Master’s in accounting vs. MBA: Which is better for your career?
Compare the skills you can gain and the career outcomes you can expect from a master's in accounting vs. an MBA to decide which degree moves you forward.
By: Janice Mejías Avilés, Edited by: Marie Custodio Collazo
Last updated: July 31, 2025
Should you earn a master of business administration (MBA), or is a master's in accounting a better fit?
Both are graduate degrees, but their programs offer distinct approaches to building your career. An MBA gives you broad business training across industries, while a master's in accounting offers focused expertise and may help you meet some CPA exam requirements.
Our guide explores everything you need to know about an MBA vs. master's in accounting, so you can choose the program that aligns with your goals.
Get an MBA if...
- You're considering management careers outside of accounting.
- You want a broader curriculum that covers leadership, finance, and marketing topics.
- You aren't sure accounting is the best fit for your skills.
Get a master's in accounting if...
- You need 150 credits to qualify for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam.
- You're interested in specialized areas like forensic accounting or governmental accounting.
- You prefer a deep accounting focus or aren't interested in marketing, human resources, or other core MBA courses.
What is a master's in accounting program like?
A master's in accounting program provides graduate-level training in advanced accounting principles. Depending on the program, you can specialize in areas like forensic accounting, auditing, corporate tax, or management accounting.
For aspiring CPAs, this degree may help meet the 150 credit hours required to sit for the CPA exam, a step toward licensure.
Most master's in accounting programs take 1-2 years to complete. While you don't always need a bachelor's in accounting, some programs may have business or accounting prerequisites before enrolling.
Benefits of a master's in accounting
Earning a master's degree in accounting may help you:
- Transition into accounting from another background.
- Earn the credit hours needed to sit for the CPA exam.
- Stand out for roles in audit, tax, corporate, or government accounting.
- Access advanced roles in public or corporate accounting.
- Increase your earning potential and job prospects.
Careers and salaries with a master's in accounting
If you love working with numbers, solving complex problems, and making sure every detail adds up, a master's in accounting can open doors to rewarding, high-responsibility roles. Many graduates work in areas like auditing, tax, compliance, or financial strategy, which are key functions that support business operations and decision-making.
Explore how this degree may translate to job opportunities and long-term career growth, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
| Job opportunities | Median annual salary (May 2024) | Job growth (2023-33) |
|---|---|---|
| Personal financial advisor | $102,140 | +17% |
| Budget analyst | $87,930 | +4% |
| Financial specialist | $82,140 | +6% |
| Accountant/auditor | $81,680 | +6% |
What is an MBA program like?
Unlike a master's in accounting program, which focuses on specialized skills required for specific careers, MBA programs offer broader business training. While you may take accounting courses, you'll study broad areas like operations, finance, marketing, human resources, and strategy while building leadership and decision-making skills.
Earning an MBA typically takes two years, though some business schools offer accelerated one-year MBA programs. You can also declare a concentration to focus your coursework. Admission requirements vary by program, with some schools offering online MBA programs with no GMAT or online MBA programs with no GRE requirements.
Careers and salaries with an MBA
Pursuing an MBA may be worth it as it can prepare you for leadership roles across industries, not just in the business or financial sectors. This degree often leads to higher salaries, especially in management, consulting, and operations.
Discover common MBA career paths, median salaries, and job outlook data, as reported by the BLS:
| Job opportunities | Median annual salary (May 2024) | Job growth (2023-33) |
|---|---|---|
| Financial manager | $161,700 | +17% |
| Marketing manager | $159,660 | +8% |
| Human resources manager | $140,030 | +6% |
| Management analyst | $101,190 | +11% |
What is in an MBA in accounting program?
If you can't decide between an MBA and a master's in accounting, you can always consider an MBA in accounting. These programs combine core business classes in management, finance, and marketing with graduate-level accounting courses.
An MBA in accounting offers the career versatility of an MBA with the specialization of a master's in accounting. These programs typically take two years to complete, and they may help you meet the credit hour requirement for CPA licensure.
MBA vs. master's in accounting: Which degree is right for you?
| Factor | Master's in accounting | MBA |
|---|---|---|
| Degree focus | Specialized accounting knowledge and technical expertise | Broad business training that can be applied across sectors |
| Career options | Focused roles in accounting, tax, auditing, and compliance across industries, public and corporate | Versatile roles in operations, consulting, marketing, and finance |
| CPA preparation | Yes | No |
| Program length | 1-2 years | 2 years; 1 year for accelerated MBAs |
| Typical coursework | Auditing, taxation, forensic accounting, and financial reporting | Leadership, operations, marketing, strategy, finance |
| Salary potential | Competitive earning potential primarily in the accounting and finance fields | Typically, higher earning potential for management roles across sectors |
| Who it's best for | Professionals seeking specialized accounting expertise, CPA candidates, and recent graduates in accounting | Professionals seeking leadership or broad business roles, career switchers, and entrepreneurs |
How much does an MBA vs. a master's in accounting cost?
The cost of an MBA vs. a master's in accounting widely varies by program and institution. Factors influencing costs include:
- Whether you're studying part time or full time.
- Whether you're studying on campus or online.
- Whether you're enrolled in an accelerated option, which can reduce overall costs.
- Your residency status (in-state vs. out-of-state).
- Whether the university is public or private.
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports that in 2020, students in master's in business and management programs across all institution types paid an average of $16,120 per year in tuition and fees. edX's online master's programs typically range from $817-$2,850 per credit.
How much can you expect to pay? Start with posted tuition rates, and then consider other expenses, such as textbooks. Evaluate ways to lower costs, such as tuition discounts for distance learners or in-state tuition discounts. Research financial aid — by choosing an accredited institution, you'll qualify for federal student aid options. Reach out to universities to learn about the total cost of a degree.