MBA in Accounting

NA On Campus Masters Program

Indiana University Bloomington

Program Overview

The MBA in Accounting at Indiana University's Kelley School of Business combines advanced accounting and financial knowledge with broader business management, leadership and strategic decision-making skills. Through its 3/2 pathway, eligible Kelley undergraduate students in accounting or finance can earn both a bachelor's degree and an MBA in five years, preparing for careers in accounting, auditing, taxation, financial advisory and corporate management.

Curriculum Structure

The 3/2 MBA includes a two-year graduate curriculum with 66 credit hours: 34.5 credit hours of core courses in the first year and 31.5 credit hours in the second-year specialisation. Students choose either the Accounting track or the Financial Analysis track. The following curriculum focuses on the Accounting track.

First Year – Core Courses: Students develop advanced accounting knowledge alongside essential business and management skills. Courses include Auditing Theory and Practice (BUS-A514), Financial Accounting Concepts (BUS-A540), Managerial Economics (BUS-G540), Game Theory/Business Strategy (BUS-G570), and Strategic Planning and Management Process (BUS-J540). They also study financial markets, business technology, supply chain operations and spreadsheet modelling.

First Year – Experiential Learning: Practical experience is an important part of the curriculum. Students complete Field Study (BUS-A505), a five-credit course involving an immersive placement with a host organisation, and study topics such as Financial Analysis and Firm Valuation (BUS-A517) and Integrative Capstone Simulation (BUS-A519). These experiences help students apply classroom knowledge to business challenges.

Second Year – Accounting Track: Students specialise in advanced accounting, taxation and financial reporting. Core courses include Corporate Taxation (BUS-A537), Advanced Financial Accounting (BUS-A562), Financial Accounting Theory (BUS-A591), and Human Resources Systems and Organizational Effectiveness (BUS-Z540). Students also choose between Taxes and Financial Statements (BUS-A527) and Strategic Tax Planning (BUS-A547).

Second Year – Professional and Business Applications: Students strengthen their consulting, leadership and professional skills through Applied Leadership, Power, Persuasion and Professional Practice (BUS-A568), Field Consulting Project (BUS-A569), Commercial Finance Law: Creditors' Rights (BUS-L540), and Ethics, Negotiation and Managing Conflict (BUS-L560). Additional electives may include Forensic Accounting (BUS-A572), IT Auditing and Internal Controls/Advanced Auditing (BUS-A566), International Tax (BUS-A557), and Strategic Cost Management (BUS-A576). Course availability may vary by academic year.

Focus Areas

Financial Accounting, Advanced Financial Reporting, Auditing, Corporate Taxation, Strategic Tax Planning, Forensic Accounting, Financial Analysis, Firm Valuation, Risk Management, Internal Controls, Accounting Advisory Services, Business Strategy, Management, Leadership, Business Consulting, Corporate Finance, Business Ethics and Professional Practice.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates develop the ability to apply accounting principles and auditing standards, analyse financial statements, prepare accounting disclosures and evaluate business transactions. They learn to assess business operations, interpret financial and regulatory environments, use analytical tools to support business decisions and recommend improvements to organisational processes. The programme also develops leadership, teamwork, communication, ethical decision-making and professional consulting skills.

Professional Alignment

CPA examination eligibility: Completion of the 3/2 MBA meets the educational requirements to apply for the CPA examination in Indiana. Students planning to take the CPA examination in another state must check that jurisdiction's requirements.
150-credit-hour requirement: The combined bachelor's and MBA pathway allows students to meet the 150-credit-hour educational requirement for CPA examination eligibility.
Accounting and auditing standards: The curriculum covers accounting principles, financial reporting, auditing practices, taxation and financial analysis.
Experiential learning: Students complete field study and consulting projects, gaining practical experience with business organisations.
Professional development: Courses in leadership, negotiation, ethics and communication prepare students for responsibilities in accounting and business management.

