What’s the Difference Between an MBA and an M.S. in Accounting?

Individuals who earn a master’s degree in accounting equip themselves with skills and knowledge to qualify for positions with greater responsibilities and roles with higher salary potential. Earning a master’s degree demonstrates you have developed expertise in the best practices in the fundamental areas of accounting. While the benefits of earning a master’s degree are clear, the question for many potential accounting graduate students is deciding which degree is right for them. For many people, it comes down to starting towards a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in accounting (MBA in Accounting) or a Master of Science of Accounting (MSA). 

Deciding whether to earn an MBA in Accounting or an MSA depends on each person’s interests and the direction they want to take their career. This article outlines some of the benefits of each degree path and the differences between the two that prospective students should consider before deciding.  

The Benefits of Earning an MBA in Accounting

Earning an MBA with a concentration or specialization in accounting offers graduates a combination of advanced business skills and financial expertise. This degree also teaches students how to analyze financial data while understanding broader business strategies, making the degree attractive for those aspiring to senior-level leadership positions.   

The curriculum often includes subjects like marketing, operations, and organizational behavior alongside accounting, making it suitable for those aspiring to more general business leadership roles. 

An MBA in Accounting can open doors to diverse career paths beyond traditional accounting roles. The program covers a range of business disciplines, allowing individuals to work in consulting, entrepreneurship, or corporate strategy while applying their financial expertise.  

MBA vs. MSA Differences

The primary difference between an MBA in Accounting and an MSA is the focus and scope of each program. An MBA in Accounting provides a broader business education, blending accounting with management, leadership, and strategic decision-making skills. This degree is ideal for individuals looking to combine financial expertise with leadership roles, preparing professionals for management positions such as financial manager or chief financial officer. The curriculum often includes subjects like marketing, operations, and organizational behavior alongside accounting, making it suitable for those aspiring to more general business leadership roles. 

In contrast, a Master of Science in Accounting is a more specialized degree focused primarily on advanced accounting practices and technical knowledge. The MSA program dives deeper into areas like auditing, taxation, and financial reporting, equipping graduates with the skills needed for expert-level roles in accounting. This degree is typically more aligned with those who aim to become Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) or forensic accountants, as it provides the in-depth accounting expertise needed for these careers. While both degrees offer career advancement opportunities, the MSA is more specialized, whereas the MBA in Accounting offers broader business and leadership development. 

The program duration for an MBA in Accounting typically ranges from 1 to 2 years, depending on whether the student is enrolled full-time or part-time. Some accelerated MBA programs may be completed in as little as one year, while part-time or executive MBA options can extend to two or more years to accommodate working professionals. 

In comparison, an MSA generally takes about 1 year for full-time students to complete. Part-time students may take up to 2 years, depending on the program’s structure and the student’s pace. Both degrees offer flexibility, but an MSA tends to have a slightly shorter and more focused duration compared to the broader curriculum of an MBA. 

Eastern’s Online M.S. in Accounting

The online M.S. in Accounting program through Eastern Connecticut State University (Eastern) fulfills the education requirement for students to sit for the CPA exam or earn a CPA license and offers full-time students the opportunity to earn their degree in 1 year. The 30-credit-hour master’s program covers advanced functions of accounting and helps students develop professional responsibility and critical thinking skills.  

Outcomes from the program include applying the concepts, theories and practices in accounting information systems and financial reporting. Graduates of the program can expect to qualify for roles in auditing, finance, taxation and more and have developed competencies sought after by accounting firms, as well as government and not-for-profit organizations.