Master of Architecture
The 3-year Master of Architecture (M.Arch) program at Woodbury University requires appr...
Master of Business Administration - Accounting-Finance Concentration
Burbank, California
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
Woodbury University, situated in Burbank, California, United States, offers a specialized Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an Accounting-Finance Concentration. This program is meticulously designed for professionals aiming to gain advanced expertise in both accounting and finance, preparing them for leadership roles that require a strong understanding of financial strategy, analysis, and reporting. Woodbury's MBA is known for its intensive, practice-based format, emphasizing responsible leadership, sustainable business practices, and self-empowerment within a personalized learning environment, making it ideal for those seeking to accelerate their careers in the financial sector.
ACBSP Accredited: The School of Business at Woodbury University holds accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). This accreditation underscores Woodbury's commitment to excellence in business education, particularly in emphasizing quality teaching and learning outcomes relevant to the professional world. ACBSP accreditation ensures that the curriculum of the Accounting-Finance MBA is practical, up-to-date, and prepares students effectively for the demands of the accounting and finance industries. Woodbury has held ACBSP accreditation since 1998, demonstrating a sustained dedication to high standards in business education.
AACSB Accredited: In addition to its ACBSP accreditation, Woodbury University's School of Business is also accredited by AACSB International – The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. This dual accreditation is a significant distinction, as AACSB is globally recognized as the most prestigious accreditation for business schools, achieved by less than 5% worldwide. Woodbury first earned AACSB accreditation in 2014 and has consistently maintained it, most recently reaffirmed in February 2024. This signifies that the MBA program, including the Accounting-Finance concentration, meets the highest international standards for academic rigor, faculty qualifications, intellectual contributions, and impact on practice, providing graduates with an exceptional competitive edge.
Curriculum: The Accounting-Finance MBA at Woodbury University is a 36-credit hour program, typically completed in as little as one year for students with an undergraduate business degree, or one and a half years for those without, by utilizing an intensive 7-week session format. The curriculum consists of 8 core MBA courses and 4 specialized electives within the Accounting-Finance concentration. Core courses cover foundational business disciplines such as Financial Accounting, Quantitative Methods for Business Decisions, Managerial Economics, Managing and Leading Organizations Ethically, Marketing Concepts and Strategies, Managerial Finance, Management of Information Technology, Entrepreneurship, and a capstone Strategic Management Consulting course. The Accounting-Finance concentration specifically offers courses like Managerial Accounting, Tax Theory and Application, International Finance, Corporate Finance, Investment Analysis, Money and Capital Markets, Governmental and NonProfit Accounting, and Controllership Accounting, providing deep expertise in these specialized areas.
Research Focus: Woodbury University's MBA program, including the Accounting-Finance concentration, integrates research into its practice-based curriculum. Faculty members, who are often active researchers and industry practitioners, bring current scholarly insights and real-world case studies into the classroom. The program encourages "design thinking," a problem-solving approach rooted in analysis and innovation. Students are trained to use quantitative methods and financial modeling, which are directly tied to financial research and analysis. The curriculum's focus on areas like investment analysis and corporate finance inherently involves the study of financial markets and economic research, preparing students to critically evaluate financial data and strategies. The capstone course also encourages students to apply analytical frameworks to real business challenges.
Industry Engagement: Woodbury University maintains strong ties with the accounting and finance industries, particularly within the vibrant Los Angeles business environment. The program's design, including its specialized concentrations, is informed by the needs of the marketplace. Faculty members are not just academics but often possess significant professional experience in accounting and finance, providing students with practical insights and networking opportunities. Woodbury's "influential Board of Advisors," comprised of industry leaders, actively engages with students, offering mentorship, career advice, and connections for internships and employment. The curriculum's hands-on approach, including the application of theoretical knowledge to solve real financial problems, ensures graduates are highly adaptable and career-ready for various roles in finance and accounting.
Global Perspective: The MBA with an Accounting-Finance Concentration at Woodbury University incorporates a global perspective by acknowledging the international nature of modern business and finance. While not a standalone "global" concentration, courses within the Accounting-Finance emphasis, such as "International Finance," directly address the complexities of global financial markets, cross-border investments, and international monetary systems. The broader MBA curriculum also emphasizes leadership in a global context and responsible business practices. Woodbury's diverse student body and faculty further enrich the learning environment with multicultural viewpoints. This prepares graduates to navigate the global dimensions of financial management, understand international accounting standards, and operate effectively in multinational corporations or global financial institutions.
Location
Burbank, California
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 53424
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% 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.
- PTE: Overall score of 58 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
Woodbury University is making quality education accessible and affordable to students from around the world. Understanding the financial challenges international students often face, the university offers a variety of scholarship opportunities that recognize academic excellence, leadership, creativity, and potential.
Talent and Program-Specific Scholarships: International students applying to creative fields such as Architecture, Animation, Game Art & Design, Graphic Design, Filmmaking, and Fashion Design may be eligible for additional portfolio-based scholarships. These are awarded based on the quality and originality of the student’s creative work and can significantly offset tuition fees.
Graduate Scholarships for International Students: While funding is more limited at the graduate level, some departments at Woodbury University offer scholarships for outstanding international applicants pursuing master’s degrees. Students applying to programs like the Master of Architecture (M.Arch) or MBA may qualify for competitive, merit-based awards. Graduate students are encouraged to inquire with their specific department regarding available funding opportunities.
Graduates of Woodbury University's Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an Accounting-Finance Concentration are highly versatile professionals, equipped with the critical analytical and strategic skills demanded by the contemporary financial and corporate world. The program's exceptional dual accreditation from both ACBSP and the globally recognized AACSB signifies a top-tier business education that meets the highest standards of academic rigor and industry relevance.
Financial Manager: Oversees the financial health of an organization, including budgeting, forecasting, investment activities, and risk management. This role requires strategic decision-making based on financial data.
Corporate Controller: A senior accounting role responsible for managing all accounting operations, including financial reporting, payroll, accounts payable/receivable, and maintaining internal controls to ensure financial integrity.
Financial Analyst: Evaluates financial data, market trends, and company performance to guide investment decisions, assess risk, and provide strategic recommendations to management or clients.
Investment Banker: Advises corporations and governments on financial strategies, including mergers and acquisitions, capital raising through debt and equity issuance, and other complex financial transactions.
Auditor (Internal or External): Examines financial records to ensure accuracy, compliance with regulations, and efficiency of internal controls. External auditors work for public accounting firms, while internal auditors work within organizations.
Tax Manager/Consultant: Specializes in tax law and compliance for individuals and businesses, developing strategies to minimize tax liabilities and ensure adherence to evolving tax regulations.
Treasury Manager: Manages an organization's liquidity, cash flow, investments, and financial risk, ensuring adequate funding for operations and optimal utilization of financial assets.
Management Consultant (Financial Specialist): Works with diverse clients to solve complex financial and operational problems, advising on areas like cost reduction, financial restructuring, and performance improvement.
Budget Analyst: Develops and manages budgets for organizations, evaluating spending patterns, forecasting financial needs, and ensuring efficient allocation of resources.
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) (Long-term Goal): While typically requiring significant experience, the Accounting-Finance MBA provides the foundational knowledge for a future CFO role, overseeing all financial aspects of a company and contributing to overall strategic direction.