Reputation and Employability

Employment rate: Kelley reports that 100% of the 3/2 MBA Class of 2025 received job offers in their field within 90 days of graduation.
Average salary: The 3/2 MBA Class of 2025 reported a mean base salary of USD 80,472, with a base salary range of USD 63,000 to USD 110,000.
Signing bonus: The same class reported a mean signing bonus of USD 5,660.
Class profile: The 3/2 MBA Class of 2026 had 58 students and an average application GPA of 3.67.
Employer connections: Kelley accounting graduates have been recruited by organisations including Deloitte, EY, KPMG, PwC, Crowe, Grant Thornton, Goldman Sachs and Deutsche Bank.
Career opportunities: Graduates can pursue roles such as Accountant, Auditor, Tax Consultant, Financial Analyst, Forensic Accountant, Internal Auditor, Corporate Accountant, Risk Management Consultant, Accounting Advisory Consultant, Financial Reporting Manager, Management Consultant and Tax Manager.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Indiana University Bloomington, the MBA in Accounting program is designed to provide students with hands-on experiences that bridge the gap between theory and practice. Students engage in a variety of experiential learning opportunities that equip them with the practical skills needed to excel in the accounting field. The program emphasizes real-world applications through collaborative projects, internships, and access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources.

Here are some key aspects of the experiential learning opportunities available to MBA in Accounting students:

- Accounting Lab: A dedicated space equipped with the latest accounting software and tools, allowing students to work on real-world accounting scenarios and simulations.
- Group Projects: Collaborative projects that encourage teamwork and problem-solving, often involving case studies from actual businesses.
- Internships: Opportunities to gain valuable work experience through internships with leading firms, providing insights into the accounting profession and networking opportunities.
- Field Trips: Visits to local businesses and accounting firms to observe operations and gain firsthand knowledge of industry practices.
- Digital Tools: Access to advanced accounting software such as QuickBooks, SAP, and Tableau, which are essential for modern accounting practices.
- Research Facilities: Access to research labs and resources that support in-depth analysis and study of accounting trends and practices.
- Libraries: The university's extensive libraries provide a wealth of resources, including databases, journals, and books specifically focused on accounting and finance.
- Institute for Business Analytics: A dedicated institute that offers workshops and seminars on data analytics, enhancing students' skills in data-driven decision-making.

These experiential learning components are integral to the MBA in Accounting program, ensuring that students not only learn the theoretical aspects of accounting but also apply them in practical settings.

By choosing the MBA in Accounting at Indiana University Bloomington, you’re not just earning a degree; you’re gaining the skills and experiences that will set you apart in the competitive accounting landscape.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Pursuing an MBA in Accounting at Indiana University Bloomington opens the door to a wealth of career opportunities and impressive graduate outcomes. Graduates from this program often find themselves in high-demand roles such as Financial Analyst, Tax Consultant, Audit Manager, and Chief Financial Officer. The skills and knowledge gained here not only prepare you for immediate employment but also set the stage for long-term career advancement:

- Career Services: The university offers dedicated career services, including resume workshops, interview preparation, and networking events tailored specifically for MBA students.
- Employment Statistics: Over 90% of MBA graduates secure employment within three months of graduation, with starting salaries averaging around $70,000, depending on the role and industry.
- University–Industry Partnerships: Indiana University has strong connections with leading firms such as Deloitte, Ernst & Young, and KPMG, providing students with internship opportunities and real-world experience.
- Accreditation: The Kelley School of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), ensuring that your degree holds significant value in the job market.
- Graduation Outcomes: Alumni of the program report high levels of job satisfaction and career progression, with many advancing to senior leadership roles within a few years of graduation.

Further Academic Progression: After completing your MBA in Accounting, you may choose to further enhance your qualifications by pursuing a specialized Master’s degree, such as a Master of Science in Accounting or a Ph.D. in Business Administration. Additionally, you could consider obtaining professional certifications like CPA (Certified Public Accountant) or CMA (Certified Management Accountant), which can significantly boost your career prospects and earning potential.

With the robust support and resources available at Indiana University Bloomington, you’ll be well-equipped to achieve your professional goals and make a meaningful impact in the field of accounting.