<p>I am an economics and english major and am interested in a career in accounting. My school offers a two year MS Accounting program for non accounting undergraduates. I was wondering if I should pursue an MS in Accounting or an MBA program. I was also thinking about the MBA program because it might open more doors for me such as becoming a financial analyst. I was wondering what degree would offer me more job oppurtunities, an MS in Accounting or an MBA?
Thanks</p>
<p>MBA is the universal program for Financial Analysts. MBA all the way, you can’t go wrong with it.</p>
<p>You actually can go wrong with an MBA very easily, especially if you want to work in accounting.</p>
<p>If you want to be a CPA, you will likely need to do a graduate program in accounting. There are a lot of good companies that prefer to hire CPAs for not only accounting, but finance positions and a lot of CFOs (and even CEOs) are CPAs or would benefit from being one.</p>
<p>MBAs are usually not necessary unless you want to move up in consulting, investment banking or break into business from another field. If you want to do anything but investment banking or consulting, you may likely be better served with an accounting degree. Remember that a lot of students at top MBA programs already have experience in investment banking or consulting right out of undergrad and that work experience is often what got them into that MBA program.</p>
<p>The main value to doing accounting is the eligibility to become a CPA and the knowledge you will obtain, while the main value to getting an MBA is the networking you will do in school. Another thing to consider is that the advantages an MBA provides over an MPA can often only be realized if you go to a top MBA program.</p>
<p>Also, keep in mind that you would do an MPA program directly after undergrad and would be able to start working in your desired field right out of school, whereas you would have to wait about 5 years to get the necessary work experience to be admitted into a worthwhile MBA program.</p>
<p>Forgot to mention it’s only 1 year too. Stop calling it MPA, only UT does that =P</p>
<p>Sorry, but it does sound a lot better than MAcc or MS Accounting! :P</p>