A top online MBA in accounting prepares graduates for high-paying business careers in accounting, taxation, financial management, and auditing. An MBA distinguishes graduates from competitors with bachelor's degrees. Accountants and auditors earned a median salary of $73,560 in 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS projects stable growth in accounting, auditing, and related careers between 2020 and 2030.
Designed to assist you in choosing the right online MBA in accounting program, the following page provides an overview of curricula, online program formats, and potential career paths for this degree. Also, see below for relevant scholarships and professional organizations that can support your career journey.
Explore the top five online MBA accounting programs of 2023. Discover the benefits offered by these exceptional programs. Learn about our ranking methodology via the link below.
2023's Best Online MBA in Accounting
#1 The Best Online MBA Programs in Accounting of 2023
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
- Edinburg, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
UTRGV is a newer school, having enrolled its first class in the fall of 2015. UTRGV offers unique benefits such as a guarantee that a student’s tuition will not increase for 4 years.
Master of Business Administration with a Specialization in Accounting
UTRGV's MBA with a specialization in accounting program offers students MBA accounting and MBA foundation courses. Students learn about management theories and techniques and how to analyze financial information.
Students can earn their degree in 12 months. The program recommends several career pathways graduates can pursue, including financial manager, personal financial advisor and business development manager. Students can further specialize by choosing electives in U.S. or international tax laws.
UTRGV’s Affordability
The estimated total cost of the program is $17,000. Financial aid and scholarships are available for this accelerated program. There is no application fee, but a $50 graduation fee applies.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Tuition: $472/credit
- Required Credits: 36
- Program Length: 12 months
- Delivery Format: Online
- Admissions
- Process: Online Application; Official Transcript; GMAT or GRE scores
- GPA: 3.0
- Standardized Tests: GMAT or GRE
- Cost: $0
Percent Online Enrollment
97%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 The Best Online MBA Programs in Accounting of 2023
University of Maryland-College Park
- College Park, MD
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
UMD was established on ancestral Piscataway tribe land in 1856. It has grown from an initial class of 34 students to over 50,000 students on campus.
Online Master of Business Administration
UMD’s MBA program allows students to choose from five different specializations, including a specialization in accounting. The specialization in accounting teaches students how to analyze, track, and communicate financial information.
Both the online and on-campus MBA programs offer the same courses and level of academic rigor. The program is broken down into foundation, residency, and global study courses. For the MBA degree with a specialization in accounting, students can choose three accounting courses from the foundation courses.
UMD’s Affordability
The tuition fee for the two year program is estimated to cost $93,563. Additionally, a $1,000 enrollment deposit is necessary for new students. UMD does offer financial awards and corporate partnerships to reduce tuition for those that qualify.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Tuition: $1,733/credit
- Required Credits: 54
- Program Length: 24 months
- Delivery Format: Online
- Admissions
- Process: Application; Letter of Recommendation; Essays
- GPA: 3.0
- Standardized Tests: Optional
- Cost: $75
Percent Online Enrollment
93%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#3 The Best Online MBA Programs in Accounting of 2023
The University of Texas at Dallas
- Richardson, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
UTD has over seven schools and offers 140 undergraduate and graduate programs. Originally founded by Texas Instruments, the school now has over 31,000 students.
Master of Science in Management Science
UTD's MS in management science offers many specializations, including accounting. The program teaches students advanced business principles and techniques.
The program's benefits include program flexibility, double degree pathways, and a variety of courses. There are only four mandatory core courses, students can choose the rest as electives. Recent graduates have found jobs as business analysts, project managers, and sales managers.
UTD’s Affordability
UTD offers both a variable and a guaranteed tuition rate plan. The rates fluctuate depending on the tuition plan, residency, and hours per semester. New students using the guaranteed plan rate are estimated to pay a total of $65,648 for and $62,537 for a variable rate plan.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Tuition: $9,061/term (In State); $18,062/term (Out of State) (Variable tuition plan)
- Required Credits: 36
- Program Length: 18-24 months
- Delivery Format: Online or Hybrid
- Admissions
- Process: Application; Resume; GMAT or GRE; Letters of Recommendation; Admissions Essay
- GPA: 3.0
- Standardized Tests: GMAT or GRE
- Cost: $50
Percent Online Enrollment
95%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 The Best Online MBA Programs in Accounting of 2023
Florida Atlantic University
- Boca Raton, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
FAU was established in 1961 as the fifth public university in Florida. Currently, the school has six campuses, over 170 degree programs, and more than 30,000 students.
