Earn Your Online MBA

with a specialization in Accounting

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New and Improved Curriculum:

We have reimagined our MBA program to better prepare you for today’s analytics and AI-driven business world, and streamlined it so you’re done faster. Connect with your admissions counselor for more details!

New and
Improved:

We have reimagined our MBA program to better prepare you for today’s analytics and
AI-driven business world, and streamlined
it so you’re done faster. Connect with your admissions counselor for more details!

Become a Leader with an MBA in Accounting from Concordia University Chicago

Accountants play a critical role in every organization. In addition to managing finances, they oversee adherence to proper accounting procedures and help ensure financial operations run effectively and efficiently. Accountants with both theoretical and practical business knowledge are highly valued.

Earning an online MBA in Accounting from Concordia University Chicago puts you on the path to attaining leadership positions in this in-demand field.

All of my professors had different backgrounds and they brought different perspectives to the discussions. I honestly appreciated that the most. Professors would mention real problems and solutions in the business world that they’ve encountered and it was very inspirational.

- Alyssa Castaneda
MBA '19

Get answers to your questions with our short information session.

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MBA in Accounting Designations

Concordia-Chicago’s specialization in accounting has been redesigned to better prepare a student to sit for the Uniform CPA Exam. Starting in 2024, a candidate who wishes to sit for the CPA exam, will take three general tests and then will choose a fourth test. This fourth test is a radical new part of the CPA exam where a candidate will choose one of these three areas of designation:

Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR)
Information Systems and Controls (ISC)
Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP)

Starting in Fall of 2024, Concordia-Chicago will roll out the first of these MBA accounting specializations: Business Analysis and Reporting. It is anticipated that the other two MBA accounting specializations will be available in the next two years.

MBA in Accounting: Business Analysis and Reporting

Outcomes

The online MBA in Accounting: Business Analysis and Reporting degree provides students with the knowledge needed to pass the Business Analytics and Reporting section of the CPA. These outcomes include:

Utilizing generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) to analyze an organization’s economic performance and financial stability.
Understanding and applying ethical decision-making in accounting practice and the impact on the business, employees and stakeholders.
Using advanced accounting analysis and reports to select and convey information to management and key stakeholders.
Understanding and assessing the global perspective of accounting in the collection, analysis and presentation of financial information for various audiences.
Utilizing and evaluating relevant information technology for competitive advantage in accounting practice.
Applying GAAP in the areas of nonprofit accounting, lease accounting, derivative and hedge accounting, risk analysis and revenue recognition.

Courses

Alongside the Core MBA courses, you will take the following:

MBAA-6355 Financial Reporting and Analysis
MBAA-6360 Applied Data Analytics and Visualization
MBAA-6365 Advanced Topics in Business Analysis and Reporting

Take the Next Step in Your Accounting Career with an MBA

Concordia University Chicago offers a variety of specialized MBA degrees in many disciplines and industries, including options for students interested in pursuing an MBA in Accounting. This on-campus and online MBA in Accounting degree program is designed for accounting professionals who are ready to move into a management or leadership role.

The accounting MBA degree includes 8 of the 9 courses featured in the core MBA degree program, plus 3 courses in your designation.

Program Details

The online MBA in Accounting is available both on-campus and online. Students must complete 33 hours of online coursework to earn an MBA in Accounting degree from Concordia University Chicago. The academic calendar features three 16-week semesters per year, with each semester comprised of two consecutive eight-week terms. To complete the online MBA in Accounting program, students should partner with their advisor to create a customized degree plan that is comfortable for their unique circumstances.

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1.5 million accountants

Were employed in the US in 2021 according to the BLS

Career Outlook

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 6% increase in employment of accountants and auditors from 2021 to 2031 as well as 17% growth in financial manager occupations over the same period.

While a bachelor’s degree can prepare graduates for entry-level accounting jobs, many employers prefer to hire professionals with a master’s degree —particularly for jobs in accounting leadership and management.

Every employer needs accountants, including businesses, nonprofit organizations and government agencies. Earning an MBA in Accounting degree can help graduates land a variety of leadership and management positions, including:

Chief Financial Officer
Financial Manager or Consultant
CPA
Public Accountant
Tax Accountant
Cost Accountant
Internal or External Auditor
Budget Analyst

Accounting salaries vary depending on the position. As of May 2021, the median pay for accountants and auditors was $77,250, according to BLS data. The top 10% in this field earned more than $128,970. For those who progress into a financial manager role, the BLS reports a median annual salary of $131,710.

Demand for qualified accounting professionals should remain high in the coming years. Earning an online MBA with an Accounting Specialization from Concordia University Chicago prepares you for leadership roles in a career that offers job stability, interesting challenges and rewards.

Explore Career Insights for Accountants in Your Location

MBA in Accounting: 33 Credit Degree Program

MBA in Accounting Courses

ID	Course	Credits
MBAA-6355	Financial Reporting and Analysis	3
MBAA-6360	Applied Data Analytics and Visualization	3
MBAA-6365	Advanced Topics in Business Analysis and Reporting	3

Click for full MBA accounting specialization course descriptions.

Tuition & Financial Aid

If there is no interruption in your course of study at Concordia University Chicago, you are guaranteed there will be no increase in tuition rates. Contact us to confirm the current tuition and fees for the online MBA in Accounting degree. Students who enroll in our online MBA program as a degree candidate are eligible to apply for federal financial aid.

Active-duty military service members, veterans and eligible dependents can take advantage of financial programs available to assist in paying for a college education. For more information, please visit the active-duty/veterans website.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission into the online MBA in Accounting degree program at Concordia University Chicago, students must have earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. As this program is to help a student complete the required credits for the CPA exam, it is strongly encouraged that you have a bachelor’s degree in accounting.

Please note that each state has its own rules for sitting for the CPA exam in each jurisdiction. These requirements change frequently for all 50 states. The specialization in accounting will assist you in meeting some of the steps toward sitting for a state CPA exam. Please verify eligibility with each state CPA board where you intend to practice.

Complete and submit all required admission materials as follows:

Objective Statement – Write a brief statement outlining your education and career goals and explain how an accounting MBA degree from Concordia University Chicago will help you fulfill those objectives.
Official Transcripts – Provide one official, sealed transcript from each institution that has granted you a degree. Full admission requires a cumulative grade point average of 2.85 or better for bachelor’s degrees and 3.00 or higher for a master’s degrees.
Letters of Recommendation – Send two letters of recommendation from individuals who are able to comment on your academic proficiency, professional competencies and personal character.

International applicants may be required to submit additional supporting materials, such as proof of English language proficiency, a copy of their passport and a foreign transcript evaluation from an approved credentialing service. For full requirements, visit the Admission & Tuition page.

There is no application fee and no GRE requirement to apply for the online MBA program at Concordia University Chicago