Master of Accountancy vs. MBA/Accounting

Earning a master’s degree in accounting is the perfect way to take your career to the next level, especially if you want to increase income potential throughout your career. Upon graduation, you’ll be more qualified for better-paying positions. In fact, a master’s degree is often a prerequisite for many senior-level accounting positions.

Many students choose to continue working while pursuing their master’s degree. Keiser University’s online MAcc and MBA/Accounting degree programs are perfect for professionals who want to continue their careers while pursuing an advanced degree, either full- or part-time.

Let’s look at each of these degree programs a little closer, with the help of Dr. Diann Ferrell, CFE and Master of Accountancy Department Chair at Keiser University.

What Is a Master of Accountancy (MAcc) and Who Is It For?

A Master of Accountancy (MAcc), also known as a master’s in accounting or a master’s in accountancy, dives deep into the accounting field. Although it overlaps many of the same core accounting courses as someone pursuing an accounting MBA, a MAcc takes your accounting knowledge to the next level with additional highly focused courses. It’s a specialized degree that focuses on developing technical competencies and delves into the study of financial topics such as auditing, taxation, and cost analysis.

What Is an MBA in Accounting?

An MBA with a focus in accounting prepares students to work in managerial positions. They may be responsible for overseeing teams of accounting professionals (including Certified Public Accountants, or CPAs). This degree program exposes students to broader business principles while also cultivating competencies.  

The MBA/Accounting increases graduates’ understanding of essential business principles and practices, such as leadership and management skills. An MBA with a focus in accounting prepares graduates for managerial positions such as:  

• Human Resource Manager 
• Operations Manager 
• Financial Analyst 
• Project Manager 

Courses help future managers develop a broader understanding of business and accounting. Topics covered in an MBA program with a concentration in accounting include:

• Advanced Financial Reporting and Analysis
• Audit
• Cost/Managerial Accounting
• Fraud
• Professional Accounting Research
• Tax

The MAcc and MBA/Acc now accept all bachelor’s degrees and require fewer prerequisites than in the past. The MAcc and MBA/Acc share seven courses. The MBA/Acc includes a focus on business, whereas the MAcc is focused on accounting and financial topics.

Comparison Table: MAcc vs MBA/Accounting

Differences Between MAcc & Accounting MBA

The skills obtained in both a MAcc and an accounting MBA are important in shaping business strategies. This is why a master’s degree is often a distinguishing factor for prospective employers who consider a graduate degree as validation of advanced skills.

Which Degree Is Better for Your Accounting Career Goals?

When you compare a MAcc to an accounting MBA, you’ll find that despite some overlap, the selection of one over the other largely comes down to career goals and personal preference.

As Dr. Ferrell explained, the MAcc is typically best for those interested in an accounting career. MAcc graduates often aspire to pursue additional certifications (like a CPA) and are looking to deepen their existing understanding of accounting.

On the other hand, an accounting MBA has a broader focus, covering various managerial topics such as economics, finance, international operations, or marketing, while also developing competencies and a good understanding of critical business practices such as leadership and management.

Accounting Certifications or Designations

MAcc curriculum typically meets the educational requirements to sit for certifications such as the CPA exam; however, MBA accounting curriculum meets most of the requirements to sit for certification exams (all candidates may need to take additional courses to qualify for the exams, and it is up to the student to familiarize themselves with the rules in their state).

Common accounting-related certifications include:

• CPA – Certified Public Accountant
• CMA – Certified Management Accountant
• CFE – Certified Fraud Examiner
• CRFA – Certified Forensic Accountant
• CIA – Certified Internal Auditor
• CISA – Certified Information Systems Auditor
• CFSA – Certified Financial Services Auditor
• CHA – Certified Housing Accountant
• EA – Enrolled Agent

Some certifications are granted by the state where individuals intend to practice. The EA designation, however, is a certification awarded by the Internal Revenue Service and allows qualified individuals to practice in all 50 states.

Helpful Resources for MAcc & Accounting MBA

• AICPA for CPA exam information 
• IMA for CMA certification details 
• ACFE for CFE certification details 
• NASBA for state CPA licensing requirements 

Which Degree Best Prepares You for the CPA Exam

Suppose you plan to sit for the CPA exam. In that case, the benefits of a MAcc degree serve multiple purposes by furthering your accounting knowledge while also giving you the required credits to sit for the exam.

A CPA (Certified Public Accountant) license is an official, government-supported credential awarded to accountants who pass the Uniform CPA Examination and meet all the requirements of their state board of accountancy or examiners.

