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Accounting Online MBA Concentration Within the Master's in Business Administration Program

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Total courses 3 (of 10)

Term length 10 weeks

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Concentration Overview Why focus your MBA in accounting?

As part of your MBA program, a concentration adds focus to your degree in a particular area of study. So if you're looking to advance your expertise in business and financial management, consider the online Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Accounting program from Southern New Hampshire University.

Built specifically for today's business needs, this concentration is designed to deepen your understanding of capital budgeting, finance and portfolio management. You'll learn to lead, strategize and innovate for a high-performance organization — which could position you for a future as a business leader in an array of industries.

Skills you'll learn:

  • Data analysis and interpretation
  • Strategies for an organization
  • How to evaluate and implement organizational processes
  • Ethical/legal standards and sustainable practices
  • Accounting and financial reporting analysis
Tanzania Fair, who earned her degree from SNHU in 2020, sitting in her office working on a laptop with her framed diploma on the wall in the background.

Courses & Curriculum Online accounting classes that prep you for success

SNHU's Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Accounting features accounting courses built for today's workforce. In addition to learning primary accounting skills like financial reporting and the tax implications of major business decisions, this MBA program can help you gain a deeper understanding of an organization's vision, mission, values, culture and strategic goals. You'll leave with the tools to become an impactful, fiscally responsible leader — no matter what industry you choose to step into.

Concentration Course Descriptions

Your 3-course accounting concentration explained

Your entire MBA degree consists of 10 courses (30 credits). For 7 of your courses, you’ll take graduate level MBA classes (21 credits). If you choose this concentration, the remaining 3 courses (9 credits) will focus specifically on accounting — where you'll learn the financial skills you need to make smart organizational decisions. You'll also find that accounting and finance principles are woven throughout the entire MBA program, integrating core principles across all courses — so you can gain overarching business skills you need to make a difference in the workplace.

And if you don't have a business background? No problem. Our MBA is accessible to everyone. Interested students must have a conferred undergraduate degree for acceptance, but it can be in any field.

Courses may include:

Course ID: ACC 550
This course will provide a comprehensive study of the concepts, procedures, and practices of accounting systems that record, classify, and report cost data. These systems are designed to aid in the cost-effective operation of organizations. This course will focus on budgeting, cost data analysis, and accounting tools for planning and control. Additional focus will be placed on relevant cost data analysis for strategic decision making at the executive level of an organization.
Course ID: ACC 610
In this course, students will be introduced to foundational financial accounting theories and practices, with emphasis placed on standards and compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Students will learn to analyze financial statements and accounts for advising stakeholders on strategic business decisions. This course will specifically focus on applying accounting methods to current assets and liabilities and long-term assets. This course is part of the financial reporting foundation courses for students who need the required foundational accounting knowledge.
Course ID: ACC 620
Concepts in this course will concentrate on financial activities and the impact they have on financial statements. These activities will include stockholders' equity, long-term liabilities, leases, and statement of cash flows. This course is part of the financial reporting foundation courses for students who need the required foundational accounting knowledge.

Visit the course catalog to view the full Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Accounting curriculum.

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Faculty Profile

Learn from instructors with industry experience

Our faculty bring with them decades of business experience and exhibit strong leadership both in the classroom and in their professional careers. This experience informs the development of courses and curriculum that can help position graduates for success, wherever they go next.

Featured Faculty

Dr. Cynthia Waddell

Dr. Cynthia Waddell, a Certified Public Accountant and adjunct instructor in SNHU's online MBA in Accounting program since 2012.Dr. Cynthia Waddell is a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Fraud Examiner and spent more than 20 years as a federal law enforcement agent in Detroit and Indianapolis. 

Position
Adjunct Instructor

Joined SNHU
2012

Education

  • PhD in Applied Management and Decision Sciences with a specialization in Accounting from Walden University
  • Master of Accounting and Financial Management from DeVry University Keller Graduate School
  • Bachelor of Science in Management with a concentration in Accounting from Indiana University

"SNHU's courses not only meet the highest academic standards, but also related to real-world scenarios that you may face in your professional career."

Read more about Waddell and other online faculty at SNHU.