Online MBA in Accounting
FAU offers several online MBA degrees, including an online MBA accounting program. The full-time online MBA program is designed for students continuing their professional responsibilities while earning a degree. Because the program is asynchronous, students can access their coursework at any time.
Program courses are divided into three categories: core, concentration, and foundation. Concentration courses, including accounting courses, make up 30% of the total courses. Students can skip foundation courses if they took undergraduate equivalent courses and received a “B” or higher within the past five years.
FAU’s Affordability
FAU's MBA program costs $32,000-$36,800 total depending if foundation courses are necessary. Fellowships and scholarships are available to qualified FAU students.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Tuition: $800/credit
- Required Credits: 40-46
- Program Length: 16-23 months
- Delivery Format: Online
- Admissions
- Process: Application; Letters of Recommendation; Possible Standardized Test
- GPA: 3.0
- Standardized Tests: GMAT or GRE for certain applicants
- Cost: Not Specified
Percent Online Enrollment
97%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 The Best Online MBA Programs in Accounting of 2023
University of the Cumberlands
- Williamsburg, KY
- 4 years
- Online
UC was founded in Kentucky in 1888. The school provides higher education in an underserved area and was supported by both John D. Rockerfeller and Andrew Carnegie.
Online MBA in Accounting
The University of the Cumberlands' online MBA in accounting offers core courses in finance, management, and marketing. Students pass a comprehensive written test to complete the program.
Students can choose from six concentrations, including accounting, or a general business elective. A concentration in accounting requires 15 credits in taxation, accounting information systems, and governmental and nonprofit accounting.
UC’s Affordability
Up to 98% of UC students receive financial aid. Active military/veterans receive a lower tuition rate, saving them a total of $1,480.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Tuition: $315/credit
- Required Credits: 37
- Program Length: 18 months
- Delivery Format: Online
- Admissions
- Process: Online application only
- GPA: 2.5
- Standardized Tests: None required
- Cost: $30
Percent Online Enrollment
99%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
What Is an MBA in Accounting?
Combining business fundamentals with accounting specialization, an online MBA in accounting contains courses such as financial analysis, auditing, and budget management. This versatile degree also usually meets education prerequisites for certified public accountant (CPA) certification, and many graduates become professional accountants in industries such as accounting, insurance, management, and government.
The BLS identifies transportation, government, and finance as top-paying industries for accounting and auditing professionals. Other popular careers for accounting MBA graduates include management analyst, budget analyst, and financial manager.
Why Should You Get an Online MBA in Accounting?
Earning an online MBA can benefit students in many ways. The advanced curricula of accounting MBAs enable students to build specialized skills and knowledge in areas of interest such as taxation regulation, forensic accounting, or accounting information systems.
Often boasting asynchronous attendance options, online degree options allow busy professionals to advance their careers without relocating or taking time off from work. For professionals or students from non-accounting-related backgrounds, this degree can pave the way to new careers. MBA programs also offer excellent opportunities for internship and networking with professionals in your desired field.
For accounting and tax professionals with related bachelor's degrees, the accounting MBA often opens doors for promotion and salary advancement. The BLS reports the median salary for accounting and auditing professionals at $73,560. Senior accountant salaries usually range from $72,000-$98,000 as of December 2021, according to PayScale.
What Can You Do with an MBA in Accounting?
Accountant
Tasked with compiling and reviewing tax returns and other financial statements, accountants facilitate their clients' financial operations and tax law compliance. Accountants also sometimes play advisory and/or bookkeeping roles for their clients. Skills required include comfort with numbers, attention to detail, and business acumen. BLS data on this profession reports a median salary of $73,560 annually and projects 7% job growth between 2020 and 2030.
Financial Analyst
Often employed in banking, insurance, or investment/securities industries, financial analysts help to guide client investments. Related job titles include risk analyst, ratings analyst, fund manager, and portfolio manager. These professionals need expert knowledge of financial markets and skills in advanced math, financial analysis, and decision-making. According to the BLS, these professionals earn a median annual salary of $83,660. The agency projects a 7% job growth rate between 2020 and 2030.
Management Analyst
Also called management consultants, management analysts advise executives on means for cutting costs and generating more revenue. These professionals analyze financial reports and other data, observe and meet with employees, and suggest solutions for increasing company efficiency. The BLS indicates that management analysts made an $87,660 median annual salary as of 2020 and projects 14% job growth for this career between 2020 and 2030.
