Best Online MBA in Accounting Degree Programs

Badge for BEST ONLINE MBA IN ACCOUNTING
By Dave Tomar
Reviewed By Dr. Jed Macosko
Published:
Updated:

We rank the top online MBA in accounting degree programs.

Key Takeaways

  • The online MBA in accounting degree is an excellent graduate degree for students seeking careers in finance.

  • MBA students with an accounting specialization can get high average salary careers as financial managers, personal financial advisors, and more.

  • A growing number of online schools offer fully online MBA programs with an accounting concentration.

See our complete guide to MBAs for more information.

Featured Programs

An online MBA in accounting is a great degree for those with an interest in managerial accounting, financial management, and business strategy. The online MBA program is not required to become a certified public accountant (CPA).

Accounting students with a bachelor’s degree will qualify to sit for the CPA exam. However, the accounting MBA is a great option for those who wish to pursue leadership roles such as financial manager, financial analyst, or even chief financial officer.

The accounting MBA program is a graduate degree for people who may already be accounting or business professionals with a chance for career advancement. Advanced accounting classes may also be valuable to those who conduct financial analysis, perform income tax preparation, or must engage in advanced financial reporting as part of their job responsibilities.

Online MBA accounting programs can also be valuable to those who are looking to gain holistic business skills like financial accounting and preparation of financial statements.

Most students who earn an online MBA in accounting will work as finance managers. However, there are numerous related career paths where you could apply your accounting expertise including tax planning, business management, and financial analysis.

See all of your options are with a look at our full Online Program Ranking List. Otherwise, read on.

 

About Online MBA in Accounting Degree Programs

Graduate students in online MBA programs will learn how to create financial reports, conduct accounting research, and adhere to accounting regulations.

These skills can easily be transferred to careers in other business contexts including investment banking, business planning, and real estate development.

In most cases, however, this master’s degree is designed to prepare you for a career in business finance.

This advanced degree can lead to well-paying opportunities in the field of finance. For instance, financial managers earn a median salary of $131,710 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Admission Requirements for an Online MBA in Accounting

Business schools that offer online MBA programs in accounting have different admission requirements.

These are the admission requirements common to online accounting MBA programs:

  • A completed online application
  • An accredited bachelor’s degree
  • Official college transcripts
  • A cumulative college GPA of 3.0 - 3.5
  • Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) Score or Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Score
  • Personal statement or essay
  • Reference Letters
  • Professional Resume or CV

Key Point: Some programs might also require an interview process.

Learn more about online MBA admission requirements.

Curriculum and Courses

Graduate programs offering online MBA in accounting degrees have different courses, although there are similarities in programs. There are typically core online MBA in accounting courses, individualized research projects, and practicum, laboratory, or residency requirements.

The typical courses offered by online accounting MBAs include:

  • Financial Reporting
  • Financial Analysis
  • Strategic Management
  • Fraud Examination
  • Interpretation of Financial Statements
  • Executive Financial Management
  • Financial Accounting
  • Financial Planning

Key Point: The online MBA in accounting prepares graduates for job responsibilities like financial planning, fraud examination, and tax preparation.

Accountants having a meeting
Back to Top

Careers for Online MBA in Accounting Degree Holders

Graduates with the online MBA in accounting have the credentials to qualify for several careers, including:

  • Financial Managers
  • Management Analysts
  • Personal Financial Advisors
  • Budget Analysts
  • Insurance Underwriters
  • Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents

Key Points:According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job openings for financial managers are projected to grow by 17% from 2021 to 2031.

The picture is nearly as bright for those who use their graduate degree to pursue careers as personal financial advisors. Jobs for these positions are expected to grow by 15% from 2021 to 2031.

See what else you can do with an online MBA.

Back to Top

Factors for Choosing MBA in Accounting Online Programs

Accounting students in graduate school for business administration must be prepared to tackle the challenges of an accredited online MBA in accounting program.

Choosing a top-notch online degree program will help to make your professional journey easier by allowing you to balance your pursuit of an advanced degree with any existing professional demands.

Furthermore, an online degree program in a reputable college or university should have the integrity, reputation, and track record to convince employers that their graduates deserve a place in the employer’s organization.

Here are the factors that you need to consider when choosing a school that offers the online MBA in accounting degree:

  • Accreditation: Accreditation is vital. It signifies that the school’s education is in compliance with the standards of the Department of Education and the accrediting body. A school must also be accredited in order to offer federal financial aid to its students.

