Master of Business Administration in Public Accounting

How long is this program?
5-6 semesters
Is this online, in-person or hybrid?
On-Ground, Online
Where will I take my classes?
Gainesville & Online
Which semesters can I start?
Fall & Spring
What type of degree will I get?
MBA
How much is tuition?
$896/credit hour
A student works out an accounting problem on a whiteboard

Build on your accounting background.

In Brenau University’s MBA in Public Accounting, you’ll study tax research, auditing, financial reporting, and topics covered in the CPA discipline exams. The degree also includes courses in finance, business law, management, and strategy. Take classes online or attend evening classes in Gainesville.

Program at a glance

Degree:
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Length:
5-6 semesters
Format:
Online & on-ground
Location:
Gainesville & Onlince

Why study Public Accounting at Brenau?

  • Four graduate accounting courses, plus an MBA core in business management.
  • Audit coursework that addresses data analytics and AI.
  • Accounting topics that span businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies.

Accounting decisions in a business context

The accounting courses cover internal controls and the tax implications of forming a business entity. In the MBA core, you’ll study how to use financial information in budgeting, recognize legal risks, and manage people.

What you’ll learn

  • Use tax research methods to investigate issues affecting business entities.
  • Work through reporting topics such as foreign currency transactions and accounting for governments and nonprofits.
  • Analyze audit data, assess risk, and evaluate internal controls.
  • Study how IT governance, cybersecurity, and fraud risk affect accounting practice.

Your coursework

The concentration consists of four three-credit courses:

  • AC 724 – Corporate Taxation: Tax issues for different forms of business, with instruction in the research methods used by accounting and tax professionals.

  • AC 726 – Non-Profit and Governmental Accounting: Government and nonprofit accounting, International Financial Reporting Standards, and foreign currency transactions. The course also covers accounting for partnerships, reorganizations, and liquidations.

  • AC 739 – Advanced Auditing & Data Analytics: An advanced auditing course covering PCAOB and AICPA standards, risk assessment, internal controls, and sampling. You’ll use audit analytics to interpret large data sets and study technology-driven audit techniques, including AI.

  • AC 759 – CPA Disciplines: Business Analysis, Information Systems & Tax Planning: Coursework in the three CPA discipline areas: Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR), Information Systems and Controls (ISC), and Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP). You’ll address complex reporting, IT governance, cybersecurity, fraud risk, and tax planning.

Beyond accounting, you’ll take Marketing Strategy, Business Law and Ethics, Financial Management and Budgeting, and Management of People. Choose either Excellence in Operations or Business Analytics, then bring your MBA coursework together in the Strategic Management capstone.

You’ll complete 33 graduate credits: three in Business Communications, 18 in the MBA core, and 12 in Public Accounting. Any required accounting foundation or MBA prerequisite courses are additional.

Is this MBA right for you?

Consider this MBA if you want to continue studying accounting and take graduate business courses as part of the same degree. If your bachelor’s degree is in another field, an adviser can review your transcript and explain which accounting foundation courses you’ll need.

Choosing between an MBA and a Master of Accounting

In this MBA, 12 of your 33 graduate credits are in Public Accounting. The remaining credits are in Business Communications and the business core. Compare that mix with a Master of Accounting if you want most of your graduate coursework to be in accounting.

Career directions

  • Accounting management
  • Audit-related roles
  • Tax-related roles
  • Financial reporting leadership

Meet your lead faculty

Dr. Stephen Patrick

Dr. Stephen Patrick has taught in higher education since 2013 and spent nearly six years working in industry. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Commerce and Business Administration from the University of Alabama, where he majored in Accounting with a Marketing concentration, an MBA from Auburn University at Montgomery, and a PhD in Advanced Accounting from Northcentral University. His additional graduate study includes coursework in Kennesaw State University’s Master of Accountancy program and West Texas A&M University’s Master of Science in Financial Economics program, as well as economics coursework at West Texas A&M.

Learn more about Stephen Patrick, MBA, Ph.D., CFE

Admissions requirements

To apply, you’ll need:

  • A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
  • A GPA of at least 3.0
  • Official college transcripts
  • A resume

Prerequisite coursework

You can satisfy the prerequisite sequence through graduate coursework or qualifying undergraduate courses:

  • Economics: BA 508 Applied Economics for Managers, or both microeconomics and macroeconomics
  • Accounting and finance: BA 514 Overview of Financial Accounting, or both financial accounting and managerial finance
Courses used to meet these requirements must have been completed within the past five years with a grade of B or better. You may use the graduate option for one requirement and the undergraduate option for the other. Contact Admissions to review your transcripts and determine whether you need prerequisite coursework in addition to the 33-hour MBA.

Frequently asked questions

Master's Degrees, MBA Public Accounting, Programs

How does an accounting MBA differ from a Master of Accounting?

Brenau’s Public Accounting MBA includes four graduate accounting courses and an MBA business core. A Master of Accounting generally devotes more of its curriculum to accounting. Check the required courses for each degree before deciding.

Master's Degrees, MBA Public Accounting, Programs

Do I need previous accounting coursework?

Yes. You need 12 undergraduate credits in Accounting Principles I (Financial), Intermediate Accounting I, Intermediate Accounting II, and Auditing and Assurance Services. Brenau will review your transcript to see which requirements you’ve met. Some graduate accounting courses may have additional prerequisites.

Master's Degrees, MBA Public Accounting, Programs

Does this MBA award CPA licensure?

No. Earning the MBA does not make you a licensed CPA. The curriculum includes advanced auditing and CPA discipline topics. Ask your adviser how the coursework fits your education plans, and check examination and licensing requirements with the relevant accountancy board.

If you want to pursue CPA licensure, speak with your faculty members and advisor, who can suggest test-preparation options.

Master's Degrees, MBA Public Accounting, Programs

Can I complete the Public Accounting major online?

Yes. The Public Accounting MBA is available online and on-ground.

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