Mona Stephens

Mona Stephens, a Certified Public Accountant and dean in SNHU's online business programs.Before finding a love for online teaching, Mona Stephens spent much of her auditing and accountancy career in local government. She is a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Internal Auditor who loves working with students and sharing her passion for all things accounting. Stephens is also a member of numerous industry organizations, including the Government Finance Officers Association, the American Association of Accountants and the Institute of Management Accountants.

Position
Associate Dean of Business

Joined SNHU
2011

Education

  • MS in Accountancy from California State University, Sacramento
  • BS in Accounting from California State University, Sacramento
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SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.

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Tuition Cost & Savings College can be more affordable than you think

As a nonprofit university, SNHU offers some of the lowest online tuition rates in the country. And when you work with our Financial Services team, we'll explore ways to help you save even more on your education – and customize a payment plan that works for you.

Online graduate tuition

Student
Cost per credit
Cost per course
Cost for 30-credit degree*
Full- and part-time students
$659
$1,977
$19,770
Active-duty military and spouses | Full- and part-time students**
$470
$1,410
$14,100

*before previously earned credits are applied

Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.

**Note: Students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.

Additional costs: Course materials vary by course.

Transfer credits and lower your cost by:

$1,318 $2,636 $3,954
Transfer credits and lower your cost by:

If 2 of your prior learning credits ($659/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $18,452

If 4 of your prior learning credits ($659/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $17,134

If 6 of your prior learning credits ($659/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $15,816

How we estimate your tuition cost:

We look at the cost per credit multiplied by the number of credits you need to earn for an MBA degree. Most master's degrees require 30 credits. SNHU allows you to transfer in up to 6 credits, requiring a minimum of 24 credits to be taken at SNHU. This is only a tuition estimator and doesn't account for other fees that may be associated with your program of choice.

Career Outlook What can I do with an MBA in accounting?

The need for business professionals continues to rise, and many of today's senior management executives have a background in accounting or finance. Accounting knowledge is a valuable asset to your business operational skillset, and the ability to analyze and interpret financial data is especially important as companies seek efficient, cost-effective means of operation. With an online Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Accounting, you'll be positioned for a successful leadership career in a variety of industries.

Industries

Earning your MBA in Accounting online at SNHU gives you the background you need to be successful in management-level positions across an array of industries, such as:

Work in an exciting, fast-paced environment as a relationship manager, loan officer, financial analyst or investment banker.

Analyze financial data as a budget analyst, financial analyst or business analyst.

Use an organization's accounting and financial data to support strategic decision-making for strong ROI.

Step into client-focused, relationship-oriented roles like financial planner, investment advisor or wealth manager.

16%
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increase in financial manager positions nationally through 2032, projected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).1

$139,790
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the median annual salary nationally for financial managers as of May 2023, according to the BLS.1 Statistic not based on wage data for SNHU graduates.

Understanding the numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors—like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data, not on SNHU graduate outcomes, and do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Whether or not you decide to get an MBA in Accounting all depends on your professional goals. If you want to work in accounting or finance and dream of leading a team or organization, an online Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Accounting from SNHU could be right for you.

In this program, you’ll dive deep into a variety of accounting topics and gain key leadership and career skills that are in high demand across many industries. In addition, you'll take accounting-specific courses that explore topics like financial reporting and cost accounting.

You’ll also take several core business courses to gain key business and career skills, including analysis, problem solving, critical thinking and communication.

Business courses in this program cover topics such as:

  • Finance and economics
  • Mathematics and statistics
  • Marketing and strategy
  • Ethics and corporate culture
  • Operations management
  • Innovations and entrepreneurship
  • Leadership

Learn more about the possible benefits of earning an online MBA.

An online MBA in Accounting is a versatile degree that can be applied to many career paths. The management of financial resources is critical to business success across every industry, and for businesses big and small. You can use your analytical and critical-thinking skills to keep track of important financial metrics and lead a team or department.

No matter what your interests, an MBA in Accounting can help advance a career in banking, budget analysis, financial management, financial planning and more.

