How to Choose Between an MBA vs. CPA
You should choose between a Master of Business Administration and a certified public accountant license by closely examining your skills, career goals and passions. If you love crunching numbers, are comfortable with intricate financial details and want to pursue a career in finance and accounting, becoming a certified public accountant may be for you.
On the other hand, if you are interested in accounting but want the bigger picture, enjoy leading people in business settings and desire a career in management, you may be better off with an MBA.
Is a CPA better than an MBA?
In reality, it’s not as if you have to make a decision between an MBA vs. accounting licensure. You can do both! Many of our MBA candidates take advantage of our CPA Exam prep, offered by Becker Professional Education, to prepare for the CPA Exams immediately after graduating from our MBA program.
Even if you decide not to obtain both an MBA and a CPA license, there isn’t a “best” or “worst” option. You should choose the path that most excites you. Both an MBA and a CPA will create a number of career options for you, many of which are lucrative. You should go with the passion that drives you.
CPA vs. MBA Graduate Curriculum
The MBA graduate curriculum you take will depend on whether or not you choose one of Adelphi University’s eight in-demand specializations: accounting, finance, health services administration, human resource management, information systems, management, marketing or sport management.
You can also choose not to specialize and remain broadly focused on management and business across a wide variety of fields.
CPA vs. MBA Program Costs
MBA programs are typically more expensive than programs that prepare you to qualify for the CPA designation. That’s because an MBA is a full graduate degree, whereas the CPA certification is a professional designation.
Keep in mind that during the course of an MBA program, you will take many of the courses you’ll need to take to prepare you for the CPA Exams. So, in more ways than one, the cost of obtaining your CPA designation is partially “rolled into” your MBA.
Is a Career in Accounting or Management better?
There isn’t really a “better” or “worse” option when it comes to the MBA vs. CPA debate. It’s all about what you prefer to do with your time and your career. Are you a “numbers person” who loves the quantitative details of business? Then you may prefer to pursue a CPA license. Or are you a managerial type who loves to lead other people in all sorts of settings? If so, the broader MBA might be right up your alley.
CPA vs. MBA salaries
Salaries for CPAs and MBAs are not easy to pin down. That’s because there’s so much variation in the career paths of both groups of professionals. A certified public accountant, for example, might undertake a long and lucrative career at a publicly traded Fortune 100 company. Or they might choose to open their own practice in a small town serving small businesses and individuals.
Similarly, an MBA graduate might take on an executive position at a large international conglomerate. Or they may decide on a position with a smaller local company that pays less but offers a better work-life balance.
The takeaway for prospective students should be that well-paying careers are open to you regardless of whether you choose an MBA or CPA program.