Top Online MBA in Accounting

Today, a number of accredited universities offer online MBA programs with specializations in Accounting, providing students with a high-quality education in accounting without the need for a traditional on-campus experience. These programs are designed to cater to professionals who wish to deepen their expertise in accounting while gaining essential leadership and business management skills. Below are the top accredited universities that offer these online MBA programs with accounting concentrations:

Bellevue University

Bellevue University, located in Nebraska, is home to one of the largest MBA programs in the state and has earned a reputation for offering high-quality, flexible graduate business education. The university's College of Business holds accreditation from the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE), which ensures that students receive a rigorous, well-rounded business education. Bellevue's MBA with Accounting Concentration is designed for professionals who wish to explore advanced accounting topics in a flexible online format. The curriculum includes courses such as Accounting Theory, International Accounting, Advanced Auditing, and Accounting for Governmental and Non-Profit Entities, among others. These courses are crafted to provide students with a deep understanding of both technical accounting principles and the broader business context in which they operate. Bellevue is also recognized for its focus on developing leadership skills, with the Leadership Excellence magazine ranking it as a Top 20 school nationally for fostering leadership.

University of Nebraska - Lincoln

The University of Nebraska – Lincoln (UNL) is consistently ranked among the top institutions for distance learning and online education, with the Financial Times ranking it among the top 40 global providers of online MBA programs. The College of Business Administration at UNL offers an online MBA with a specialization in accounting, providing students with the flexibility to complete the program entirely online through a series of 10-week modules. This program is especially attractive to working professionals due to its asynchronous nature, allowing students to study at their own pace while still meeting deadlines. The accounting specialization includes coursework in financial management, accounting principles, and international accounting, equipping students with the skills needed to excel in both corporate and public accounting roles. UNL’s online MBA program also allows students to pursue other specializations, such as international business, agribusiness, and finance, making it a versatile choice for those looking to tailor their education to specific career goals.

University of Michigan-Dearborn

The University of Michigan–Dearborn offers a highly regarded online MBA program with a concentration in accounting, making it an excellent choice for students seeking a well-rounded education in both business management and accounting. Ranked as the 6th best master's-level public university in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report in 2009, Michigan-Dearborn is known for its rigorous academic standards and commitment to providing a comprehensive education. The accounting concentration includes courses such as Cost Management, Financial Statement Analysis, Issues in Auditing and Assurance Services, International Accounting, and Taxation, all of which are designed to provide a deep understanding of both traditional and emerging issues in accounting. The program is structured to offer flexibility to working professionals, with start dates in September, January, and May, giving students the option to begin their studies at times that best fit their schedules.

Oklahoma State University

Oklahoma State University (OSU) is another strong contender in the realm of online MBA programs, ranking highly in Kiplinger magazine’s list of Top 100 Best Values in Public Colleges for 2009. The university’s AACSB-accredited MBA program with a concentration in accounting is designed to equip students with the analytical and strategic skills necessary for leadership positions in accounting and finance. The accounting concentration offers courses such as Financial Research, Contemporary Accounting Theory, and Fraud Examination & Advanced Assurance Services, which are ideal for students looking to deepen their knowledge of accounting theory and practice, with a special emphasis on fraud prevention and assurance services. OSU’s online MBA is known for its affordability, as well as its reputation for producing graduates who excel in the accounting profession.

Tennessee Tech University

Tennessee Tech University offers an online MBA program with an accounting concentration that is AACSB-accredited, ensuring a high standard of academic quality. Ranked among the Top 8 Public Schools in the South by U.S. News & World Report, Tennessee Tech’s online MBA program has become a popular choice for students pursuing careers in accounting. The program is structured to provide students with the foundational business skills necessary to manage accounting functions in a corporate environment, while the accounting concentration delves into specialized topics like fraud examination and advanced auditing. Tennessee Tech’s program is particularly beneficial for students seeking to sit for the Tennessee CPA examination, as the MBA with accounting concentration fulfills one year of the CPA experience requirement. The flexibility of the program, combined with its high academic standards, makes it an attractive option for aspiring accountants.

University of Massachusetts (UMass) Lowell

The University of Massachusetts (UMass) Lowell offers an AACSB-accredited online MBA program with a concentration in accounting that is recognized for its quality and affordability. UMass Lowell’s online MBA program has earned the distinction of being named a “Best Buy MBA” by GetEducated.com, reflecting its value for money while maintaining academic rigor. The program includes a diverse array of electives for the accounting concentration, such as Federal Taxation and Current Topics in Accounting – Fraud Examination, ensuring that students are well-prepared for a range of career opportunities in accounting, from taxation to fraud prevention. The flexibility of UMass Lowell’s online MBA program makes it an excellent choice for working professionals looking to advance their careers while balancing their personal commitments.

Liberty University

Liberty University, ranked as the 6th top online university by the Online Education Database in 2009, offers an online MBA with an accounting concentration that provides students with a strong foundation in business management alongside specialized knowledge in accounting. The program is designed to be completed in as little as two years, making it an ideal option for students looking to advance quickly in their careers. Liberty’s MBA Accounting concentration prepares students for a range of career paths, including positions as auditors, finance managers, and business owners. The university also offers a Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) program, which is a 30-credit-hour degree that can be completed in one to two years. The MSA program is a great option for students who wish to pursue a more focused accounting education, while the MBA concentration allows for a broader business education.

University of Dallas

The University of Dallas is a highly respected institution recognized for its rigorous academic programs and commitment to providing quality education. The university offers an online MBA with a concentration in accounting that is well-suited for students who wish to pursue careers in public accounting, corporate finance, or consulting. The program’s coursework includes key topics such as Business Communications, Auditing, Tax Planning, Accounting Research Methods, and Accounting Information Systems, providing students with a comprehensive education in both technical accounting skills and business management. Additionally, the University of Dallas is accredited by the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy, ensuring that students are prepared for licensure in the state of Texas.

Baker College

Baker College, which has earned recognition as one of the top 10 online MBA programs by CoursePal, offers an MBA in Accounting that is tailored for professionals who already have undergraduate degrees in accounting. The program is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, and it offers specialized courses in Taxation, Global Accounting, and Accounting for the Contemporary Manager. These courses are designed to help students refine their accounting skills and prepare for managerial positions in various industries. Baker College’s program is particularly well-suited for those looking to deepen their understanding of advanced accounting practices in a flexible, online format.

Suffolk University

Suffolk University, located in Boston, offers a specialized MBA/Graduate Diploma in Accounting that is AACSB-accredited and prepares students for professional qualifications such as the CPA or CMA exams. The program is designed for individuals who wish to gain comprehensive knowledge in accounting while also developing the leadership and managerial skills necessary to succeed in the business world. Suffolk’s MBA program offers both theoretical and practical knowledge in accounting, with courses such as Financial Accounting, Managerial Accounting, and Taxation. The program’s integration with professional certifications further enhances its appeal to students seeking to advance in the accounting profession.