MBA in Accounting
What Is an MBA in Accounting?
An MBA in Accounting is a graduate degree program that combines core business administration courses with specialization courses in accounting. Students immerse themselves in the financial practices and principles that underpin business stability. Economics, marketing, financial reporting practices and bookkeeping are covered in this broad degree program. Students benefit from stimulating discussions with peers and fully qualified faculty members who are experts in their field.
The accounting MBA program at GCU is offered by the Colangelo College of Business. At GCU, we believe business can affect the greater good of the local community and beyond. Here are three key ways this can happen:
- Business as a force for good
Do 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 love, care and support.
Students pursuing an MBA in Accounting can take advantage of valuable networking opportunities by building relationships with a diverse body of fellow students. The MBA accounting program inspires students to become confident communicators who mindfully explore different perspectives and think critically. Students become accomplished researchers who learn the quantitative methods necessary for turning raw data into applicable information. Some of the courses in this MBA accounting program include:
- Advanced Financial Statement Analysis
- Advanced Financial Accounting
- Applied Business Probability and Statistics
- Leadership and Organizations
- Finance Principles
Online and Evening MBA Courses Offer Flexibility
GCU is a 21st century university that embraces a flexible learning path with evening or online classes. Students taking the MBA in Accounting online at GCU have access to an intuitive and interactive learning platform. The program requires a total of 54 credits for completion. The online courses are eight weeks in length.
Why Choose GCU for Your MBA in Accounting?
Learn why earning an MBA in Accounting from GCU is the right choice:
- Online MBA in Accounting courses
Courses are available online, giving you the ability to complete a degree while keeping your busy schedule. - Transfer credits
Add credits from your business degree background to help you graduate sooner.
MBA accounting students 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. They study the fundamentals of accounting practices, managerial accounting and financial analysis to prepare for advanced study later in the program. Other core competencies include:
- Microeconomic and macroeconomic concepts in contemporary business
- The definition, formulation and execution of strategy within organizations, with an emphasis on the role of innovation and competitive advantage
- Methods that streamline a firm’s internal processes to build a highly efficient organization
- In-depth analysis and interpretation of corporate financial reports, with an emphasis on the utility and limitations of financial accounting data
What You Can Do With an MBA in Accounting
The accounting MBA degree has long been held as the standard of academic achievement in the business world. With an MBA in Accounting, graduates are prepared to pursue high-level management positions across a nearly limitless range of industries. Some specific job titles that may be related to this degree include the following:
- Chief financial officer (CFO)
- Vice president of accounting
- Accounting manager
- Business development manager
- Management analyst
C-level accounting professionals are employed in many different settings, including corporations, government agencies, public organizations and faith-based groups. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, an estimated 61,700 new jobs are expected to open for accountants and auditors from 2019 to 2029.1
MBA in Accounting FAQs
There are many benefits to earning this advanced degree from an accredited accounting MBA program. In addition to salary advancement possibilities, you will have opportunities to expand your professional network and benefit from a more diverse pool of job prospects. Graduates with an MBA in Accounting degree are often more competitive for gainful, higher-level management positions.
Based on your career goals, there are a number of degrees that can complement your MBA in Accounting 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 online MBA in Accounting program at GCU requires 54 credits for completion, with most online courses being eight weeks long. It is possible to earn an online accounting MBA in one to two years depending on the type of program and whether you are a full-time or part-time student. Speak with your admissions counselor to learn more.
The MBA in Accounting degree focuses on various disciplines and practices within the accounting and business field, particularly in management; thus, an accounting MBA degree gives 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 exam and submit their scores for consideration. At GCU, applicants for the MBA in Accounting 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.
1 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics as well. Accordingly, data shown is based on 2019, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, accountants and auditors.
Core Courses
Course Description
This course is designed to prepare students for the graduate learning experience at Grand Canyon University. Students have opportunities to develop and strengthen the skills necessary to succeed as graduate students in the College of Business. Emphasis is placed on utilizing the tools for graduate success.
Course Description
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the College of Business, key concepts of leadership, and an overview of how the science of organizational behavior contributes to effective leaders and managers.
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.
Course Description
This course is designed for individuals who are preparing for more advanced coursework in accounting and is designed for students who have not had finance in undergraduate work. Topics covered include financial analysis, financial planning, asset evaluation, capital structure, and working capital management.
Course Description
The purpose of this course is to prepare students in mathematical, probability, and statistical concepts for their upcoming studies in quantitative methods. The course is intended for those students who have not had any prior statistical education, although students who have had statistics should also consider taking the course as a refresher.
Course Description
This course introduces microeconomic and macroeconomic concepts that are relevant to contemporary business. Emphasis is placed on using economic data for business decision making.
Course Description
This course is a study in the quantitative tools and techniques used to model business functions and applications. Emphasis is placed on how to set up models, and how to interpret and apply their results. Prerequisite: SYM-506.
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.
Course Description
This course covers managerial accounting concepts and procedures for internal reporting, including the study of cost behavior, cost systems, budgeting, and performance evaluation. Coursework includes case studies, group projects, and class discussion. Prerequisite: ACC-502.
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.
Course Description
This course discusses elements of business financial decisions, including financial forecasting and development of proformas, management of working capital, capital budgeting, capital structure, and raising funds in capital markets. Prerequisite: FIN-504.
Course Description
This capstone course focuses on preparing and conducting a strategic analysis of a selected publicly traded firm to produce actionable intelligence used to formulate recommendations to promote the creation of a value-adding strategy. Based on the results of their strategic analysis, students are then required to prepare the framework of a strategic plan that creates significant value for the selected firm. Prerequisites: MGT-605, MKT-607, ACC-650, and FIN-650.
Course Description
This course is an exploration of advanced topics in financial accounting and reporting, including recognition, measurement, and valuation issues affecting organizations. Prerequisite: ACC-650.
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.
Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.
Grand Canyon University’s evening programs cater to the demands of working professionals who prefer an in-person learning environment. Our night classes meet just once per week and offer the interaction and discussion of a typical college classroom.
* 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.