Financial Manager
Responsible for organizational finances, financial managers perform financial monitoring, analysis, and reporting. These professionals also collaborate with executives on strategic planning, goal-setting, and decision-making. Financial managers have skills in management, data analysis, and market trend analysis. BLS data places financial managers' median annual salary at $134,180 and projects 17% employment growth between 2020 and 2030.
Budget Analyst
Budget analysts help with organizational finances by generating and reviewing budget proposals and reports, monitoring spending, and advising company executives regarding funding and finance organizing. These professionals are skilled in analysis, organization, and communication. Budget analysts make a median annual salary of $78,970 in 2020. The projected job growth is 5% from 2020-2030, according to the BLS.
Online MBA in Accounting Curriculum
While online accounting MBA programs vary in the concentrations and courses they offer, all programs include foundational business administration coursework and advanced accounting coursework. See below for sample courses available in most online accounting MBA programs.
- Financial Analysis: This course teaches students how to formulate financial business strategies and plans. Financial analysis courses focus on how to analyze financial reports and assess investment suitability.
- Taxes and Business Strategy: Particularly important to aspiring tax accountants, this course investigates the relationship between tax regulations and business activities such as investments, acquisitions, and employee compensation.
- Forecasting: Forecasting courses cultivate knowledge and skills in operating budget preparation and spending decision-making. Students learn to analyze business trends and risks, cut costs, and consider legislation that affects business.
How to Choose the Right Online MBA in Accounting Program
As you research online MBA in accounting programs, choose from well-reputed programs only. Attending a highly regarded school in your desired geographical area can make sense; however, getting your degree online means you can apply to high-quality programs anywhere, so do not hesitate to apply to distant but well-known schools.
Also keep in mind that students at either nationally or regionally accredited schools may receive federal financial aid, but credits and degrees from nationally accredited schools do not usually transfer to regionally accredited schools because the latter meet higher academic standards.
The best online MBA programs also boast programmatic accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), or the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE).
Earning an accounting MBA can get expensive, so compare tuition rates carefully. Regionally accredited schools sometimes charge higher tuition, but they may offer more financial aid and work-study opportunities. Note whether schools charge per credit or a flat rate per semester, as taking more credits at schools with flat semester rates can save you money. Accelerated programs offering more academic terms per year can also save you money, provided you have adequate time for intensive academic study.
Busy working professionals often opt for part-time online MBA programs that allow them to continue their education without relocating or taking time away from work. However, many programs require internship experience, periodic on-campus visits, and/or a capstone thesis or project. Before applying, make sure that you can meet extracurricular requirements.
Professional Organizations for Accounting
The professional organizations described below provide education, networking, mentorship, and employment resources for accounting professionals and students. Offering a wealth of information on related fields, careers, and industries, accounting professional organizations may help you clarify your career interests, identify compatible MBA programs, and advance your career.
Founded in 1916, the AAA supports accounting academics and others interested in accounting research and education. The organization provides annual conferences, publications, and educational resources.
The AFP provides events and networking, treasury professional certification, and training for treasurers and other financial professionals. The AFP website provides current industry trend information to help you plan your career path.
This organization provides networking, leadership, and continuing education for management accounting professionals. The IMA also runs the certified management accountant certification and publishes white papers, books, and reports.
The NSA advocates for accountants' rights, provides continuing education, and shapes ethical and practical standards for the profession. Member benefits include subscription discounts and a tax help desk.
IAA leads the internal auditing field by establishing practice standards, advocating for auditors, and providing continuing education. Member benefits include access to industry-specific networks and discounts on team development training.
Common Questions About Online MBA Programs in Accounting
What courses are in an accounting MBA program?
While courses vary by MBA program, students can typically choose from general and specialized accounting courses. General MBA courses include subjects such as corporate finance, data analytics and modeling. Accounting courses include courses on taxation, financial planning and accounting concepts.
What is an Accounting MBA degree?
An accounting MBA degree includes additional courses related to accounting. Depending on the school, students may need to take additional credits for an accounting MBA compared to a general MBA program.
What is the starting salary for someone with an Accounting MBA?
According to Payscale, the average annual salary for someone with an online MBA in finance and accounting is $97,000 as of January 2023.
What jobs can I get with an Accounting MBA degree?
An accounting MBA degree helps prepare students for jobs in accounting, business strategy, and financial planning. Graduates can also pursue careers related to budget analysis, financial analysis, or project management.
