Online learning in higher education has existed for more than 40 years, but it wasn’t until the last decade that fully online programs became as common and routine as degrees conducted in traditional classrooms. The increased accessibility of high-speed internet and the commonplace nature of laptop computers have fueled the expansion of online learning — and working professionals, in particular, have embraced the arrival of fully remote learning opportunities like the Master of Accounting online.
Thus, programs like online Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees have become as rigorous and demanding of their students as comparable on-campus programs, ensuring access for individuals already in the workforce and those with daily commitments that would otherwise conflict with a traditional college schedule.
What Is an MBA in Accounting Online?
An MBA in Accounting online merges the concepts of business strategy with financial expertise so that students emerge from the program with the requisite knowledge for leadership roles in numerous capacities. Graduates may find employment in the industries of finance, auditing, taxation, and more.
The online MBA in Accounting program is a specialized degree that offers students the same level of rigor as the on-campus experience. This way, students can graduate with confidence despite never having stepped foot in a classroom.
What Accounting MBA Students Learn
The MBA in Accounting online provides advanced instruction on several accounting principles like financial reporting and forensic accounting as well as related topics like regulatory compliance and taxation laws. As a business degree, the program also delves into essential business topics like business strategy and leadership skills. Covering the topics of business and accounting, the MBA in Accounting degree is the ideal accompaniment to a career path in accounting management.
Why Many Students Choose an Online Format
Particularly for modern students who have already had the traditional on-campus experience for their first college degree, online learning has almost become the default environment. The time saved in attending online classes for students who are already in the workforce is significant since many must juggle their classes alongside their current employment and personal lives. Online learning is popular for students in pursuit of a career change, but it’s also an ideal learning format for those interested in advancing in their current roles.
8 Key Benefits of Earning an MBA in Accounting Online
1. Flexibility for Working Professionals
One of the key online learning benefits of the MBA in Accounting program is the coursework’s self-paced nature. Arranging a time to sit down for a class is a challenge for working professionals, even when those class sessions are online. A self-paced approach puts the scheduling under the student’s control, which means a greater likelihood of flourishing in and completing the program.
2. Cost-Effectiveness and Affordability
In many cases, online programs are less costly than their on-campus counterparts. For students, taking online classes tends to be a more affordable option even when tuition costs are similar to on-campus options because there are no commuting expenses. Working professionals may save even more money on their advanced degrees through tuition reimbursement. With this said, the overall return on investment (ROI) of an accounting MBA can make the experience well worthwhile.
3. Access to High-Quality Faculty and Resources
MBA accounting programs often feature the same faculty as their on-campus counterparts, ensuring continuity throughout the program for all participants. Just as on-campus students have access to extensive libraries, online students also have access to 24/7 learning support like virtual tutoring, digital libraries, and webinars. Additionally, these students interact with their peers via discussion boards and benefit from virtual networking opportunities.
4. Career Advancement Opportunities
Progressing in one’s career is possible through experience, but adding an advanced degree to a resume can make it even more impactful — especially for professionals in pursuit of roles with greater salary and rank. However, attending traditional classes isn’t always easy or possible. That’s why the ease of online education and the fact that the resulting degree and credentials are identical to a traditional degree is such a valuable proposition.
5. Developing Tech Skills for the Digital Age
In the past half-century, technology has advanced at warp speed, and remaining competitive in accounting has meant keeping up with a wealth of programs, technologies, and changing standards. An online MBA accounting degree ensures students exit the program with knowledge of modern financial analytics tools, cloud-based financial management platforms, and commonly used accounting software programs.
Through an MBA in Accounting program curriculum, working professionals develop in-depth knowledge of fintech as well as the ever-evolving world of AI-driven accounting. The virtual nature of an online program also prepares students to work in virtual business environments and participate in remote collaboration.
6. Increased Earning Potential
Significant job satisfaction can stem from the reward of higher salaries generally associated with promotions and elevation to roles in management. In addition, earning an MBA accounting degree can help students qualify to pursue industry certifications as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA).
7. Strong Job Market and High Demand for Accounting Professionals
Advanced accounting topics like forensic accounting, corporate finance, and risk assessment are considerable drivers in the hiring of modern accounting professionals. Therefore, prospective employees with an MBA in Accounting and knowledge in those areas may be more readily noticed. Despite the accounting field’s consistent job security, in a competitive job market, an advanced degree represents a notable benefit.
8. Networking and Global Career Opportunities
Making advancements in your career can become difficult without recent time spent networking. The environment of an online MBA naturally lends itself to networking with new peers, professors, and industry leaders — and students benefit greatly from the supplementary features of their degree like job fairs, virtual networking events, and alumni mentoring programs.
How Does an Online MBA in Accounting Compare to an On-Campus MBA?
Course Structure and Learning Experience
There’s no denying that earning an online degree is different from earning a traditional on-campus degree. However, each style of program provides equal opportunities for graduates to elevate their future employment. The virtual lectures, recorded classes, and interactive assignments of programs at schools like Baker College are based on traditional on-campus degrees. The main difference between these two styles is that on-campus learning results in more face-to-face networking, while the online program delivers a more global approach to those connections.
Accreditation and Employer Recognition
Accreditation is an essential factor for students selecting an online degree program, and most respected online MBA programs (including the MBA program at Baker College) are accredited. When a graduate lists a degree on their resume, it is more widely valuable when it comes from an accredited school. After all, nowadays, one of the key benefits of online learning is that online degrees carry the same weight as on-campus degrees.
Accessibility and Work-Life Balance
For most, enrolling in college is a life-changing proposition. A few decades ago, earning a degree often meant putting employment on hold or relocating. One of the remarkable benefits of online degree programs is that they don’t require a major life change; rather, they allow students to study from anywhere in the world. For working professionals who desire to remain employed while enrolled, the ease of earning a degree while working full time can mean the difference between earning a degree and declining the opportunity.
Learning Styles and Classroom Interaction
Earning a degree online entails a different style of interaction between students and professors (as well as between student peers themselves) than that of an on-campus degree. Participants in an online degree program might not meet in the school library to work on their project — but they will use environments like virtual discussion forums and breakout rooms, plus engage in interactive case studies while collaborating with one another. Some students may prefer these learning formats as opposed to the more structured, face-to-face experiences of the on-campus degree program.
Hands-on Experience and Internship Availability
Another area where online programs may differ from the on-campus experience is in the scheduling of internships and the networking experience. While on-campus programs might work with local businesses to secure internships, an online student may participate in an internship that’s local to them rather than local to the institution (especially if the student is located at a great distance from the school). Online programs may even provide opportunities for virtual internships or have corporate partnerships that help ensure comprehensive experiential learning for online students.
Is an Online MBA in Accounting Right for You?
Ideal candidates who would most benefit from an online MBA in accounting program include:
- Working professionals looking to advance their careers who might not have time to commit to a traditional program.
- Prospective students who feel they would perform best in a self-paced learning environment with flexible scheduling.
- Those interested in pursuing CPA certification or advancing to senior accounting roles in their organizations.
Ready to Advance Your Career in Accounting? Explore Baker College’s Online MBA in Accounting
At Baker College, students interested in earning their degree even faster may choose the Accelerated Path option. This MBA accounting degree at Baker is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE), which ensures you’ll receive a well-rounded curriculum delivered by experienced accounting professionals.
Enroll in an advanced accounting degree from an institution with a century of delivering high-quality education to its students. Request more information or apply today!