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As an MBA with accounting emphasis student, you will start with an intensive look at the key concepts of leadership, including the way in which the science of organizational behavior contributes to effective management. You will study the fundamentals of accounting practices, managerial accounting and financial analysis to prepare for advanced study later in the program.
Other MBA with accounting emphasis core competencies include:
Our frequently asked questions are here to provide you with more information on what you should know before enrolling in your program. Read through the questions and answers to learn more.
There are many benefits to earning this advanced degree from an accredited MBA program with accounting emphasis. You may have opportunities to expand your professional network and benefit from a more diverse pool of job prospects. According to MBA.com, "An accounting program can improve your ability to secure future leadership roles and gives you a great basis for negotiating higher salaries."2
Based on your career goals, there are a number of degrees that can complement your MBA with accounting emphasis degree and give you a competitive edge in a specialized field. For example, an MS in Data Science can boost your knowledge in a technology field that conducts a lot of data mining and analysis. If you are interested in portfolio management, business mergers and acquisitions, you may want to consider an additional MBA in finance.
The MBA degree with accounting emphasis focuses on various disciplines and practices within the accounting and business field, particularly in management; thus, an accounting emphasis MBA degree can give graduates the skills and knowledge to pursue diverse career paths. An MS in Accounting (MSA) typically emphasizes accounting-specific skills and intensive study in a specialized area within the accounting field. Carefully consider your career goals and preferences before choosing your degree path.
Many graduate-level accounting programs require applicants to complete the GRE and submit their scores for consideration. At GCU, applicants for the MBA with accounting emphasis program may be accepted if they meet the GPA requirements for their undergraduate degree. The undergrad degree must be from an accredited college or university program that is approved by GCU’s transfer credit center. GRE and GMAT scores may be required in some instances to supplement the applicants’ undergraduate records.
Up to 12 credits or 1/3 of the total program requirements in transfer (whichever is less)
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Master's)
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
* Degree must be from an accredited college or program that has been approved by GCU.
** Combined verbal/quantitative, after August 2011 (1,000 combined verbal and quantitative, prior to August 2011).
An MBA with accounting emphasis is a graduate degree program that combines core business administration courses with specialization courses in accounting. Prepare to immerse yourself in the financial practices and principles that underpin business stability. Economics, marketing, financial reporting practices and bookkeeping are covered in this degree program. You may benefit from stimulating discussions with peers and qualified faculty members who are knowledgeable in their field.
GCU Accepts Transfer Credits
Add eligible credits from your business degree background to help you graduate sooner. Students may transfer up to 12 credits or one-third of the total program requirements — whichever is less. GCU will provide you with a complimentary Lopes Unofficial Credit Evaluation to help you estimate how many credits you will need to complete your program. Fill out the form on this page to discuss your credits with a university counselor.
The MBA with accounting emphasis program is offered by the Colangelo College of Business. At GCU, we believe business can affect the greater good of the local community and beyond.
Business as a force for good
Conduct business the right way. Keep a focus on conscious capitalism.
Free markets and purpose for prosperity
Concentrate on the higher purpose of business. Stakeholder orientation is important for long-term success.
Business as ministry
By applying a Christian perspective, your team prospers through your care and support.
While pursuing an MBA degree with accounting emphasis, you can take advantage of valuable networking opportunities by building relationships with a diverse body of fellow students. This program can help inspire you to become a confident communicator who mindfully explores different perspectives and thinks critically. You will practice how to become an accomplished researcher who studies the quantitative methods necessary for turning raw data into applicable information.
Some of the course topics you will cover in this program include:
Analysis of financial statements
Financial accounting
Probability and statistics in business
Leadership in an organization
Principles of finance
GCU embraces a flexible learning path with in-person or online classes. The MBA with accounting emphasis courses are available online to allow you to complete a degree while keeping your busy schedule.
As an online student, you will have access to an intuitive and interactive learning platform.
1 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as well. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2023, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Accountants and Auditors, retrieved on Sept. 18, 2023.
2 Turner, H. (2023, Jan. 20). MBA in Accounting or Masters in Accounting: Which is Right for You? mba.com. Retrieved on April 28, 2023.
Discover additional emphasis options that can help you find the right path for your academic and career aspirations.
The accounting emphasis master’s program at GCU teaches students important skills that can prove useful while pursuing a career in accounting.
In this program, you can learn skills in areas such as:
Effective leadership
Business
Marketing
Management
Qualitative methods and models
Financial analysis
If you’re interested in pursuing your MBA with an emphasis in accounting, fill out the form on this page to get in contact with a university counselor.
MBA degree with accounting emphasis graduates will have studied coursework that can help you position yourself for possible management positions across a large range of industries.
C-level accounting professionals are employed in many different settings, including corporations, government agencies, public organizations and faith-based groups. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook estimates job growth for accountants and auditors to increase by about 4% from 2022 to 2032, as fast as average, accounting for an estimated increase of 67,400 jobs in the field.1
Some additional job titles that may be related to this degree include the following:
Estimated number of new jobs expected for accountants and auditors from 2022 to 20321
