Best Online MBA/MAcc Dual Degree Programs

A Master of Accountancy builds the technical depth you need for CPA licensure, while an MBA develops the strategic perspective that executives rely on. Earning both through an MBA/MAcc dual degree can set you up for roles where accounting expertise meets leadership, from audit partner to controller or chief financial officer. This combination is one of several online dual MBA programs built for students heading into finance and accounting careers.

Only a handful of schools let you complete an MBA/MAcc dual degree online or remotely, but the programs that do come from AACSB-accredited business schools with strong accounting departments. The four options below range from a fully online 14-month program to flexible formats that blend virtual and in-person classes. You'll also find details on coursework, CPA preparation, costs, and career outlook.

What Is an Online MBA/MAcc Degree?

An MBA/MAcc dual degree pairs a Master of Business Administration with a Master of Accountancy (sometimes called a Master of Professional Accountancy), and you graduate with two separate diplomas. Overlapping courses let you finish both degrees with fewer credits, typically 45 to 64 in total, compared with 60 to 75 or more if you earned them separately. If you're mapping out your options from the start, a guide to online accounting degrees covers programs at every level.

The MAcc portion focuses on advanced financial reporting, auditing, taxation, and accounting analytics, often with a strong emphasis on CPA exam content. The MBA adds finance, marketing, operations, leadership, and strategy. Many students use the dual degree to reach the 150 credit hours most states require for CPA licensure while building broader business skills at the same time.

Best Online MBA/MAcc Dual Degree Programs

These schools offer MBA/MAcc dual degrees that can be completed online, remotely, or through flexible virtual formats. All four hold AACSB accreditation for their business programs.

1. Eastern Washington University

Eastern Washington University (EWU) offers a 100% online MBA and Master of Professional Accountancy (MPAcc) dual degree that you can complete in as few as 14 months. The program requires 64 credit hours across 16 four-credit courses, with six-week classes and seven start dates per year. EWU's School of Business and School of Accounting are both accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

The program provides at least 28 credit hours toward CPA exam eligibility, with more possible depending on your MBA electives. You can choose electives in finance, marketing, data analytics, healthcare, or leadership, and an optional accounting internship is available. Tuition is the same for in-state and out-of-state students, and the GMAT is waived for many applicants.

2. Southern Utah University

Southern Utah University (SUU) offers a joint MAcc/MBA that requires 48 credits instead of the 66 needed for separate degrees, saving 18 credits through overlapping electives. You can complete the program online or on campus, taking one to four courses per semester, including summers. Both the MAcc and MBA are AACSB-accredited through the Dixie L. Leavitt School of Business.

Students receive a dedicated career coach and internship coordination, and SUU reports a high employment rate for graduates. GMAT or GRE scores are waived if you meet GPA or experience thresholds for both programs. Students from AACSB-accredited undergraduate accounting programs can typically skip MAcc foundation courses, which shortens the overall timeline.

3. Washburn University

Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas, offers one of the most streamlined MBA/MAcc dual degrees, requiring just 45 credit hours instead of 60. Both programs can be completed entirely remotely, with live virtual evening classes that you can also attend on campus if you prefer. Washburn's MBA and MAcc are both AACSB-accredited.

Six MBA credits count toward the MAcc, six MAcc credits count toward the MBA, and both programs share a managerial economics course. Most instruction is synchronous, so you'll attend scheduled class sessions rather than working fully on your own schedule. The flexible MAcc track generally requires the equivalent of an undergraduate accounting degree, and non-business majors may need foundation courses for the MBA.

4. University of Oklahoma

The University of Oklahoma's Price College of Business offers a joint Master of Accountancy/MBA that builds accounting and financial management expertise alongside a general business perspective. OU's MAcc is available online in a cohort format with small classes, and the Price College also offers an online MBA. The John T. Steed School of Accounting holds its own AACSB accreditation.

The online MAcc can be completed in less than two years while working full time, and students who complete a CPA exam review course may earn graduate business credit. Since the joint program's page doesn't specify a delivery format, confirm with an admissions advisor that your full plan of study can be completed online. OU is a strong option if you want a well-known public university with a dedicated accounting school.

How We Rank Schools

To create this list, we review data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), along with program-level details published by each university. Since few MBA/MAcc programs are available online, only those with verified online or remote options were included. These factors shaped the final list:

• Accreditation: Every school on this list holds AACSB accreditation, and separate accounting accreditation was viewed favorably.
• Online availability: Fully online programs ranked highest, followed by programs with remote synchronous or flexible formats.
• CPA preparation: Programs that clearly support CPA exam eligibility and licensure requirements earned extra weight.
• Credit efficiency: Dual programs with significant overlap between the two degrees were favored.
• Affordability: Public universities and programs with flat online tuition rates received additional consideration.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

Other Ways To Combine an MBA and Accounting Training

If these programs don't fit your schedule or location, you can still pair business leadership with advanced accounting coursework. Some universities offer an MBA paired with a Master of Science in Accounting, which covers similar material and can also support CPA preparation. Look for an online MBA/MSA dual degree if you want to compare those programs as well.

You might also consider an MBA with an accounting concentration, which adds accounting electives to a standard MBA in less time. Exploring affordable online MBA in accounting programs can help you decide whether a concentration gives you enough accounting depth for your goals.

What Will You Learn in an MBA/MAcc Degree Program?

MAcc coursework builds advanced technical skills in financial accounting and reporting, auditing and assurance, individual and corporate taxation, governmental and nonprofit accounting, and accounting information systems. Many programs now include data analytics courses that teach tools used in modern audit and advisory work.

