In order for students to enroll in a MBA in accounting program, they must first earn a bachelor's degree from a four-year university, preferably with a major in accounting. This will then give the student the foundation that they need to go forward and apply for a school to obtain their master's. During their time in school, accounting students will take courses such as financial accounting, fundamentals of managerial accounting, problems in financial reporting, and taxes and business strategy. In addition to their course requirements, students must complete internships that provide on-site experience. It is also recommended that students work in the field of accounting while attending school to gain as much experience as possible.

After a student has graduated from their MBA in accounting program, there are many different certifications programs that they can go through in order to be certified to practice accounting at an accelerated level that demonstrates a specialty in their field. The options are as follows: 

• Certified Management Accountant (CMA): Bachelor's degrees, two years management accounting, pass the four-part exam, meet furthering education requirements, and always abide by professional conduct.
• CPA: Certified Public Accountant.
• Accredited in Business Valuation (ABV): Written exam, 10 valuation projects, and references submitted.
• Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP): Written exam, 10 valuation projects, and references submitted.
• Personal Financial Specialist (PFS): Written exam, 10 valuation projects, and references submitted.

• Cost Accounting: This course will teach you about how profitability is maximized when cost management is excellent. Variance analysis and pricing decisions are important concepts here. 
• Forensic Accounting: This discipline -- a specialization in its own right -- is themed on the ways in which accounting and the law can collide. Criminology and Certified Fraud Examiner certification rank among the principal components. 
• Auditing: This is the foundation for most accountants throughout their careers. Auditing, the procedure by which financial records are certified, is traditionally broken up into several classes. 
• Fraud: Learn all about how and why finances are abused in major ways, and what happens punitively. The Sarbanes Oxley Act, expert witness technique, and criminal prosecution are lessons typically offered. 
• Budgeting: Every accountant is tested on his or her ability to keep a company to, or below, a budget. Learn how to do so, via such concepts as profit planning.

Although the answer to this question can change from program to program, you can expect many MBA programs to demand at least one on-site training requirement. 

• MBA in Finance: This concentration in business allows you to specialize in such concepts as commodities, securities, and stocks. Some possible career paths include financial analysts and securities agents. 
• MBA in Information Systems: If you are looking to marry business savvy with expertise in information technology, this is the degree program for you. Executive leadership, project management, and systems direction are critical skills in this specialty. 
• MBA in Public Administration: This field helps to prepare you for a life that involves both business and governmental affairs. Law, city management, education, and health care can also factor into your coursework here.