MBA With Accounting Track Program Overview
Our AACSB-accredited online Master of Business Administration with accounting emphasis is designed for students looking to strengthen their strategic thinking, decision-making, and business acumen while mastering traditional and contemporary accounting practices.
This 33- to 42-credit online program can be completed in as little as four semesters and will equip you with the specialized skills and knowledge you need to take on competitive leadership roles in accounting. Each online course is taught by the same PhD business professionals who teach on campus.
Designed with flexibility and customization in mind, the program offers two tracks: a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) track and a non-CPA track that allows you to customize your degree and focus on your unique areas of interest.
Track Options
Narrow your accounting focus by selecting electives based on your career goals.
CPA Track
The CPA track is only applicable to students who have already completed upper-level accounting coursework or, preferably, hold an accounting degree. The following electives should be selected if your focus is CPA certification:
- ACCT 6305: Topics in Financial Accounting
- ACCT 6315: Topics in Federal Income Tax
- ACCT 6316: Topics in Auditing
Non-CPA Track
The following electives should be selected if your focus is a broad study of accounting:
- ACCT 6311: Information Systems Management
- ACCT 6313: Professional Ethics
- ACCT 6320: Fraud Examination and Forensic Accounting
Alumni Pathways
As a graduate of our online MBA in accounting program, be prepared to hit the ground running with a skill set highly sought after in a variety of industries, whether or not you select our CPA track. Your knowledge of account analysis, financial accounting, and federal income tax means you could join our alumni at companies in need of the support and expertise an accountant brings.
Our MBA alumni thrive at companies like:
- Amazon
- Google
- Dell Technologies
- JPMorgan Chase
- Edward Jones
- Charles Schwab
- Chevron
- USAA
Careers for MBA in Accounting Graduates
An MBA in accounting can provide students with opportunities in a diverse range of careers, including:
Preparation Courses
Upon admission (regular and conditional), students will be evaluated for statistical literacy. Students who need additional skills in this area are referred to BUSI 2342 (Statistical Literacy) until literacy requirement is fulfilled. Statistical literacy (BUSI 2342) must be remedied in the first semester in which the student is accepted into the MBA program and must be taken before the student enrolls in FINA 6320, FINA 6321, BUSI 6302, MNGT 6366, MRKT 6302 or electives in accounting, finance, management, or marketing.
BUSI 2342 - Principles of Statistics
8 weeks
3
The course is an introduction to the principles of statistics and their application to problems in business and economics. Topics include the basics of probability theory, descriptive statistics, sampling methods, statistical estimation, hypothesis testing, and the basics of linear regression. Prerequisite(s): MATH 1324
Core Courses
12 Credit Hours
ACCT 6301 - Accounting Analysis
8 weeks
3
A foundation in the fundamentals of financial and managerial accounting information designed for the planning, assessment, and control of business entities. Emphasizes the use of information for decision-making. May not be taken for MPA core or elective credit. Prerequisite(s): BUSI 2342 - Principles of Statistics.
FINA 6320 - Financial Management
8 weeks
3
Survey of foundational concepts in financial management; in particular, introduction to capital budgeting and financing concepts that include discounted cash flow analysis and its applications to valuation of bonds, stocks, and corporate capital assets. Prerequisite(s): ACCT 6301 or equivalent.
MNGT 6360 - Organizational Behavior
8 weeks
3
The systematic study of individual, team, and structural characteristics that influence behavior within organizations. Cross-cultural applications are discussed.
MRKT 6310 - Marketing Management
8 weeks
3
An analysis of the customer/market relationships with the company in an open market system characterized by the presence of strong competition within a very fluid business environment. Managerial decision making with this matrix will be stressed.
Courses Beyond Core
21 Credit Hours
ACCT 6302 - Contemporary Control Systems
8 weeks
3
A study of the design, implementation, and evaluation of control systems intended to support and direct strategic objectives of various organizations. Prerequisite(s): ACCT 6302 or ACCT 6305 or ACCT 6315 or ACCT 6316
BLAW 6301 - Legal Environment of Business
8 weeks
3
A foundation in the role of law in our system of business and commerce both facilitating and constraining business decision-making. In addition, this course will introduce the operation of legal institutions and the fundamentals of legal reasoning.
FINA 6321 - Corporate Finance & Strategy
8 weeks
3
Intermediate-level course covering modern corporate finance concepts. Course topics include advance capital budgeting and financing techniques as well as financial risk management and various asset valuation techniques including concepts related to Mergers and Acquisitions. Prerequisite(s): FINA 6320 or the equivalent
MNGT 6366 - Strategic Management
8 weeks
3
Opportunity for development and implementation of knowledge from multiple disciplines and integration of viewpoints of different functions of an organization. Case evaluation and discussion are stressed.
MNGT 6320 - Production & Operations Management
8 weeks
3
The role of the operations management function within the context of an organization, be it public or private, profit or nonprofit, manufacturing or service. The course emphasizes the application of concepts of in process analysis, material management, and quality management. Both quantitative and behavioral perspectives are presented.
BUSI 6302 - Business Analytics
8 weeks
3
This course introduces the practical and advanced data analytics for all business majors. The course covers topics of script programming, data/statistical analysis, and data visualization. Students will practice data analytic methods and use related software to solve real-world business questions.
BUSI 6325 - International Business
8 weeks
3
The course investigates government and businesses across borders and the dynamics between countries/regions, including country profiles, national economic policies, regional integration, trade, law, and foreign direct investment. This course is macro in nature and focuses on international business and its overriding theories, and how to apply them in management decisions. Cross-listed with MRKT 6301.
Specialty: Accounting Elective Courses – CPA Route
The CPA track is only applicable to students who have already completed upper-level accounting coursework or, preferably, hold an accounting degree. If selecting the CPA Route, 9 credit hours required. Internship cannot be used. Please consult with your faculty advisor regarding courses.
ACCT 6305 - Topics in Financial Accounting
16 weeks
3
Development of the theories, principles, and techniques of accounting for partnerships, branches, business combinations, and consolidations as well as multinational business organizations. Completion of the course requirements qualifies for 1 hour of research credit with the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy. 6 credit hours of Intermediate Accounting are required.
ACCT 6315 - Topics in Federal Income Tax
16 weeks
3
Federal Income Tax law, rules, and regulations relating to partnerships, corporations, estates, and trusts. Completion of the course requirements qualifies for 1 hour of research credit with the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy. 3 credit hours of tax or equivalent is required to take this course.
ACCT 6316 - Topics in Auditing
16 weeks
3
A conceptual approach to the auditing process, stressing the interrelationships of objectives, standards, techniques, and procedures. Prerequisite: 6 credit hours of intermediate accounting or equivalent.
Specialty: Accounting Elective Courses – Non-CPA Route
If selecting the non-CPA Route, 9 credit hours required. Internship cannot be used. Please consult with your faculty advisor regarding courses.
ACCT 6313 - Professional Ethics
8 weeks
3
Historical development of ethical theories, roles of the professional in contemporary society with respect to economic, social, political, and technological problems. Case evaluations and discussion designed to develop professional standards for ethical behavior. ACCT 6301 or equivalent is required prior to enrolling in this course.
ACCT 6311 - Information Systems Management
8 weeks
3
Methods and problem resolution in developing and managing company-wide information systems.
ACCT 6320 - Fraud Examination and Forensic Accounting
8 weeks
3
An advanced approach to fraud examination and forensic accounting. Topics include legal environment for fraud examiners, fraud prevention, investigation techniques, and financial statement frauds.