Jobs for those who hold an MBA in Accounting include:

  • Management accountant: Record and analyze financial information for internal use, including budgeting, performance evaluation and planning.
  • Auditor: Check for mismanagement of an organization’s funds and identify ways to improve the processes for finding and eliminating waste and fraud.
  • Financial manager: Create financial reports, direct investment activities and lead long term financial planning for an organization.
  • Budget analyst: Help public and private organizations organize their finances by preparing budget reports, monitoring spending and reviewing budget proposals for compliance with law and regulations.
  • Financial analyst: Assess the performance of investments, evaluate current and historical financial data and study economic trends to provide investment guidance to businesses and individuals.
  • Management analyst: Analyze financial and other data to recommend ways to improve an organization’s efficiency and make organizations more profitable.

That depends on your specific career path. With the business and financial skills developed in an MBA program, there are many opportunities to turn a passion for accounting into a career.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for business and financial occupations was $79,050 in May 2023.1 Within the accounting and finance field, however, salaries vary significantly:

  • Accountants and auditors had a median annual wage of $79,880 in May 2023, with the highest 10% earning more than $137,280.
  • Financial managers earned a median salary of $139,790 the same year, with the highest 10% earning more than $239,200.
  • Management analysts had a median annual wage of $99,410 in 2023, with the 10% highest-paid earning more than $172,280.1

Plus, 2023 data from BLS shows that master's degree holders earn about 15% more in median weekly earnings than those with an undergraduate degree.1

The degree that’s right for you depends on your career goals. Both an MBA in Accounting and a master's in accounting online, or on campus, offer valuable finance, economics and accounting coursework, but the programs do differ.

In a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Accounting, you'll get a strong foundation of core business and leadership skills. In addition to finance and accounting coursework, you’ll explore:

  • Marketing and strategy
  • Ethics, corporate culture and social responsibility
  • Finance and economics
  • Government impact on business
  • Operations management and technology
  • Leadership and management strategy

In contrast, an accounting master’s degree focuses more closely on accounting and financial practices. While you’ll still gain key career skills like communication, critical thinking and problem solving, your courses won’t focus as much on management strategy and leadership.

Instead, you’ll dive deeper into accounting topics, including:

  • Accounting principles and practices
  • Professional auditing methods
  • Cost analysis for informed decision-making
  • Using information technology to evaluate financial information
  • Applications of financial regulations in business
  • Quantitative analysis
  • Individual and corporate tax preparation

The MS in Accounting is a particularly smart choice if you're interested in a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) pathway, as the curriculum was built to align with the CPA Exam.

Note: CPA requirements vary by state. If you're considering CPA certification, check with your state's board of accountancy for eligibility criteria before enrolling.

Again, the degree you choose depends on what goals you want to meet. For a deep dive in accounting, you'll want the MS in Accounting. For a good understanding of accounting, coupled with a broader foundation in business, go for the MBA in Accounting. Either way, both position you for leadership roles in business and can provide essential business skills and knowledge that would be an asset to any organization.

Again, this depends on your goals. If you want to join an exciting field with a broad range of career opportunities and lots of room for growth, then it certainly could be.

Globalization, an evolving economy and a complex tax and regulatory environment are expected to continue the demand for skilled accountants and financial managers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).1

The combination of financial knowledge and leadership skills gained during an online MBA in Accounting program will be in high demand across many industries and organizations.

At colleges and universities, a concentration is a focused area of study within a larger degree program. A concentration generally replaces elective coursework in the major or discipline, allowing students to focus their studies on an area of interest.

Related Articles

Sources & Citations

1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at:

  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/home.htm (viewed June 28, 2024)
  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/home.htm (viewed June 28, 2024)
  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/financial-managers.htm (viewed June 28, 2024)
  • https://www.bls.gov/OOH/business-and-financial/accountants-and-auditors.htm (viewed June 28, 2024)
  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/management-analysts.htm (viewed June 28, 2024)
  • https://www.bls.gov/bls/exit_BLS.htm?a=true&url=https://www.census.gov/topics/education/educational-attainment.html (viewed June 28, 2024)

Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.

2Graduate Management Admission Council, on the internet, at:

  • https://www.gmac.com/-/media/files/gmac/research/enrolled-students/2022/2022_enrolled_students_survey_summary_report_final.pdf (viewed June 28, 2024)
  • https://www.gmac.com/-/media/files/gmac/research/employment-outlook/2022_gmac_corporate_recruiters_survey_summary_report_final.pdf  (viewed June 28, 2024)