MBA vs MaCc

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  • #185972
    lancebvs
    Member

    What do you guys think is better- a MaC or an MBA with concentration in accounting. I just graduated with my bachelors in accounting and will need either one to get my 150. Just started studying for the GMAT and I will be applying soon to grad school.

    Thanks guys.

Viewing 7 replies - 1 through 7 (of 7 total)
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  • #560223
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    I think it depends on your ultimate plan. Are you trying to get into the accounting field, Big 4 and qualify yourself for the CPA exam? Than in my opinion the MSA/Macc I feel will better prepare you to sit for the exam and pass all parts. The MBA is something I would consider to do either jointly with the MSA/Macc or hold off until later when you want to move out of accounting into something like consulting or another area in business. Hope I helped you.

    #560224
    pikachu
    Member

    I think the MBA would be more well rounded, even if the MBA is almost disposable these days. At the same time, no one outside accounting cares about a MACC. You can pass the CPA without the MACC, and you'll learn alot with an MBA that you can take anywhere.

    Plus, if you get a good gmat, you can get a full ride anywhere 🙂

    FAR: 2/23/14 77 (1 month studying)
    AUD: 5/25/14 68
    AUD: 7/13/14 72
    AUD: 10/12/14 72
    I GIVE UP

    #560225
    dpad124
    Participant

    I'm one for saving your mba. If you ever decide to career switch, or go into something niche that requires a top mba, save it until later. You're not allowed to have 2 mba's and most quality programs require work experience after college.

    BEC Oct2014 - 85
    AUD Jan2015 - ??
    REG Feb2015 - ??
    FAR May2015 - ??

    #560226
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    It's just semantics. I could see the exact same program being called either of those. Personally, all else being equal, I'd base it on the quality of the school, program and curriculum. And if u already have an accounting undergrad, an MBA with an accounting concentration will prob just repeat your acctg classes. While a Macc is more likely to, depending on who the program is meant for, go beyond the basics as most of the students already have that background. With that said that's not how it is 100% of the time. Time for you to do some research – the name of the degree alone is no basis for us to make a decision for you.

    #560227
    Mayo
    Participant

    IMO, both the benefits of the Macc and the MBA have little to do with you actually learn in the classes. Yes, there is benefit, but I'd hardly argue the education is worth the $$ paid. But I digress..to me the main benefits of each degree are:

    Macc:

    1. Easy way to get 150 hours for your CPA (depending on state)

    2. Many times the Macc is more flexible than just additional classes. For example, your school might have a 5 year program (take undergrad and grad classes at the same time).

    3. In states where 150 is required, some schools have a built-preference for the five year program students.

    4. Biggest advantage is to give you additional year or more of access to on-campus recruiting

    5. You got a Master's relatively quickly and easily. Many other types of professions have more rigorous grad programs.

    6. Some companies prefer you to have a Master's before promoting you to exec level. However, I think it's less important in accounting, but it might give a tiny bit of advantage, depending in the company and hiring manager.

    7. Cool opportunities to study different accounting topics that can give you a nice base of understanding. Topics can range from special tax classes, m&a accounting, theoretical accounting, etc.

    8. Easier to get in a good program after undergrad than an MBA. If anything, any MBA that takes you right after undergrad is probably not a very highly rated one.

    MBA:

    1. Ability to change careers or advance to a better job in your current career (e.g. Corp Finance to Equity Research or Nursing to Healthcare Consulting). Somewhat diluted over the years due to the mass amount of degrees out there.

    2. Networking amongst students and professors

    3. Access to recruiting; less so for entry level and more so for experienced professionals

    4. The title here beats out the Macc. The MBA is still consistently desired at the higher levels of a company.

    5. The rank of your school will speak for itself. GPA matters less because companies tend to see most of the school candidates in an equal talent footing. Experience and personality tend to help differentiate you in that respect.

    6. Recruiters come from various types of industries.

    So to answer your question OP,

    Since you said,

    “I just graduated with my bachelors in accounting and will need either one to get my 150.”

    I say go for your Macc. It's quicker, easier to get into a good program from undergrad, and most of the recruiting will be accounting firms (which increases your chances).

    Save the MBA for later if you want to change careers or transition into something else (e.g. Public accounting to management consulting).

    Regardless, make sure the program you apply to gets recruited well. Otherwise, it's a waste IMO.

    Mayo, BBA, Macc

    #560228
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    Most of the high points have been hit, so I won't re-visit…but I will say…if you're still job hunting…my time in the Macc program was great for networking and I still know most of those people in my career now as they all went to other firms or mine in the same city. If you will be studying while in grad school, the material in the Macc will be more relevant than the MBA…for example one of my electives was estate tax and I barely studied that section of REG and still have it memorized. Overall, I agree, doesn't matter much, I did a Macc with a Finance emphasis and several of my classes were in the MBA program but it ultimately depends on your long term goals as many have said before.

    #560229
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    I don't see the MAcc being useful unless you plan to remain in Accounting the rest of your career or need the extra credits for your 150. Anyone who moves to the business world will need the MBA eventually.

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