Overview
Whether you’re pursuing CPA licensure or seeking to lead financial strategy in business, government, or nonprofit sectors, this concentration offers a rigorous and comprehensive curriculum. Students gain mastery in accounting principles while honing high-demand competencies that extend beyond the ledger.
The program is designed to integrate advanced accounting knowledge with a broader business perspective, preparing graduates for both certification success and impactful leadership.
Master the Numbers. Lead the Strategy.
The MBA Accounting Concentration prepares future financial leaders with the expertise to navigate complex regulatory landscapes, analyze data-driven insights, and drive strategic decisions. Aligned with the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam, this program delivers the technical and leadership skills needed for today’s competitive financial environment.
What You'll Learn
An MBA with a concentration in Accounting aligned with CPA exam requirements offers the best of both worlds: deep technical knowledge and broad business leadership capabilities. It prepares students for the CPA credential, enhances career readiness, and opens up executive-level opportunities across diverse sectors. For students seeking a high-impact, future-proof career in accounting, finance, or leadership, this path offers exceptional value and advancement potential.
CPA Exam Alignment
Our courses are mapped to the content areas of the Uniform CPA Examination, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to sit for all four sections:
- Auditing and Attestation (AUD)
- Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR)
- Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)
- Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP)
Courses and Curriculum
Skills You’ll Develop
Gain more than technical proficiency—develop into a strategic thinker ready to lead financial decisions in dynamic organizations. This program is built to prepare you for the CPA exam and beyond.
- Strategic Thinking – Align accounting with organizational goals.
- Financial Analysis – Turn financial data into business insight.
- Data Analytics – Use tools to discover patterns and optimize decisions.
- Critical Thinking – Evaluate information and navigate complexity.
- Problem Solving – Resolve real-world accounting and financial challenges.
Master the Numbers. Lead the Strategy.
Go beyond compliance and reporting – learn to align accounting practices with long term organizational goals, identify opportunities for financial optimization, and support strategic initiatives. With fluency in interpreting financial statements, conducting variance analysis, and evaluating fiscal performance you will be poised to translate complex financial data into actionable business intelligence.
Careers
Accountants and auditors prepare and examine financial records.
The median annual wage for accountants and auditors was $81,680 in May 2024.
Employment of accountants and auditors is projected to grow 6 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations.
About 130,800 openings for accountants and auditors are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Budget analysts help public and private organizations plan their finances.
The median annual wage for budget analysts was $87,930 in May 2024.
Employment of budget analysts is projected to grow 4 percent from 2023 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
About 3,400 openings for budget analysts are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
The median annual wage for financial and investment analysts was $101,350 in May 2024.
Financial analysts guide businesses and individuals in decisions about expending money to attain profit.
The median annual wage for financial risk specialists was $106,000 in May 2024.
Overall employment of financial analysts is projected to grow 9 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 30,700 openings for financial analysts are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Loan officers evaluate, authorize, or recommend approval of loan applications.
The median annual wage for loan officers was $74,180 in May 2024.
Employment of loan officers is projected to grow 1 percent from 2023 to 2033, slower than the average for all occupations.
Despite limited employment growth, about 22,900 openings for loan officers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Property appraisers and assessors provide a value estimate on real estate and on tangible personal and business property.
The median annual wage for property appraisers and assessors was $65,420 in May 2024.
Employment of property appraisers and assessors is projected to grow 4 percent from 2023 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
About 6,900 openings for property appraisers and assessors are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Instructions for Applying Through CAS
- Click on the CAS system that corresponds with your graduate program.
- Create a CAS account if you haven’t already.
- Log in to your CAS account.
- Go to the Program Search section and search for West Liberty University.
- Select West Liberty University and choose the specific graduate program you are applying to.
- Follow the application instructions provided on the program’s main page within the CAS portal.
- Important: All official transcripts must be submitted directly through CAS to complete your application.
The Hilltop Advantage
If you’re looking to build a career in accounting and finance, there’s no better time to take the next step. The MBA Accounting Concentration offers a CPA-aligned curriculum designed to prepare you for certification and long-term career success.
Join an MBA program designed to prepare you for the CPA exam and propel your career forward.
Advance your career with confidence. Gain the accounting expertise, strategic insight, and CPA readiness that set you apart.
Next Steps
Request Info
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