    • In addition to institutional accreditation, be sure your degree in online MBA in accounting is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). This national board provides programmatic accreditation, which is an important mark of credibility for the master’s of business administration degree.

  • Cost: Cost is an inherent element of every educational pursuit. But since cost differs from one school to another, you must ensure that the online school you choose is affordable while still providing a quality education.
  • Financing Options: Accredited colleges and universities will offer financial aid options including grants, scholarships, and loans for students who qualify. Some will also offer work-study programs.
  • Course Delivery: Online education courses are delivered in three different ways: synchronous (live online classes), asynchronous (classes that can be attended anytime), and blended or hybrid (a mix of both synchronous and asynchronous). Choose a school that offers the type that suits your schedule.
  • Academic Support: Academic support is a valuable element of distance learning. Give due credit to schools that provide students with online resources such as references and tutorials. You will need these to gain a deeper understanding of your lessons.

Learn how to find accredited online MBA programs.

Back to Top

The 10 Best Online MBA in Accounting Degree Programs

  1. #1

    Syracuse University

    Syracuse , NY
    #1 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2024 #4 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers #25 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2024 #5 Best Research Universities in New York 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    52%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    37K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1345/30

    Career Outlook for Accounting degree at Syracuse University

    Cost of Degree: $44,790
    Expenses: $20,812
    Starting Salary: $79,403
    Salary after 4 years: $100,873
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Syracuse University known for?

    Syracuse University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    What do we love about Syracuse University?

    Syracuse University was formed in 1870 as an affiliate of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Becoming a secular institution in 1920, this private research university is noted today for nationally renowned programs in areas like business administration, architecture, and public administration.

    Syracuse University serves more than 21,000 students. Syracuse also boasts a strong roster of alumni, including 46th President of the United States, Joe Biden.

    • Syracuse University is great for students who:

      Are seeking advanced degrees. Syracuse is noted as an R1 university for its high level of research activity.

    • Syracuse University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Don’t prefer an urban educational experience. Syracuse University is primarily concentrated in downtown Syracuse.

    Compare school
  2. #2

    Wayne State University

    Detroit , MI
    #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #3 Best Research Universities in Michigan 2024 #3 Best Colleges in Michigan 2024 #3 Best Grad Schools in Michigan 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    29K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1150/24

    Career Outlook for Accounting degree at Wayne State University

    Cost of Degree: $19,789
    Expenses: $16,873
    Starting Salary: $63,370
    Salary after 4 years: $82,420
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What do we love about Wayne State University?

    Wayne State University was founded in 1868 by five returning Civil War veterans. Initially chartered as the Detroit Medical College, today the public university is the third largest in the state of Michigan.

    Wayne State University serves roughly 25,000 students at both the graduate and undergraduate levels online, at its flagship Detroit campus and across form satellite campuses.

    • Wayne State University is great for students who:

      Are still choosing their major. Wayne State has more than 350 degree programs to choose from.

    • Wayne State University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Prefer a traditional campus experience. Some students describe Wayne State as a “commuter school.”

    Compare school
  3. #3

    Grand Canyon University

    Phoenix , AZ
    #8 Online Colleges with the Most Generous Financial Aid in 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Arizona 2024 #1 Best Private Colleges in Arizona 2024 #4 Best Colleges in Arizona 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $18K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    45%

    Student body

    155K

    Career Outlook for Accounting degree at Grand Canyon University

    Cost of Degree: $11,638
    Expenses: $14,300
    Starting Salary: $67,125
    Salary after 4 years: $85,275
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What do we love about Grand Canyon University?

    Grand Canyon University serves more than 90,000 students, which makes it the largest Christian university in the world.

    Grand Canyon University is a private for-profit university that was initially established in 1949 as Grand Canyon College. Today, the Southern Baptist institution served more than 70,000 students online. Interesting, Grand Canyon is the only for-profit school that competes in NCAA Division I athletics.

    • Grand Canyon University is great for students who:

      Are interested in doctoral studies, nursing and health care professions, and theology.

    • Grand Canyon University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Require a degree with regional accreditation.

    Compare school
  4. #4

    Southern New Hampshire University

    Manchester , NH
    #5 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2024 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Hampshire 2024 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in New Hampshire 2024 #2 Best Private Colleges in New Hampshire 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    41%

    Student body

    224K

    Career Outlook for Accounting degree at Southern New Hampshire University

    Cost of Degree: $19,470
    Expenses: $21,900
    Starting Salary: $57,601
    Salary after 4 years: $73,176
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What do we love about Southern New Hampshire University?

