<p>I'm looking at long term employ-ability. I understand UConn's B school is better and the school is more well known overall, but would an MBA w/ an Accounting concentration outweigh that? Looking at the possibility of acquiring CPA in my state later (yes both meet the requirements). Both programs have the same number of required courses and should take the same amount of time to complete. I'm currently employed full-time and don't plan to leave the workforce while pursuing the degree. Both programs are relatively comparable in price. Thank you. </p>
<p>Deciding whether an MBA with a concentration in accounting or an MSA is a better choice depends on what your previous education has been and what your career goals are. You mention the CPA exam which requires both business and accounting credits. Most states have two sets of requirements: one to qualify you to sit for the exam and another set for licensure once you pass the exam. For your state, if you’re short in the number of business credits required to sit or for licensure, an MBA would be beneficial. If you need more accounting credits, then an MSA may be a better choice. Do you see your career being more business or accounting focused? Do you see yourself wanting to teach accounting? Schools generally require a graduate degree in the discipline you’ll be teaching.</p>
<p>My BA was in Public Sociology (concentration in Community), with minors in Economics and Public Administration. In my state the only requirements (for exam or licensure, with respect to education) is 150 credit hours and an accounting concentration. They waive the “# of hrs required” concentration requirement with an MBA, so both satisfy the requirements. I’m not interested in teaching, whatsoever. (Many people have this gift, I do not.) Honestly, I’m mostly interested in either forensic accounting, government accounting, or budget analysis, but I know we don’t always get to do what we like. All of the job listings that I’ve checked into list either degree in the “must-have” with the CPA in the “preferred.” I live in a difficult and competitive area, employment-wise, and moving is not an option, so ROI is extremely important to me here.</p>