program's curriculum. An MBA with an accounting concentration must include the specific accounting and business coursework your state board requires. Not all MBA programs include enough dedicated accounting credits, so verify the concentration's course list against your state board's requirements before enrolling.

A MAcc is more directly aligned with CPA exam content and accounting careers, while an MBA provides broader business skills useful for management and leadership roles. If your primary goal is passing the CPA exam and working in public accounting, a MAcc is typically the more efficient choice. An MBA is better if you plan to move into executive or cross-functional business roles.

Costs range from about $10,500 at public universities like Emporia State to $77,000 for dual-degree programs at private institutions like Northeastern. Online MBA programs generally fall on the lower end of this range while maintaining AACSB accreditation.

Big 4 firms hire from both MBA and MAcc programs, but their accounting practice groups tend to recruit more heavily from MAcc programs. MBA graduates are more commonly hired into advisory, consulting, and strategy roles within these firms. The CPA license itself matters more than the specific degree in most cases.