CPA certification endorses an accountant’s auditing, taxation, regulatory compliance, and financial analysis skills. Many employers need CPA certified accountants for their work; therefore, having CPA licensure often boosts earnings potential, job security, and career outlook.

Credits Required

CPA licensure requirements vary by state. In Florida, candidates must complete 150 semester credit hours and pass all sections of the CPA Exam to obtain licensure. However, Florida allows candidates to sit for the CPA Exam after completing 120 semester credit hours. Other states may permit licensure with 120 semester credit hours and two years of experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA, or with 150 semester credit hours and one year of qualifying experience. Regardless of the state, all CPA candidates must pass every section of the CPA Exam to earn licensure.

Do You Need a CPA?

Certified CPAs are licensed to work in public accounting and have more authority than private accountants. According to IRS guidelines, only CPAs and EAs are legally permitted to represent clients in tax court in front of the IRS.

CPA certification is often required by those who work:

• In accounting firms
• As internal auditors
• As corporate accountants
• As Chief Financial Officers (CFOs)
• In financial advisory services
• In specialized areas of accounting
• For the federal government
• In teaching positions

But do you really need a CPA certification?

In reality, CPAs are one subset of the accounting profession. Dr. Ferrell shares, “To be an accountant, you just need an accounting degree. You don’t need to be certified, but if you are certified, it adds to your value. It might give you an edge over another person in the job market.”

CPA Exam

The CPA Examination is a comprehensive 16-hour assessment divided into four sections: 

• Auditing and Attestation (AUD) – Focuses on auditing procedures, professional responsibilities, ethics, and attestation engagements. 
• Business Environment and Concepts (BEC) – Covers business processes, corporate governance, economics, financial management, and information technology concepts. 
• Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR) – Examines financial statement preparation and reporting for business entities, governments, and nonprofit organizations. 
• Regulation (REG) – Addresses federal taxation, business law, ethics, and professional responsibilities related to taxation. 

Candidates must successfully pass all sections of the CPA Examination to satisfy the examination requirement for CPA licensure. The rules are modified from time to time, so candidates must familiarize themselves with the rules in their state. 

Master of Accountancy vs. MS in Accounting

With an emphasis on highly focused courses, a Master of Accountancy (MAcc) professional track degree is for individuals who want to take their accounting knowledge to the next level. The MAcc program often targets mathematically inclined students, but an expert knowledge of advanced mathematics is actually not necessary for success in accounting.

The Master of Science in Accounting/Accountancy (MS in Accounting) program, on the other hand, generally includes more STEM-based courses and is often math and analytics intensive.

Why Get an MBA Concentration in Accounting

An MBA concentration in accounting helps you develop managerial and leadership skills. It also develops your ability to analyze complex business challenges from an international perspective. Dr. Ferrell shares, “An MBA focuses more on the business side. Students take economics, finance, and other business-related subjects.”

How Much More Can You Earn with a Master’s in Accounting?

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of 2025, the average annual income for accountants and auditors with bachelor’s degrees is$83,680 per year or $40.23 per hour. Employment of accountants and auditors is projected to grow 5 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. About 115,300 openings for accountants and auditors are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Accounting vs. Finance Degrees: What’s the Difference?

Are accounting degrees and finance degrees the same? Dr. Ferrell clears things up for us. She states, “Many people use the terms accounting and finance interchangeably, but there really is quite a difference. If you work in a financial setting, you’re probably going to enter the insurance industry or perhaps become a stock market broker. But oftentimes, they work for insurance companies.”

Keiser even has a FinTech program (Master of Science in Financial Technology), a partnership between finance and technology for those interested in a finance degree program. Keiser’s FinTech master’s degree program covers a wide range of current and emerging technologies for financial services.

Find the Right Accounting Grad Program for You at Keiser

Take the next step toward your professional goals with a graduate degree from Keiser University. The Graduate School offers career-focused masters, specialist, and doctoral programs designed to fit the lives of working professionals. With flexible online learning options, experienced faculty, personalized support, and nearly 50 years of academic excellence, you’ll gain the knowledge and leadership skills to make an impact in your field.

If you wish to propel your career forward with a master’s degree in accounting, Keiser’s master’s programs take your career to the next level and can prepare you to sit for the CPA exam. Dr. Ferrell shares, “A master’s in accounting helps assure you of jobs in the future because many jobs open up to people with an accounting degree. They could do bookkeeping for people, work from home, or even acquire a CPA firm and employ others. There’s a world of opportunity and many jobs for people with an advanced accounting degree.”

Are you ready to grab your part of the accounting world? Whether you want to pursue a Master of Accountancy (MAcc) or an MBA in Accounting, Keiser University can help you. Contact us to learn more!

Contributing Authors