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Overview
The Master of Business Administration in Accounting prepares those individuals with an undergraduate degree in accounting for various careers in the accounting field, including public accounting, corporate, and government positions. The program builds on the MBA foundation and core skills while offering advanced training in accounting topics and applied skills.
The MBA-Accounting program is registered with the NYS Department of Education as meeting the 150-credit hour educational requirements for Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Graduates of the MBA-Accounting program are prepared to enter professional roles in the public accounting, corporate, and government sectors.
The curriculum parallels the MBA-Business Administration track’s foundation courses and graduate business core courses, but requires three advanced accounting core courses, and one elective option. Students who graduate from the Alfred University College of Business with an accounting major will have completed the prerequisite undergraduate coursework permitting them to complete all MBA-Accounting requirements with 31 credit hours of graduate study. A review of transcripts will be required to determine the content/length of program for applicants who have completed a baccalaureate degree at institutions other than Alfred University, as additional undergraduate courses may be required.
MBA Foundation Courses (Undergraduate Pre-requisites)
Accounting Foundation Courses
Foundation course requirements can be filled in the following ways:
- Undergraduate business degree (major or minor)
- Undergraduate courses at Alfred University
- Undergraduate business courses from accredited universities
- Online business foundations courses from Open SUNY
- Approved MOOCs (Stanford, MIT, etc.)
- The student may also test out of the course requirement through arrangements with AU faculty members to demonstrate mastery of foundation knowledge
The graduate core courses for the MBA - Accounting Track are identical to those required for the MBA - Business Administration Track. These core courses impart knowledge and skills increasingly viewed by employers as critical for business success. These courses focus on professional skills which build a sustainable workforce and which sustain businesses into the future. The MBA capstone course provides an advanced professional experience integrating management skills through team consultation with business clients to produce innovative solutions to business questions.
MBA Graduate Core
MBA Graduate Accounting Core
Students in the MBA-Accounting Track select one open graduate elective to complete their required coursework. The electives provide the opportunity to deepen knowledge of business sustainability, and to explore other areas of interest. Faculty-led study trips are among the elective choices.
Full and Part-Time Study
Students may attend the MBA program on a part-time or full-time basis. Full-time is defined as 12-18 credits per semester. The MBA program is designed so that full- time students who have met foundations requirements can complete the 31 credits of graduate coursework in one academic year. Full-time students who need to complete undergraduate foundation courses will require up to 70 credits (39 credits of foundations + 31 graduate MBA credits), depending on their undergraduate preparation. Typical schedules for full-time students are shown below.
Fall Semester – Accounting Track
Spring Semester – Accounting Track
Part-time students can finish the 31 credit-hour program in a minimum of four semesters. Many courses are offered during summer and winter (Allen) term, which provides additional flexibility. Many MBA classes are offered in a low residency format, with a combination of online or hybrid online instruction. Part-time students whose program of study requires more than 31 credit hours to complete undergraduate foundations will need more time to complete the degree requirements. Students may begin part-time study without formal application to the program, but can complete a maximum of 12 credit hours as a non-matriculated student.