The MBA side covers corporate finance, marketing, operations, organizational behavior, economics, and strategic management. Together, the degrees prepare you to analyze complex financial information, communicate with executives, and lead accounting and finance teams.

How Long Does It Take To Earn an MBA/MAcc Degree Online?

Accelerated online programs with six-week courses can be completed in as few as 14 months. Most other MBA/MAcc dual degrees take about 18 months to two years, depending on how many courses you take each term.

Students without an accounting background may need foundation courses before starting the MAcc, which can add a semester or more. Part-time students who work during busy season often spread their coursework over three years.

How Much Does an Online MBA/MAcc Degree Cost?

Total tuition for an online MBA/MAcc dual degree generally ranges from about $25,000 to $60,000 or more. Public universities with flat online rates sit at the lower end of that range, while larger research universities with out-of-state tuition can cost more.

Foundation courses, technology fees, and CPA review materials can add to your total. Understanding how much an online accounting degree costs at different levels can help you budget for the full path to licensure.

Financial Aid for Online MBA/MAcc Degrees

Accounting students often have strong funding options, especially through employers that need CPA-eligible staff. These sources can help reduce your costs:

• Employer tuition assistance: Accounting firms and corporate finance departments frequently help pay for graduate degrees, particularly for employees pursuing CPA licensure. Researching companies that offer tuition reimbursement can show you which employers provide the most support.
• Federal student loans: Graduate students can use Direct Unsubsidized Loans within annual and aggregate limits. Filing the FAFSA for an MBA also qualifies you for many school-based awards.
• Accounting scholarships: State CPA societies, the AICPA Foundation, and professional groups like the Institute of Management Accountants offer scholarships for graduate accounting students. Many universities also have dedicated accounting scholarships.
• CPA review credits and discounts: Some programs award graduate credit for completing a CPA review course, and many review providers offer student discounts. These can lower both your degree and exam preparation costs.
• Military benefits: Service members and veterans may be able to apply education benefits toward both degrees. Checking whether the GI Bill covers an MBA can help you plan.

How To Choose the Right MBA/MAcc Degree

MBA/MAcc programs differ in format, pacing, and how well they align with CPA requirements. These factors can help you compare your options.

CPA Requirements in Your State

Each state sets its own requirements for accounting and business credits, along with the 150-hour education rule. Confirm that your program's curriculum will meet the requirements where you plan to become licensed.

Synchronous vs. Asynchronous Classes

Some programs use live virtual classes on set evenings, while others let you complete coursework on your own schedule. Synchronous formats offer more interaction, while asynchronous formats provide more flexibility during busy season.

Accounting Background and Foundation Courses

Many MAcc programs expect an undergraduate accounting degree or equivalent coursework. If you're changing careers, ask how many foundation courses you'll need and whether they can be completed online.

Separate Accounting Accreditation

AACSB offers a separate accounting accreditation that only a small share of schools hold. This distinction can signal an especially strong accounting program and may matter to some employers.

Career Services and Recruiting

Accounting firms recruit heavily through campus partnerships and internships. Ask how each program connects online students with recruiters, internships, and career coaching.

Career Outlook With an Online MBA/MAcc Degree

An MBA/MAcc dual degree prepares you for roles in public accounting, corporate finance, and financial leadership. Many graduates start as auditors, tax accountants, or financial analysts before advancing into controller and finance director positions, and ultimately into roles like financial manager or CFO.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, financial managers earn a median annual wage of $166,570. Employment is projected to grow 10% through 2035, with steady demand for finance leaders across industries. CPA licensure combined with an MBA can strengthen your candidacy for these senior finance roles as you build experience.

FAQs About the Best Online MBA/MAcc Degree Programs

Students considering an MBA/MAcc often have questions about CPA timelines, degree value, and career paths. These answers address several of the most common ones.

Can You Work Full Time While Earning an Online MBA/MAcc?

Many students work full time while completing an online MBA/MAcc, especially in programs with evening or asynchronous courses. Busy season can make spring terms more demanding for those already working in public accounting. Taking a lighter course load during peak periods can help you stay on track.

Should You Take the CPA Exam During or After Your MBA/MAcc?

Many states let candidates sit for the CPA exam once they meet specific educational requirements, sometimes before completing all 150 credit hours. Taking exam sections while your coursework is fresh can be an advantage, though balancing study with classes can be challenging. Check your state board's eligibility rules to plan your timeline.

Is an MBA/MAcc Worth It for Corporate Accounting Roles?

The MAcc builds the technical expertise needed for corporate reporting, tax, and audit work, while the MBA prepares you for management responsibilities. This combination can be especially valuable if you want to move into controller, finance director, or CFO roles. For purely technical positions, a MAcc alone may be enough.

What's the Difference Between a MAcc and an MPAcc?

A Master of Accountancy and a Master of Professional Accountancy are very similar degrees, and the names are often used interchangeably. Both typically focus on CPA preparation and advanced accounting topics. Reviewing each program's curriculum is the best way to compare them.

Do Accounting Firms Value an MBA/MAcc?

Accounting firms value the MAcc for its technical depth and CPA preparation, and many recruit directly from MAcc programs. The MBA adds value as you move into management, client relationship, and advisory roles. Graduates aiming for partner or leadership positions often benefit from both credentials.

Discover Online MBA/MAcc Dual Degrees

An online MBA/MAcc dual degree can help you meet CPA requirements while building the leadership skills needed for senior finance roles. Browse programs through Learn.org and connect directly with schools to get personalized information about CPA preparation, formats, and costs.