How long does it take to get an MBA with accounting emphasis?

The evening and online accounting emphasis MBA program at GCU requires 54 credits for completion, with most online courses being eight weeks long. Fill out the form on this page to speak to a university counselor to learn more.

Online MBA with Accounting Emphasis

Overview

MBA With Accounting Emphasis Takes Accounting Careers to New Heights

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.

Master of Business Administration with an Emphasis in Accounting

Offered By

Colangelo College of Business

Class Settings

Evening

Online

Tuition Rate

Online: $665 per credit [More Info]

Evening: $665 per credit [More Info]

Cost of Attendance

Course Information

Credits: 54

Online: 8 weeks

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Transfer Credits

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

Admission Requirements (Master's)

Undergraduate Degree*
2.8+ GPA

OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and

GMAT: 500
GRE: 300 combined**

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).

Online Learning

WHY GCU

Online MBA With Accounting Emphasis Courses Offer You Flexibility

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.

Core Business Principles

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.

Coursework

MBA Degree With Accounting Emphasis Coursework

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

Study Advanced Competencies

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.

Acquire Valuable Skills in the MBA Program With Accounting Emphasis

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

Careers

Career Pathways for MBA With Accounting Emphasis Graduates

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.^{(See disclaimer 1)}

Some additional job titles that may be related to this degree include the following:

Chief executive officer
Compensation and benefits manager
Cost estimator
Logistician
Management analyst
Accountant

67,400

Estimated number of new jobs expected for accountants and auditors from 2022 to 2032^{(See disclaimer 1)}

FAQ

MBA Degree With Accounting Emphasis FAQs

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.

Why should you pursue an MBA program with accounting emphasis?

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."^{(See disclaimer 2)}

What is a good degree to complement my MBA with accounting emphasis?

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.

What is the difference between an MBA with accounting emphasis and an MS in Accounting?

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.

Do you need the GRE for an MBA with accounting emphasis program?

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.

View All MBA Programs

Discover additional emphasis options that can help you find the right path for your academic and career aspirations.

Explore MBA Degrees

Courses

Program Curriculum

Credit Summary

Major54 credits

Degree Requirements54 credits

Fundamental Courses

Fundamental courses prepare students for the curricular content they will encounter within the program. Upon evaluation of their transcripts, students with the appropriate undergraduate degree(s) may wave fundamental course(s). All students will undergo transcript evaluations upon receipt of their undergraduate degree bearing official transcript. For college specific information regarding fundamental coursework, students should refer to the University Policy Handbook.

ACC-502

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course is designed for students who are preparing for more advanced coursework in business but who have not had accounting in undergraduate work. Topics covered include the principles and practices of financial accounting, including the fundamentals of revenue recognition, the components of the balance sheet, and financial statement analysis. ?The course explores accounting theories using publicly traded companies and case studies.

FIN-504

4 Total Credits

SYM-506

4 Total Credits

Core Courses

UNV-504

2 Total Credits

MGT-605

4 Total Credits

ECN-601

4 Total Credits

BUS-660

4 Total Credits

MKT-607

4 Total Credits

Course Description

Management of the marketing function, market environmental analysis, and marketing planning, strategy, and control are fundamentals of marketing management. The course examines the marketing process, marketing research, product development innovation and diffusion, pricing strategy, distribution value drain, advertising and promotion, and strategic marketing issues. Emphasis is placed on case study analysis and current academic research with a marketing plan as a significant curriculum component.

ACC-650

4 Total Credits

MGT-655

4 Total Credits

Course Description

Operations Management examines managerial concepts and strategies relating to the management of operations in both manufacturing and service environments. Emphasis is placed on methods to streamline and drive inefficiencies out of a firm’s internal processes to build a highly efficient organization. The course also focuses on external processes by examining ways to achieve greater supply chain integration with suppliers and customers. Quantitative and qualitative methods and tools are introduced and applied. Prerequisite: SYM-506.

FIN-650

4 Total Credits

MGT-660

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This capstone course focuses on preparing and conducting a strategic analysis of a selected publicly traded firm by assessing a changing business landscape to produce actionable intelligence used to develop a strategy focused on value creation. Students also engage in a product-focused simulation that provides a collaborative experience, providing an opportunity to apply creativity, business knowledge and skills to reflect on lessons learned in real time decision-making. Based on the results of the simulation and their strategic analysis, students are then required to prepare the framework of a strategic plan that creates significant value for all stakeholders. Prerequisites: MGT-605, MKT-607, ACC-650, and FIN-650.

ACC-660

4 Total Credits

ACC-670

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course covers in-depth analysis and interpretation of corporate financial reports. Students examine the form, content, and general accounting principles governing the construction of financial statements. There is particular emphasis on the analysis and interpretation of financial data as well as on the utility and limitations of financial accounting data. Prerequisites: ACC-650 or ACC-653, and ACC-660.

GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change

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Start Your Journey Today

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.

Apply Now

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.
Turner, H. (2023, Jan. 20). MBA in Accounting or Masters in Accounting: Which is Right for You? mba.com. Retrieved on April 28, 2023.