EIU Master of Business Administration

MBA with Accountancy Option

Program Overview

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) with Accountancy Concentration is a comprehensive graduate program designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and skills in accounting, preparing them for successful careers in public accounting, corporate accounting, and government accounting. This concentration meets the educational requirements necessary to take the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) examination.

Curriculum Requirements

To earn the MBA with Accountancy Option, students must successfully complete 11 courses (33 credits), comprising:

- 6 Core Courses: Foundational courses providing a solid business foundation

- 4 Required Courses: Applied management principles and accounting auditing, standards and regulations

- 1 Elective Course: Personalized customization from 5 approved options

Other elective courses must be in business or related subjects and must be approved by the MBA coordinator before the course is taken. To be eligible for graduate credit, courses must be numbered 4750 or higher. Courses offered by other departments often require prerequisites and/or permission of instructor and/or department chair. Contact the respective offering department for enrollment in course to determine if you can be added. If added, then request permission from the MBA Coordinator with a) the Course Elective Approval Form, and b) copy of the syllabus.

MBA students with a non-accounting undergraduate degree can complete the six Phase I Accounting courses to meet the prerequisites of the graduate-level ACC courses. These courses are offered at EIU's main campus; the sequencing of prerequisites on these courses requires a minimum of three semesters. MBA courses can be taken concurrently while completing the Phase I Accounting courses.  

Prerequisite for all 4000-level ACC courses: cumulative EIU GPA of 2.5 or higher.

Concurrent courses: Students are strongly encouraged to take ACC 3200 concurrently with ACC 3300. Students are strongly encouraged to take ACC 3250 concurrently with ACC 3900.

Program Objectives

- Provide advanced knowledge of accounting principles, theories, and practices

- Develop skills in financial reporting, auditing, taxation, and financial management

- Prepare students for the CPA examination

- Enhance critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills

- Foster professional development and ethical awareness

Program Features

- Comprehensive curriculum aligned with Illinois Board of Examiners requirements

- Expert faculty with industry experience and research expertise

- Small class sizes promoting personalized attention and mentorship

- Flexible scheduling with courses offered on EIU's main campus in Charleston

- Opportunity to complete Phase I Accounting courses concurrently with MBA courses

Program Benefits

- Meet educational requirements for the CPA examination

- Enhance career prospects in public accounting, corporate accounting, and government accounting

- Develop advanced accounting skills and knowledge

- Increase earning potential and job security

- Network with accounting professionals and alumni

Target Audience

- Working professionals seeking career advancement in accounting

- Recent graduates looking to enhance their accounting skills

- Individuals seeking a career transition into accounting

- MBA students with non-accounting undergraduate degrees