M.Ed. in Special Education
The University of North Florida (UNF) in Jacksonville offers a Master of Education (M.E...
Master of Business Administration - Accounting
Jacksonville, Florida
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The University of North Florida (UNF) in Jacksonville, Florida, offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an Accounting concentration through its AACSB-accredited Coggin College of Business. This program is designed for individuals seeking to advance their careers in accounting and business leadership, providing a strong foundation in general management principles while allowing for specialization in accounting. It caters to both students with undergraduate accounting degrees and those from other disciplines, with provisions for prerequisite coursework to ensure all students have the necessary foundational knowledge. The program is flexible, offering both full-time and part-time options, typically requiring 30-36 credit hours depending on prior academic preparation.
AACSB-accredited: The University of North Florida's Coggin College of Business holds the prestigious AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) accreditation for both its business and its accounting programs. This dual accreditation is a significant differentiator, as only a small percentage of business schools worldwide achieve both. It signifies that UNF's MBA with an Accounting concentration meets the highest global standards for quality in curriculum, faculty, and student outcomes, ensuring that graduates receive a rigorous and highly respected education. This accreditation is a testament to the program's commitment to academic excellence and its relevance to the demands of the accounting profession.
Curriculum: The MBA with an Accounting concentration at UNF typically requires 30 graduate semester hours. The curriculum combines a core MBA foundation with specialized accounting coursework. Core MBA courses cover essential business areas such as financial accounting, managerial economics, advanced financial management, management information technology, organizational leadership, marketing strategy, and advanced strategic management. For the accounting concentration, students who have an undergraduate accounting degree will delve into advanced accounting theory, auditing theory, and select an additional graduate-level accounting or tax course. Students with a non-accounting undergraduate degree will complete foundational accounting prerequisites before engaging with advanced courses in areas like financial accounting, taxation of business corporations, and auditing. This structure ensures a comprehensive understanding of both broader business functions and the intricate details of accounting practices, preparing students for the complexities of modern financial management and reporting.
Research Focus: While the MBA with an Accounting concentration at UNF is a professional degree designed to prepare graduates for leadership roles, it emphasizes an analytical and evidence-based approach to business and accounting challenges. The curriculum encourages critical thinking, data analysis, and the application of theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios. Students are expected to understand and apply accounting research principles in their coursework and projects. Faculty members, who often have significant practical experience alongside their academic credentials, guide students in making informed decisions rooted in sound financial analysis and ethical considerations. The program aims to develop graduates who can not only perform accounting functions but also interpret and utilize financial information strategically.
Industry Engagement: UNF's MBA programs, including the Accounting concentration, are deeply connected to the local and regional business community. Situated in Jacksonville, a growing economic hub, the university leverages strong relationships with major corporations, public accounting firms, and government entities. Students benefit from opportunities such as internships, guest lectures by industry professionals, and networking events. The university's strong alumni network often provides mentorship and career placement opportunities. Practical learning experiences, such as participation in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program (though more prominent for the MAcc, MBA students with an accounting focus may also engage), provide hands-on application of accounting principles and direct interaction with the community's needs, fostering valuable industry engagement.
Global Perspective: The MBA with an Accounting concentration at UNF incorporates a global perspective by addressing the increasing internationalization of business and accounting standards. While primarily focused on U.S. accounting principles (GAAP) and taxation, the curriculum acknowledges the prevalence of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and the complexities of global business operations. Discussions often extend to cross-border transactions, international tax implications, and ethical considerations in a global marketplace. Graduates are prepared to understand and navigate the interconnectedness of global economies and financial systems, enabling them to work effectively in multinational corporations or in roles that require an awareness of international business practices and financial reporting. UNF also offers a separate GlobalMBA program, indicating a broader university commitment to international business education that can benefit all MBA students.
Location
Jacksonville, Florida
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 18803
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $31
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
Standardized Test Requirements
- GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test): Minimum score of 550 required.
- GRE (Graduate Record Examinations): Minimum score of 304 required.
The University of North Florida (UNF) offers a variety of scholarships specifically designed to support international students in achieving their academic goals while easing the financial burden of studying in the United States. These scholarships recognize outstanding academic achievements, leadership potential, and community involvement.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UNF provides merit scholarships to international students based on their academic performance, standardized test scores, and extracurricular accomplishments. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are awarded automatically to eligible applicants during the admissions process.
International Student Scholarships: Special scholarships are reserved exclusively for international students. Examples include the International Freshman Scholarship and the International Transfer Scholarship, which reward high-achieving students with financial aid packages that may cover partial to full tuition fees.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While limited for international students, some need-based financial aid options may be available through private organizations or partnerships coordinated by UNF’s financial aid office. International students are encouraged to explore external scholarship databases for additional funding opportunities.
Departmental Scholarships: Certain academic departments and colleges at UNF offer scholarships targeted to students enrolled in specific fields of study. International students can apply for these scholarships based on their major, research interests, or academic achievements within their discipline.
An MBA with an Accounting concentration from the University of North Florida (UNF) combines comprehensive business acumen with specialized accounting expertise, preparing graduates for leadership roles across diverse industries. The program's AACSB accreditation for both business and accounting signifies a high standard of education, making graduates highly competitive in the job market. This dual expertise in management and accounting is particularly valuable as businesses increasingly seek professionals who can not only manage financial operations but also provide strategic insights.
Accounting Manager/Director: This role involves overseeing the entire accounting department within a company, managing financial reporting, budgeting, internal controls, and ensuring compliance with accounting standards and regulations. Graduates can progress to higher leadership positions like Controller or Chief Accounting Officer (CAO).
Financial Analyst (Corporate/Investment): Graduates can work in corporate finance departments, analyzing financial data to support strategic decision-making, budgeting, forecasting, and investment analysis. They may also work for investment firms, evaluating companies for investment opportunities and providing financial insights.
Auditor (Public or Internal): In public accounting firms, external auditors verify financial statements for various clients to ensure accuracy and compliance. Internal auditors work within organizations to assess operational efficiency, identify risks, and ensure adherence to internal policies and regulations.
Tax Manager/Consultant: Specializing in complex tax laws for individuals and corporations, these professionals provide tax planning strategies, prepare intricate tax returns, and offer advisory services to minimize tax liabilities and ensure compliance. This role is highly sought after in public accounting firms and large corporations.
Forensic Accountant: This specialized field involves investigating financial discrepancies, fraud, and other financial crimes. Graduates apply their accounting and investigative skills to uncover financial misconduct, working with law enforcement, legal firms, or corporate security departments.
Management Consultant (Financial Focus): Graduates can leverage their combined business and accounting knowledge to advise organizations on improving financial performance, optimizing accounting processes, managing risk, and implementing new financial systems. They often work for large consulting firms.
Controller: A corporate controller is a senior-level accounting professional responsible for all accounting operations, including the production of financial reports, maintenance of accounting records, and ensuring that reported results comply with generally accepted accounting principles.
Government Accountant/Auditor: Opportunities exist at federal, state, and local government levels. These roles involve managing public funds, ensuring financial accountability, auditing government agencies, and enforcing financial regulations for public sector entities.
Business Development Manager: An MBA with an accounting background can be valuable in business development, where understanding financial viability and profitability is key. These professionals identify new business opportunities, structure deals, and manage client relationships, often for accounting firms or financial service providers.
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) (Long-term Goal): While typically requiring significant experience, an MBA in Accounting provides an excellent foundation for aspiring CFOs. This top executive role involves leading all financial aspects of an organization, including financial strategy, risk management, and investor relations.
