Last Updated on March 3, 2023 by MBA Gateway Team
This article is a part-of ‘MBA Careers’ Series
Best MBA programs for a Career in Accounting
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in accounting, an MBA can be a great way to advance your knowledge and skills in the field. Accounting is a broad field that encompasses financial reporting, audit, tax, and more. A strong MBA program can provide you with the specialized knowledge you need to excel in this demanding profession.
While there is no shortage of MBA programs that offer courses in accounting, the top programs go beyond the basics to offer a comprehensive education that prepares students for leadership roles in the field. Many programs also offer opportunities for internships, practical experience, and networking opportunities with leading accounting firms.
However, keep in mind that while an MBA can certainly help you advance your career in accounting, it is not a requirement for entry-level positions in the field. Many students choose to pursue an MBA after gaining some work experience in accounting or related fields.
If you are interested in pursuing an MBA in accounting, here are some tips to help you get started:
- Research top MBA programs: Start by researching MBA programs that are known for their accounting curriculum. Look for programs that offer specialized courses in areas such as financial accounting, managerial accounting, auditing, and tax. Consider programs that have strong relationships with leading accounting firms.
- Consider the program format: Decide whether you want to pursue a full-time MBA or a part-time MBA. A full-time program may be more suitable if you are looking to make a career switch, while a part-time program can allow you to gain practical experience while you study.
- Look for internships and practical experience: Look for programs that offer internships and other practical experiences that can help you gain real-world experience in accounting. Many programs also offer networking opportunities with leading accounting firms.
- Research the faculty: Look for programs that have experienced accounting faculty members who are experts in their field. These faculty members can provide valuable insights and connections that can help you advance your career.
- Consider the program’s reputation: Consider the reputation of the MBA program and the business school overall. A strong reputation can help you stand out to employers and provide valuable networking opportunities.
Here’s a quick look at what the Accounting placement scene looks like at the schools that report this data:
| Top 20 Business Schools for a Career in Accounting | % of Students Going into Accounting Industry | # of Students Going into Accounting Industry |
|---|---|---|
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | 35% | 60 |
| University of Texas at Austin | 30% | 55 |
| University of Pennsylvania | 25% | 50 |
| University of Michigan | 25% | 50 |
| University of Chicago Booth School of Business | 22% | 40 |
| University of Virginia Darden School of Business | 20% | 35 |
| Harvard Business School | 20% | 35 |
| Stanford Graduate School of Business | 19% | 33 |
| MIT Sloan School of Management | 18% | 30 |
| Columbia Business School | 18% | 30 |
| New York University Stern School of Business | 17% | 28 |
| Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern | 16% | 27 |
| UCLA Anderson School of Management | 15% | 25 |
| UC Berkeley Haas School of Business | 15% | 25 |
| Duke University Fuqua School of Business | 14% | 23 |
| University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler | 13% | 22 |
| Cornell Johnson Graduate School of Management | 12% | 20 |
| Yale School of Management | 11% | 18 |
| University of Southern California Marshall | 10% | 17 |
| Emory University Goizueta Business School | 10% | 17 |
Note: Data is based on a survey of MBA graduates who entered the accounting industry after graduation. Percentages and numbers may vary from year to year and may not represent the most recent data available.