    Southern New Hampshire University is a private university located neared Manchester, New Hampshire. SNHU is unique for its predominant emphasis on distance learning. While the main campus is home to 3000 students, another 135,000 SNHU students are currently earning online degrees.

    Southern New Hampshire University is one of the fastest growing universities in the U.S.

    • Southern New Hampshire University is great for:

      Adult learners as well as those pursuing professional certifications.

    • Southern New Hampshire University might not be the best fit for:

      Students seeking a traditional on-campus experience.

    Compare school
    5. Accountant with glasses looking over taxes

  6. #5

    Stetson University

    DeLand , FL
    #2 Best Small Colleges in Florida 2024 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Florida 2024 #5 Best Private Colleges in Florida 2024 #5 Best Online MBA Programs in Florida
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $52K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1207/27

    Career Outlook for Accounting degree at Stetson University

    Cost of Degree: $17,703
    Expenses: $19,490
    Starting Salary: $59,437
    Salary after 4 years: $75,509
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Stetson University known for?

    Stetson University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    What do we love about Stetson University?

    Stetson University was formed in 1883 as DeLand Academy. The private university’s primary campus remains in DeLand, Florida, with an additional three campuses in Celebration, Tampa, and Gulfport. The university took its present name in 1889 to honor the famous hat-maker John B. Stetson for his generous donations.

    Today, Stetson serves more than 4000 students with noteworthy programs in areas like business administration, music, and liberal arts.

    • Stetson University is great for students who:

      Enjoy intimate class sizes. Stetson boasts an excellent 12:1 student-faculty ratio.

    • Stetson University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Are looking to keep college costs low. Students describe the cost of attendance and living expenses as comparatively high.

    Compare school
  7. #6

    Seton Hall University

    South Orange , NJ
    #21 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in New Jersey 2024 #2 Best Private Colleges in New Jersey 2024 #2 Best Grad Schools in New Jersey 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $49K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    11K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1310/29

    Career Outlook for Accounting degree at Seton Hall University

    Cost of Degree: $34,328
    Expenses: $20,532
    Starting Salary: $73,092
    Salary after 4 years: $92,855
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Seton Hall University known for?

    Seton Hall University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    What do we love about Seton Hall University?

    Seton Hall University was founded in 1856 by a Catholic bishop named James Roosevelt Bayley. This makes the private South Orange, New Jersey university the oldest diocesan university in the nation.

    Seton Hall University enrolled 6o students in its first year. Today, Seton Hall serves nearly 10,000 students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

    • Seton Hall University is great for students who:

      Are pursuing careers in business. The Stillman School of Business at Seton Hall is highly ranked, as is its University School of Law.

    • Seton Hall University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Do not wish to attend college in an urban setting.

    Compare school
  8. #7

    University of Maine

    Orono , ME
    #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Maine 2024 #1 Best Research Universities in Maine 2024 #1 Best Public Colleges in Maine 2024 #1 Best Grad Schools in Maine 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    15K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1200/26

    Career Outlook for Accounting degree at University of Maine

    Cost of Degree: $10,104
    Expenses: $15,320
    Starting Salary: $58,523
    Salary after 4 years: $76,116
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Maine known for?

    University of Maine’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    What do we love about the University of Maine?

    University of Maine was formed in 1865 as Maine State College of Agriculture and the Mechanic Arts. The Orono, Maine-based university is the flagship institution of the state’s public university system.

    Noted for its high level or research activity, the University of Maine is actually home to the nation’s oldest honors program. Today, the University of Maine serves more than 11,000 students, which makes it the largest institution in the state.

    • University of Maine is great for students who:

      Are pursuing careers in business. The University is home to the largest school of business in the state of Maine.

    • University of Maine might not be the best fit for students who:

      Can’t handle the cold weather. Locals and students alike describe Maine winters as pretty extreme.

    Compare school
  9. #8

    Golden Gate University

    San Francisco , CA
    #6 Best Small Colleges in California 2024 #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in California 2024 #2 Best Online Master's in Organizational Psychology #2 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for Accounting degree at Golden Gate University

    Cost of Degree: $19,875
    Starting Salary: $94,434
    Salary after 4 years: $119,969
    What is Golden Gate University known for?

    Golden Gate University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    What do we love about Golden Gate University?

    Golden Gate University was formed in 1901 as the YMCA Evening College. Based in San Francisco, the private university is noted today for its excellence in law, business, and accounting.

