MBA in Accounting
Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Accounting
Attend Full-Time or Part-Time, in a Hybrid Format
A 36-credit or 48-credit degree program
The College of Business offers an MBA in Accounting degree offered in a hybrid format.
The College of Business offers an MBA in Accounting Degree. The Stony Brook University MBA in Accounting Program meets the criteria for the New York State education and licensing requirements that professionals seeking the NYS CPA license have to fulfill. Stony Brook’s program requires a minimum of 18 accounting credits at the undergraduate level and another 15 at the graduate level. The graduate level MBA program curriculum for accounting also includes 21-33 additional credits in various areas of business, including finance, marketing, operations, and more. This program features a rigorous accounting and management curriculum, designed prepare students for a career in accounting and be a pathway to eligibility to sit for the New York State CPA examination. Students typically come into the program having already fulfilled the 24 credit Stony Brook University Accounting Minor, which will help to count towards the 150 required credit hours for NYS CPA eligibility. If candidates do not have the prerequisite credits in accounting, they may be able to take these classes as a non-matriculated student before starting the MBA in Accounting program. Students are placed into a 48 credit track unless they have an undergraduate degree in business, in which case they are placed into a 36 credit track. All students must meet the accounting prerequisites.
Students who graduate with the MBA in Accounting degree from Stony Brook University will be well suited for careers in public accounting, private industry, government and not-for-profit accounting. National and local firms are invited to campus each semester to recruit and network with students and faculty. Our annual Student/Firm Accounting Networking Breakfast, which takes place every Fall, is an opportunity for students and firms to meet to discuss internships, mentoring, and full-time opportunities.
Applicants with a previous bachelors in business management or business administration qualify for the 36 credit program.
Application deadlines
Admission is suspended for the MBA in Accounting through Fall 2026.
MBA in Accounting At-a-Glance
- 36-48 credits
- Attend full- or part-time
- Attend in a hybrid format
- Classes offered in Fall and Spring semesters as well as 3-week Winter term and two 6-week summer sessions
- Time to completion for full time students is typically 12-18 months
- Applicants with an undergraduate degree in business management may qualify for a 36-credit track program
- No work experience is required
- GMAT optional
36-Credit MBA Program
Requires 12 three-credit courses. Within the 12 courses, students take 6 required core courses and the following 4 Accounting courses: ACC 562, ACC 596, ACC 597, ACC 590. Students in the 36 credit track will also take one additional ACC and one additional MBA elective.
*Students in the 36 credit track will not have to take the following core courses: MBA 502, 504, 505, 589, or 592.
48-Credit MBA Program
Students who have earned a Bachelor’s Degree in a non-business disipline are eligible to apply for the 48 credit track. Requires 16 three-credit courses. Within the 16 three-credit courses, students take 10 required core courses and 5 accounting courses: ACC 542, ACC 562, ACC 596, ACC 597, ACC 590 and one additional MBA elective.
Admission requirements
There are a minimum of 18 accounting prerequisite credits for the MBA in Accounting. The prerequisites need to include: Financial Accounting, Managerial or Cost Accounting, Auditing, US Federal Income Taxation, and 3 general business credits.
CURRICULUM
Admitted students will take 36 to 48 credits.
Required Courses - All 3 Credits
* Students in the 48-credit track program must take these core classes.
- MBA 502: Finance*
- MBA 503: Data Analysis and Decision Making
- MBA 505: Marketing*
- MBA 592: Organizational Behavior*
- MBA 506: Leadership, Team Effectiveness and Communications
- MBA 507: Ethics in Management
- MBA 511: Technological Innovations or BUS 510: Biotechnology Startups and Operations
- MBA 543: Business Analytics
- MBA 589: Operations Management*
- MBA 512: Business Planning and Strategic Management (Capstone)
Required Accounting Courses - All 3 Credits
- ACC 542: Accounting for the Small Business Entrepreneur*
- ACC 562: Accounting Information Systems
- ACC 597: Advanced Accounting Problems
- ACC 596: Financial Accounting Theory
- ACC 590: Advanced Auditing & Assurance
Electives - All 3 Credits
Students in the 36 credit track will also take one (1) additional ACC and one additional MBA elective.
Students in the 48 credit track are required to take one (1) additional MBA elective.
“My MBA at Stony Brook University has significantly enhanced both my knowledge of general business and my confidence. Throughout my two years at SBU, I took classes that directly supported my position in project management, as well as courses that equipped me with the skills necessary to transition into my new role in product management. The data analytics, finance, and management classes were essential for my career change to a product manager within my company, which I did not learn about as a project manager beforehand"
Kelly Johnson - MBA '21
POSITION YOURSELF FOR CPA SUCCESS AND STRATEGIC ACCOUNTING LEADERSHIP
Take your expertise to the next level by combining advanced accounting knowledge with essential business leadership skills. The MBA in Accounting at Stony Brook University’s College of Business prepares you for high-impact roles in today’s dynamic financial landscape. With a strong foundation in financial reporting, managerial accounting, and regulatory standards - paired with strategic decision-making, ethics, and organizational leadership - you’ll be ready to tackle complex challenges across industries.
Whether your goal is to become a licensed CPA, lead in corporate finance, or step into executive roles in accounting, this program delivers the well-rounded, practical education needed for long-term success.
Licensure
Meet Educational Requirements for CPA Certification in New York
Leadership
Build Strong Skills in Strategic and Financial Decision-Making
Versatility
Prepare for Diverse Roles in Accounting and Business Management
Tuition & Fees
Visit the Student Financial Services website for details on tuition rates and fees for New York State residents and non-residents, both for full-time and per credit rates. Tuition and fee billing rates are subject to change.
Financial Services
Admissions Criteria
Visit the College of Business Graduate Admissions page to learn about criterial required for admissions consideration to the MBA in Accounting program.
CoB Graduate Admissions
Apply Now!
Take the first step toward advancing your career by starting your application for the MBA in Accounting. Gain the skills and knowledge needed to make data-driven decisions and drive impactful business solutions.
Apply Now
Have More Questions?
We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions for applicants. If you need academic guidance and assistance with the application process, reach out to our Office of Student Services (OSS). For questions about which graduate program is the best for you, please contact us to schedule a meetingwith our graduate admissions and advising team.
