MBA vs. Master's in Accounting: A Helpful Guide to Choosing the Right Path for Your Career

Deciding on a graduate degree is a big step, and it’s important to find the one that best fits your career goals and personal interests. At Bellevue University, we understand that every career path is unique, and we're here to help you navigate your options. If you’re considering an MBA (Master of Business Administration) or a Master’s in Accounting, this guide is designed to offer clear, practical insights into what each degree can do for you.

Let’s explore the key differences between these two degrees so you can make the most informed decision for your career.

What is an MBA?

An MBA is a versatile and well-rounded degree designed for individuals who want to build a broad understanding of business operations and management. In an MBA program, you’ll cover a wide range of topics like finance, marketing, operations, and human resources, all while gaining leadership and strategic decision-making skills. It’s perfect for people who want to take on roles in management and business leadership.

Key Features of an MBA Program:

• Comprehensive Business Knowledge: You’ll gain insight into various aspects of running a business, from managing people and teams to making important financial decisions and driving business strategy.

• Problem-Solving & Strategic Thinking: An MBA program hones your ability to think critically and solve complex business problems, which is crucial for making high-level decisions.

• Leadership & Communication Skills: In addition to technical business knowledge, you’ll develop the soft skills necessary for leadership, such as communication, negotiation, and strategic planning.

• Career Flexibility: With an MBA, you’re well-equipped for roles in a wide range of fields. Whether you’re interested in becoming an Accounting Manager, HR Manager, Business Analyst, or Director of Operations, an MBA can open doors in many industries and career paths.

At Bellevue University, the online MBA program provides flexibility with over 15 concentrations in areas including Accounting, Cybersecurity or IT management, HR, or Marketing, allowing you to gain the skills needed to move into mid- to advanced-level roles while balancing your professional and personal commitments.

Our program is always changing to include the most current principles and tech used in the accounting field. We make sure our students are grounded in theory, but can apply what they have learned to real-world situations. Our courses are very project oriented, so when our students graduate, they can hit the road running. Theory is necessary, but application is mandatory.

– Monica McElhaney, Associate Professor of Accounting, Bellevue University

What is a Master’s in Accounting?

A Master’s in Accounting is a specialized degree that focuses solely on advanced accounting skills and knowledge. This program goes deep into topics like financial reporting, audit, taxation, and accounting systems. It’s ideal for those who want to become experts in the accounting field and pursue roles that require highly specialized knowledge.

Key Features of a Master’s in Accounting Program:

• Specialized Accounting Knowledge: This program focuses on accounting principles and techniques at an advanced level. You’ll develop a deep understanding of financial analysis, tax regulations, auditing practices, and other core accounting functions.

• Strong Analytical & Communication Skills: In addition to technical accounting expertise, the program helps you develop excellent analytical, written, and oral communication skills, which are essential for effectively communicating financial data and making informed decisions.

• Career Specialization: The Master's in Accounting is ideal if you want to specialize in accounting and pursue roles like CFO or Controller. If you’re passionate about working with financial data and overseeing an organization’s accounting practices, this is the path for you. Bellevue University’s MS in Accounting offers further specialization and flexibility with concentrations in Data Analytics, Finance, or Tax.

• Career Path Examples: Graduates with an MS in Accounting can go on to hold positions like Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Controller, Accounting Manager, or Budget Director. These roles typically involve overseeing financial operations, managing audits, and ensuring regulatory compliance.

It's important to note that the MS in Accounting is a non-licensure degree program, meaning it’s not designed to meet all requirements for professional certifications.* However, it can still provide you with the advanced skills needed for a successful accounting career in all types of industries, for example, hospitals, state and federal government, corporations, small businesses, and CPA firms.

* You are not required to have a master’s in accounting to take the CPA exam. However, master’s degree programs can provide you the knowledge and total credit hours often required to earn a CPA certification. A master’s in accounting program can help you prepare for the CPA exam which can lead to earning a CPA license.†

† Each state has its own requirements to sit for the official CPA exam, so you must check the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) examining site for the state in which you wish to practice, but most states require 150 college credit hours, and a certain number of those must be in accounting and general business. Visit the following link for information on what steps are needed to sit for the CPA exam: https://www.thiswaytocpa.com/segmented-landing/getting-to-150/

The Master of Science in Accounting allows students the opportunity to work toward the 150 hour requirement that is required in some states to sit for the CPA exam. ^† The CPA is focused on public accounting and required to practice as a CPA in a CPA firm. The CMA, the Certified Management Accountant, and CFM, Certified in Financial Management are both certifications that focus on internal operations of any organization.

– Cynthia Nye, Assoc. Professor, Bellevue University College of Business

Key Differences Between an MBA and a Master’s in Accounting

1. Curriculum Focus

• MBA: An MBA provides a broad understanding of business, including areas like marketing, operations, finance, and human resources. It prepares you for leadership roles in multiple areas of business.

• Master’s in Accounting: The MS in Accounting program, in contrast, offers in-depth training in accounting principles and practices. If you're focused on financial reporting, audit, or tax, this degree provides the specialized knowledge you’ll need to excel.

2. Career Opportunities

• MBA: The MBA offers versatility in career options. It opens up paths in various fields like business management, operations, finance, and marketing. You could work as a Business Analyst, Operations Manager, or Senior Accountant—roles that require a broad set of business skills.

• Master’s in Accounting: The MS in Accounting degree prepares you for more specialized accounting roles. You could become a CFO, Controller, or Accounting Manager, overseeing an organization’s financial health and ensuring accurate reporting.

3. Salary Potential

• MBA: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers with a master’s degree in business occupations earned a premium over those with a bachelor’s degree.

• Master’s in Accounting: The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that auditors and accountants in accounting have a median salary of around $79,880 per year.

However, please note that earning potential with a master’s degree varies depending on factors such as the industry, location, your years of experience, and the specific job role.

4. Program Length and Flexibility

• MBA: An MBA typically takes about two to three years for full-time students, but many programs, like Bellevue’s online MBA, offer part-time and flexible options for working professionals.

• Master’s in Accounting: The MS in Accounting program usually takes two to three years to complete for full-time students, with options for online and part-time study, providing the flexibility you need to balance your career and education.

• Students in Bellevue University’s Bachelor’s in Accounting or Bachelor’s in Business Administration can start taking graduate accounting or MBA courses (up to twelve credits) in their senior year, or after a minimum of 90 credits, that will give them a jumpstart on either the MBA, Master of Science in Accounting, or Master of Science in Finance, according to Cynthia Nye, Associate Professor in the College of Business.

Which Degree is Right for You?

Now that you’ve seen the differences between an MBA and a Master’s in Accounting, here’s a quick guide to help you decide which degree is right for your career:

• Choose an MBA if you want to develop a broad business skillset and take on leadership or management roles. If you enjoy problem-solving and making strategic decisions across various areas of business, the MBA will provide the versatility and foundational skills you need to succeed.

• Choose a Master’s in Accounting if you want to specialize in accounting and pursue advanced roles in finance or accounting management. The MS in Accounting is ideal if you’re passionate about working with financial data, ensuring regulatory compliance, and managing an organization’s financial health.

Ready to Get Started?

Both the MBA and the Master’s in Accounting can help you take your career to new heights, but choosing the right one depends on your interests and career goals. At Bellevue University, we offer flexible online programs that are designed to help you succeed, whether you're looking for a broad business education or want to specialize in accounting.

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