Whether you want to become a CPA or simply master the finances for businesses or a corporation, getting a graduate degree in Accounting provides a wealth of opportunity for professional success. An undergraduate degree can get you a job in the accounting department, but a graduate degree in accounting provides opportunities for managerial positions, executive financial positions, and self-employment in private practice. The key to picking the right accounting MBA program is knowing whether you plan to sit for the CPA exam. Some master’s programs are geared specifically to prepare graduates for the CPA exam, while others are geared towards those who want to manage accounting departments or become finance executives.

1. University of Phoenix’s Master of Science in Accountancy program is backed by one of the most well known online schools. UoP helped pioneer online education for working professionals in the early days of the Internet. As such, they have years of experience developing the ideal environment for students who need or want to pursue their graduate studies with a flexible schedule. With a MS in Accountancy from University of Phoenix, students are prepared for the grueling demands of the uniform Certified Public Accountant exam. The program follows the goals outlined by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants for leadership skills, professional ethics, critical thinking, and mastery of accounting technology.
2. Keiser University’s Master of Business Administration, Accounting Concentration provides graduates with the fundamental skills necessary to evaluate the financial health of businesses. Students focus on forecasting future financial performance based on analyzing and evaluating financial data and statements produced by a company’s accounting department. This degree program focuses on the internal accounting knowledge needed to make informed, educated business decisions based on financial data. It does not prepare students for the CPA exam, but rather for managing company finances and using financial reporting to make important business decisions.
3. Walden University Online’s Masters in Accounting prepares students for a career in accountancy. Walden’s reputation for quality education and flexible online scheduling is an ideal choice for working professionals. Graduates are prepared for a number of accounting certifications, including the CPA exam. Extensive studies of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, SEC rulings, and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act help prepare students for the ever-changing, highly regulated field of accounting. Other programs, such as the MS in Accounting and Management and MBA provide opportunities for students who wish to focus their studies for use in corporate or business finance.
4. Grand Canyon University’s Master of Science in Accounting is designed to meet the needs of students who plan to sit for the CPA exam, as well as for practicing professionals who want to deepen their understanding of theories and principles of modern accounting. The primary focus of this degree plan is for those who wish to practice accountancy, or pursue educational or research positions in the field of accountancy. As such, the program focuses on advanced accounting principles, taxation, regulatory rules and guidelines, and auditing procedures.
5. Capella University MBA with a Concentration in Accounting prepares graduates for mid to upper level managerial positions in American business. The focus of studies provides graduates with a broad range of knowledge centered on the affects of regulations, accounting practice theories, and proper analysis of financial reports for sound business decisions. This degree program is not intended to prepare students to sit for the CPA exam, but rather for interpreting financial statements and documents and designing accounting systems for business.