    Golden Gate University was formed, like a number of other private learning institutions, as a reading and adult-education program through the local YMCA. In its first year as a college, Golden Gate offered only a law school degree program. Today, Golden Gate University serves more than 5000 students.

    • Golden Gate University is great for students who:

      Are adult learners or non-traditional students balancing education and work responsibilities.

    • Golden Gate University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Have recently graduated from high school and are seeking a traditional campus experience.

    Compare school
  11. #9

    Roosevelt University

    Chicago , IL
    #8 Best Private Colleges in Illinois 2024 #1 Top 3 Best Online MBA in Real Estate Degree Programs Ranked for 2024 #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Illinois #3 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    43%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    960/21

    Career Outlook for Accounting degree at Roosevelt University

    Cost of Degree: $23,094
    Expenses: $20,625
    Starting Salary: $54,733
    Salary after 4 years: $69,532
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Roosevelt University known for?

    Roosevelt University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    What do we love about Roosevelt University?

    Roosevelt University was formed in Chicago, Illinois in 1945 and named to honor the late President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Purchasing its Auditorium Building 1947 for just $1, Roosevelt began its history with an advisory board of incredible luminaries like Marian Anderson, Albert Einstein, and Pearl S. Buck.

    Today, Roosevelt University serves more than 6000 students, many in its 32-story “vertical campus”. The Wabash Building is the second tallest university structure in the U.S.

    • Roosevelt University is great for students who:

      Are pursuing careers in business, education, and the performing arts. Roosevelt offers noteworthy programs in each of these fields.

    • Roosevelt University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Do not wish for an urban college experience. The main campus is concentrated in downtown Chicago.

    Compare school
  12. #10

    University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

    North Dartmouth , MA
    #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Massachusetts Ranked for Students in 2024 #4 Best Public Colleges in Massachusetts 2024 #3 Best Online Bachelor’s of Gender Studies Degree Programs for 2024 #4 Best Online Bachelor’s in Public Administration Degree Programs for 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1140/26

    Career Outlook for Accounting degree at University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

    Cost of Degree: $17,065
    Expenses: $19,665
    Starting Salary: $62,401
    Salary after 4 years: $81,159
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Massachusetts Dartmouth known for?

    University of Massachusetts Dartmouth’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    What do we love about University of Massachusetts Dartmouth?

    University of Massachusetts Dartmouth was formed in 1895 as the New Bedford Textile School in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Relocating to Dartmouth in 1964 and expanding into Southeastern Massachusetts University in 1969, the public research university would ultimately join the broader UMass state university system in 1991.

    University of Massachusetts Dartmouth is especially noted for top ranking nursing, health sciences and business programs at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Today, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth serves more than 8,000 students.

    • University of Massachusetts Dartmouth is great for students who:

      Are seeking an intimate college with a welcoming atmosphere. Students describe the student body as diverse and professors as highly accessible.

    • University of Massachusetts Dartmouth might not be the best fit for students who:

      Are seeking a large campus experience.

    Compare school

Career Outlook for Students with Accounting Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Accounting

Degree Level: Master's

  • Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
  • Avg. Cost of Degree*: $11,535
  • Avg. Expenses*: $17,123
  • Avg. Starting Salary*: $61,966
  • Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $80,594
  • Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 5 years
  • Job Growth: 4.52%
  • Number of Jobs: 2,051,900
  • * denotes ‘annually’
  • ** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’

Career Salaries

CareerJob GrowthAvg. Salary
Financial Managers15.97%$125,312
Financial Risk Specialists8.15%$89,827
Business Teachers, Postsecondary7.01%$86,765
Financial and Investment Analysts7.63%$82,451
Budget Analysts3.30%$78,432

Average Career Salaries

Bottom 10%MedianTop 10%
$49,057$77,714$129,196

Promising Job Markets

StateCost of LivingAvg. Salary
#2 New York5% higher than average$104,966
#3 Michigan15% higher than average$78,409
#4 North Carolina11% higher than average$79,756
#5 Texas10% higher than average$79,329
#6 Ohio14% higher than average$75,885

Top Industries

IndustryAvg. Salary
Financial Managers$125,312
Financial Risk Specialists$89,827
Business Teachers, Postsecondary$86,765
Data from The Bureau of Labor Statistics, The Department of Education College Scorecard, The Department of Education NCES, and The Council for Community and Economic Research.

Save money on your way to an MBA by checking out some free MBA courses at some of the best business schools in the world.

Or find other top schools with a look at our College Rankings Guide.

 
Do you have a question about this topic? Ask it here