3 Best Online MBA/MSA Dual Degree Programs

Accountants who want to move beyond technical work into leadership often need two kinds of expertise: deep knowledge of accounting standards and a broad understanding of how businesses operate. An MBA/MSA dual degree combines a Master of Science in Accounting with a Master of Business Administration, helping you prepare for the CPA exam while building the strategic skills needed for controller, CFO, and partner-track roles. This pairing is one of several online dual MBA programs designed for students targeting finance and accounting leadership.

Online MBA/MSA dual degrees are less common than you might expect, since many schools offer accounting-focused MBAs or Master of Accountancy pairings instead. The three programs below come from AACSB-accredited business schools and offer online or largely online paths to both degrees. You'll also find details on coursework, CPA preparation, costs, and financial aid, plus alternative routes if you need more options.

What Is an Online MBA/MSA Degree?

An MBA/MSA dual degree lets you earn a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Science in Accounting through a coordinated plan of study, with several courses counting toward both degrees. You graduate with two separate diplomas, typically in about two years of full-time study. Many students use the program to meet the 150-credit-hour education requirement that most states set for CPA licensure.

The MSA side covers advanced financial accounting, auditing, taxation, accounting information systems, and data analytics, while the MBA adds finance, marketing, operations, leadership, and strategy. Programs on this list range from 45 to 60 credits, compared with roughly 75 credits if you earned the degrees separately. If you're still exploring the field, an overview of accounting degrees explains how undergraduate and graduate options fit together.

Best Online MBA/MSA Dual Degree Programs

The schools below offer MBA/MSA dual degrees with online coursework from AACSB-accredited business schools. Format details are noted in each entry, since online availability varies.

1. University of Arizona

The University of Arizona's Eller College of Management offers an online MSA and MBA dual degree that you can complete in as little as two years. The program requires 60 units, with 15 units counting toward both degrees, though required accounting prerequisites may add a semester or two. Eller is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

This STEM-designated program is a good fit if you don't have an undergraduate business degree, since prerequisite courses in financial accounting, managerial accounting, intermediate accounting, and federal taxation build your foundation before advanced coursework. You'll apply to both programs separately. Keep in mind that the dual degree alone may not satisfy every state's CPA accounting credit requirements, so check your state board's rules as you plan your courses.

2. University of Michigan-Flint

At the University of Michigan-Flint, you can pair a fully online MSA with an MBA that's also offered 100% online, along with other class formats. Up to 15 MSA credits can count toward the MBA, letting you earn both degrees with fewer total credits. The MSA is AACSB-accredited through UM-Flint's School of Management.

The dual degree is especially helpful if your undergraduate degree isn't in business, since the MBA coursework helps you meet the 24 general business credits many states require for the CPA exam. The MSA's online format makes it easy to keep working while you study. As part of the University of Michigan system, UM-Flint offers a well-known name at a more accessible price point than the flagship campus.

3. Suffolk University

Suffolk University's Sawyer Business School in Boston offers an MBA/MSA dual degree that requires at least 45 credits and can be completed in as few as 16 months. The program is AACSB-accredited and qualifies graduates to sit for the CPA exam in Massachusetts. An online version is available, and on-campus students can also take evening courses or online courses on a space-available basis.

Students choose from three curriculum options, including MBA/MSA and versions built around accounting essentials for students without an accounting background. Applicants are automatically considered for merit funding, and Suffolk reports strong job placement for graduates. Since online course availability can vary, confirm with an advisor that your full plan of study can be completed online.

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. Because online MBA/MSA dual degrees are uncommon, only programs with verified online availability were included rather than padding the list with campus-only options. These criteria shaped the final selections:

• Accreditation: Every school on this list holds AACSB accreditation, the most widely recognized credential for business and accounting programs.
• Online availability: Programs with fully online coursework ranked highest, with any format limitations noted.
• CPA preparation: Curricula that help students meet state CPA education requirements received extra weight.
• Credit efficiency: Dual programs with substantial shared coursework between the two degrees were favored.
• Accessibility: Programs welcoming students without an accounting or business background earned additional consideration.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

More Paths to an MBA and Accounting Master's

If none of these programs fits your needs, you have other options for combining business leadership with advanced accounting training. Several schools pair an MBA with a Master of Accountancy instead of an MSA, and these programs cover similar content with a strong CPA focus. Look for an online MBA/MAcc dual degree if you want a broader selection of fully online options.

Another route is an MBA with an accounting concentration, which adds several accounting electives to a standard MBA in less time than a dual degree. Comparing affordable online MBA in accounting programs can help you decide whether a concentration covers what you need.

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

The MSA curriculum builds advanced technical accounting knowledge. You'll study financial reporting, auditing and assurance, federal taxation, accounting information systems, and accounting data analytics, along with professional ethics. Many programs also include CPA exam review content or electives aligned with specific exam sections.

The MBA coursework rounds out your skills with corporate finance, marketing, operations management, organizational behavior, and strategic management. Together, the two degrees prepare you to interpret financial data, advise executives, and lead accounting and finance teams.

