M.A. in Communication
The M.A. in Communication at Purdue University Northwest is a 36-credit hour program th...
Master of Business Administration - Accounting
Hammond, Indiana
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The MBA with an Accounting concentration at PNW is a 36-42 credit hour program, depending on a student's prior academic preparation. It integrates a core MBA curriculum with specialized accounting courses, providing a comprehensive understanding of both managerial principles and advanced accounting practices. Courses are typically offered in the evenings, accommodating working professionals. The program aims to develop highly skilled professionals capable of making informed financial and strategic decisions within diverse organizational contexts.
AACSB Accreditation: A critical differentiator for Purdue University Northwest's MBA program, including its Accounting concentration, is its accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). This prestigious accreditation is globally recognized as the gold standard for business education. It signifies that the program meets rigorous quality standards in terms of curriculum, faculty qualifications, research, and student outcomes. AACSB accreditation assures that PNW's MBA Accounting graduates possess highly relevant skills and knowledge, making them exceptionally competitive in the job market and enhancing the global recognition of their degree. PNW's College of Business programs, including the MBA, recently earned reaffirmation of accreditation by AACSB in June 2023.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the MBA with an Accounting concentration typically includes a foundation of core business courses (around 30 credits) covering areas like financial management, marketing, operations, business analytics, and organizational behavior. In addition to this strong business core, students complete specific accounting concentration courses (around 12 credits). These concentration courses often include advanced topics such as "Advanced Taxation," "Advanced Accounting," "Management Accounting II," "Auditing," and potentially specialized areas like "International Accounting" or "Fraud Investigation." This structure ensures that graduates receive both broad business knowledge and deep accounting expertise, making them well-rounded professionals.
Research Focus: While the MBA with an Accounting concentration is primarily practice-oriented, aiming to develop managerial and accounting skills, the faculty members at Purdue University Northwest's College of Business are actively engaged in academic research and bring their scholarly insights into the classroom. The curriculum emphasizes analytical skills, critical thinking, and data-driven decision-making, which are inherently rooted in research methodologies. Students are expected to analyze complex business and accounting scenarios, drawing upon contemporary theories and best practices, often informed by current academic and industry research.
Industry Engagement: Purdue University Northwest's College of Business maintains strong ties with the accounting profession and broader industry. Many faculty members have practical experience as CPAs, auditors, or financial managers, providing real-world context and insights into the curriculum. The program's connections with the regional business community, including major accounting firms and corporations, provide networking opportunities and potentially avenues for internships or experiential learning. The strong track record of PNW alumni working in significant roles across various innovative organizations underscores the program's effective industry engagement and its relevance to current professional demands.
Global Perspective: The MBA with an Accounting concentration at Purdue University Northwest implicitly incorporates a global perspective by preparing graduates for managerial and accounting roles in an interconnected global economy. The AACSB accreditation itself provides international recognition for the quality of the business education. While not a dedicated "global business" specialization, the curriculum may include courses like "International Accounting," which directly addresses cross-border financial practices and standards. The broader MBA core curriculum also emphasizes strategic management and decision-making in a global context, preparing graduates to navigate the complexities of international business operations and diverse regulatory environments.
Location
Hammond, Indiana
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 14470
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $75
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 80 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 115.
Purdue University Northwest (PNW) is dedicated to supporting international students through various scholarship opportunities that recognize academic excellence, leadership, and diverse talents. These scholarships help reduce the financial burden and make quality education more accessible.
Merit-Based Scholarships: PNW offers several merit-based scholarships for international students based on academic achievement, standardized test scores, and other criteria. These scholarships can significantly offset tuition costs and are awarded automatically during the admissions process or through a separate application.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at Purdue University Northwest provide scholarships specific to their fields of study. These awards reward outstanding students pursuing degrees in areas such as engineering, business, health sciences, and more. International students are encouraged to contact their department of interest for detailed scholarship opportunities.
Renewable Scholarships: Some scholarships at PNW are renewable annually, provided students maintain a satisfactory GPA and meet specific academic requirements. This offers ongoing financial support throughout the duration of their degree programs.
Graduates of Purdue University Northwest's Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an Accounting concentration are highly valuable professionals, possessing a unique blend of strategic business acumen and in-depth accounting expertise. The program's AACSB accreditation, coupled with its focus on advanced accounting principles and managerial skills, prepares alumni for leadership roles across diverse industries. This specialized MBA makes them ideal candidates for positions that require both meticulous financial understanding and broad strategic insight, as the demand for professionals who can bridge these areas continues to grow.
Corporate Controller: This is a key leadership role where graduates oversee all accounting operations within a company, including financial reporting, internal controls, and compliance. They provide crucial financial insights to management for strategic decision-making.
Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) Manager: These professionals combine their accounting and business analysis skills to forecast financial performance, develop budgets, analyze variances, and support strategic planning initiatives to drive business growth.
Audit Manager (Public Accounting or Internal): In public accounting firms, they lead audit engagements for clients, ensuring financial statements are accurate and compliant. As internal audit managers, they evaluate an organization's financial and operational processes to identify risks and improve efficiency.
Tax Manager/Director: Specializing in complex tax matters, these individuals manage corporate or individual tax strategies, ensure compliance with evolving tax laws, and advise on tax implications of business decisions.
Forensic Accountant/Fraud Examiner: Leveraging accounting and investigative skills, they work to uncover financial discrepancies, fraud, and other illicit financial activities, often assisting in legal cases or corporate investigations.
Business Development Manager (with Financial Acumen): An MBA in Accounting provides a strong foundation for business development, enabling graduates to understand the financial viability of new ventures, articulate value propositions based on financial benefits, and negotiate deals.
Management Consultant (Financial/Accounting Focus): Graduates can join consulting firms to advise businesses on improving financial performance, optimizing accounting processes, implementing new financial systems, and navigating regulatory changes.
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Trainee/Future Leader: While a CFO position typically requires significant experience, the MBA in Accounting provides the comprehensive financial and strategic knowledge base for rapid advancement into senior finance leadership roles.
Treasury Manager: This role focuses on managing a company's liquidity, cash flow, investments, and financial risks. An MBA in Accounting equips graduates to make informed decisions about capital structure and funding.
Compliance Officer (Financial Services): In highly regulated industries like banking and finance, these professionals ensure that organizations adhere to financial regulations and ethical standards, often leveraging their deep understanding of accounting principles and reporting requirements.
