Gain analytical and leadership skills required to excel in accounting with this MBA specialization. 

Whether you are looking to become a high-level executive at a corporation or an independent CPA, an MBA with a specialization in accounting from Concordia University Chicago opens up a myriad of career possibilities. Concordia-Chicago MBA graduates move on to positions in auditing, tax strategy and managerial accounting.

Learning Objectives

Concordia-Chicago's specialization in accounting prepares students to take the Certified Public Accountants examination. Students take specialized courses such as Audit Theory, Federal Income Taxation and Corporate Taxation, and Strategic Cost Management. Students learn to analyze an organization’s economic performance, use advanced accounting reports, and convey information to key stakeholders within the firm.

  • Please note that each state has its own rules for sitting for the CPA Exam in each jurisdiction.  These requirements change frequently for all 50 states.  The specialization in accounting will assist you in meeting some of the steps towards sitting for a State CPA Exam.  Please verify eligibility with each State CPA Board where you intend to practice.

Specialization Outcomes

  1. Utilize GAAP accounting principles to analyze an organization’s economic performance and financial stability.
  2. Understand and apply ethical decision-making in accounting practice and the impact on the business, employees, and stakeholders.
  3. Use advanced accounting analysis and reports to select and convey information to management and key stakeholders.
  4. Understand and assess the global perspective of accounting in the collection, analysis, and presentation of financial information for various audiences.
  5. Utilize and evaluate relevant information technology for competitive advantage in accounting practice.

Career Possibilities

  • Chief Financial Officer
  • Consultant
  • Business Analyst
  • Tax Accountant
  • Budget Analyst
  • Auditor

Demand for MBA Graduates

According to the Graduate Management Admission Council® survey of 185 companies in 33 countries worldwide, 87-percent of employers plan to maintain (43%) or increase (43%) headcounts for new MBA hires. Forty-one respondents are affiliated with companies in the Fortune 500, and include 22 from Fortune 100 firms. 

Specialization Information

MBA Accounting Courses

MBAA‐6305: Business Communications & Organizational Behavior (3 hours) Examination of theories relating to organizational performance such as interpersonal behavior, organizational culture, team dynamics, power, leadership and conflict. Stresses fundamental communication principles and techniques for effective writing and speaking in diverse business situations. Prerequisite: B or higher in MBAC‐6300.

MBAA‐6310: Intermediate Financial Accounting I (3 hours) Analyze how accounting meets information needs of various users by developing and communicating information useful for external decision making. Builds on basic accounting by taking a more in-depth look the theory and practice of accounting. Topics include: accounting theory, accounting cycle, financial statements, time value of money and the classification and valuation of asset and liability accounts. Prerequisite: B or higher in MBAC-6300.

MBAA‐6315: Intermediate Financial Accounting II (3 hours) Analyze how accounting meets information needs of various users by developing and communicating information useful for external decision making. Builds on basic accounting by taking a more in-depth look the theory and practice of accounting. Topics include: classification and valuation of equity accounts, revenue recognition, the statement of cash flows, accounting changes and error analysis and full disclosure in financial reporting. Prerequisite: B or higher in

MBAA-6310. MBAA‐6320: Financial Management of Not‐for‐Profit Organizations (3 hours) Financial accountability and internal controls. Accounting for basic transactions and events and generation of financial statements. Analysis of financial statements to understand the financial health of an organization. Financial management tools for decision making such as operational forecasts, budgets and incremental analysis. Cross-Listed: MBAN-6605. Prerequisite: B or higher in MBAC‐6300.

MBAA‐6325: Auditing Theory and Practice (3 hours) Examines the auditing environment, with emphasis placed on developing skills for performing financial audits. These skills include planning the audit, testing internal controls, substantive and analytical testing, audit sampling and drawing conclusions from results. Topics include planning for materiality and audit risk; evaluating effectiveness of internal controls; reporting weaknesses to management, ethics and AICPA Code of Professional Conduct, and audit opinions. Prerequisite: B or higher in MBAC‐6300.

MBAA‐6330: Advanced Accounting (3 hours) Covers accounting for partnerships and business combinations. In‐depth analysis of consolidated financial statements, foreign currency translations and government entities. Some coverage of nonprofit accounting. Prerequisite: B or higher in MBAC‐6300.

MBAA‐6335: Federal Taxation (3 hours) Current laws relating to income realization and recognition, exclusions from income, business and personal deductions, credits from tax, business and personal gains and losses, depreciation, accounting periods and methods, and alternative minimum tax. Basics of tax research, understanding how to analyze difficult tax questions and interpret tax law changes and professional and ethical standards of the preparer. Prerequisite: B or higher in MBAC‐6300.

MBAA‐6340: Corporate Taxation (3 hours) Applies many of the basic principles learned in Federal Taxation to the dealings of corporate taxpayers and their shareholders. Overview of corporate tax, ethical stewardship, transactions in the life of a “C” corporation, Subchapter S and other forms of business organizations. Basics of the taxation of corporate mergers and acquisitions. Prerequisite: B or higher in MBAC‐6300.

Seminar in Higher Education (EDU 6015)

In addition to the base program curriculum, international students attending face-to-face classes on the CUC campus are required to take the Seminar in Higher Education, a 3-credit course.

Course Description

This course will serve as an introduction to the U.S.-based higher education learning environment. Students will work to understand Concordia University Chicago’s academic conventions, technological systems and communication culture while developing English grammar, reading, writing, speaking and listening skills.

The Seminar in Higher Education is an excellent opportunity for students to further develop critical skills to help them to be successful in their academic program. This 3-credit course is mandatory for international students attending face-to-face classes on the CUC campus. 

Course Objectives

  • Developing knowledge about local and academic culture
  • Building grammar, reading, writing, speaking and listening skills
  • Conducting graduate-level research with the use of electronic and library resources
  • Developing note-taking strategies for coursework
  • Reflecting on the U.S.-based education system

Academic support for work in students’ current coursework will also be provided during or after class. Guest speakers include representatives from the campus library, writing center and technology services.

Student feedback for the Seminar in Higher Education

  • After taking the Seminar, I have the ability to perform more professionally in my assignments.

  • The instructor was very dynamic and a good listener. He gave feedback and made sure all the students understood.

  • The hands-on activities after the lessons helped my learning experience.

  • The professor truly cares for the students. He helps students individually and encourages us to support our peers.

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