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

Most online MBA/MSA dual degrees take about 16 months to two years of full-time study. Students without an accounting or business background may need an extra semester or two for prerequisite courses.

Part-time students often take three years or more, especially if they're balancing full-time jobs during busy tax seasons. Planning your course load around peak work periods can help you stay on track.

How Much Does an Online MBA/MSA Degree Cost?

Total tuition for an online MBA/MSA dual degree generally ranges from about $30,000 to $70,000 or more. Public universities tend to fall at the lower end of that range, while private universities and programs with higher per-credit rates cost more.

Prerequisite accounting courses, technology fees, and CPA exam preparation materials can add to your total. Reviewing affordable online master's in accounting programs can help you compare typical accounting graduate tuition as you evaluate dual degree costs.

Financial Aid for Online MBA/MSA Degrees

Accounting students have access to strong employer support and professional scholarships. Combining several funding sources can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs.

• Employer tuition assistance: Accounting firms and corporate finance departments frequently pay for graduate degrees, especially those that lead to CPA licensure. Many companies that offer tuition reimbursement cover up to $5,250 or more per year.
• 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: Organizations like the AICPA Foundation and state CPA societies offer scholarships for graduate accounting students. Some awards target students from underrepresented groups or those committed to public accounting.
• Merit funding: Some schools automatically consider dual degree applicants for merit scholarships or graduate fellowships. Ask each program whether a separate application is required.
• 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 your funding.

How To Choose the Right MBA/MSA Degree

The right MBA/MSA program depends on your CPA plans, background, and schedule. These factors can help you compare your options.

CPA Eligibility in Your State

CPA education requirements vary by state, including the number of accounting and business credits you need. Confirm that your program's curriculum will help you meet the requirements in the state where you plan to be licensed.

AACSB Accreditation

AACSB accreditation is widely respected by accounting firms and employers, and some firms recruit primarily from AACSB-accredited programs. All three schools on this list hold this accreditation.

Prerequisite Requirements

Students without an accounting background may need several foundational courses before starting graduate coursework. Ask how many prerequisites you'll need and whether they can be completed online.

Online Format and Flexibility

Some programs are fully online, while others offer online courses alongside campus classes. Confirm that every required course in both programs is available in a format that fits your schedule.

Career Support and Recruiting

Accounting recruiting often happens early, with firms hiring interns and new associates through campus events and partnerships. Ask how each program connects online students with employers and internship opportunities.

Career Outlook With an Online MBA/MSA Degree

An MBA/MSA dual degree prepares you for roles in public accounting, corporate finance, and financial leadership. Many graduates start as accountants or auditors and advance into senior manager, controller, or chief financial officer positions as they gain experience.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, accountants and auditors earn a median annual wage of $83,680. Employment is projected to grow 5% through 2035, with about 115,300 openings expected each year. CPA licensure combined with an MBA can position you for higher-paying leadership roles over the course of your career.

FAQs About the Best Online MBA/MSA Degree Programs

Students weighing an MBA/MSA often have questions about CPA requirements, degree differences, and career value. These answers cover several of the most common ones.

Does an MBA/MSA Satisfy the 150-Hour CPA Requirement?

An MBA/MSA can help you reach the 150 credit hours most states require for CPA licensure, especially when combined with a bachelor's degree. However, states also set specific requirements for accounting and business credits, and a dual degree alone may not meet all of them. Learning what education you need to become an accountant can help you map out your path.

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

A Master of Science in Accounting and a Master of Accountancy cover very similar content, and many employers treat them interchangeably. Some MSA programs emphasize analytics, technology, or research, while MAcc programs often focus heavily on CPA exam preparation. The specific curriculum matters more than the degree name.

Can You Earn an MBA/MSA Without an Accounting Background?

Many MBA/MSA programs welcome students from non-accounting backgrounds, though you'll typically need prerequisite courses in financial accounting, managerial accounting, intermediate accounting, and taxation. These courses can add a semester or two to your timeline. Some programs offer accounting essentials tracks designed specifically for career changers.

Is an MBA/MSA Worth It if You Already Have a CPA?

If you're already licensed, an MBA/MSA may be more than you need, and a standalone MBA could be a more efficient way to build leadership skills. The dual degree makes the most sense for students who need additional accounting credits for licensure or who want deeper technical expertise alongside business training. Your career goals should guide the decision.

Which Industries Hire MBA/MSA Graduates?

Public accounting firms, corporate finance departments, government agencies, banks, and consulting firms all hire MBA/MSA graduates. The combination is particularly valuable in roles that blend technical accounting with strategic decision-making, such as financial planning and analysis or internal audit leadership. Nonprofits and healthcare organizations also rely on accounting leaders with business training.

Find Online MBA/MSA Dual Degrees

An online MBA/MSA dual degree can help you build the accounting expertise and business leadership skills needed for CPA licensure and senior finance roles. Browse programs through Learn.org and connect directly with schools to get personalized information about CPA preparation, admission requirements, and costs.