CPA vs MBA: Which One is Right for You?

CPA, MBA, MSA, MSBA. In a world of various degrees and credentials, you may find yourself wondering which one is worth your time. For those in business and finance, the master's in business administration (MBA) and certified public accounting (CPA) designations frequently come up as options to further your education and advance your career prospects.

Deciding which path to pursue can depend on a variety of factors: what your career goals are, how much time and money you can invest, and how soon you'd like to be finished. Keep reading to find a full breakdown comparing CPA vs MBA paths to help guide your decision about whether to pursue a CPA, MBA, or both credentials.

A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a prestigious professional designation that demonstrates expertise in accounting, taxation, and auditing. CPAs are licensed professionals who play crucial roles in financial reporting, tax compliance, and business advisory services. To become a CPA, candidates must complete extensive education requirements, gain professional experience, and pass all four parts of the rigorous CPA examination.

The ideal candidates for CPA certification typically have strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a foundation in accounting or finance. This path is particularly well-suited for those who aim to specialize in tax accounting, auditing, or forensic accounting, or who aspire to leadership roles in financial management.

A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a graduate-level degree that provides comprehensive business education across multiple disciplines. MBA programs offer various formats to accommodate different lifestyles and career stages, including:

• Full-time traditional programs (2 years)
• Part-time programs (3-4 years)
• Executive MBA (EMBA) programs for experienced professionals
• Online MBA programs with flexible scheduling

MBA programs attract professionals from diverse backgrounds, including engineering, healthcare, technology, and business. This degree is particularly valuable for those seeking leadership roles in business operations or considering career transitions or entrepreneurial ventures.

Many professionals wonder about transitioning from CPA to MBA or combining both credentials for maximum career impact. First, it's important to highlight that the CPA is a credential while an MBA is an academic degree. You can become a CPA by finishing a certain amount of educational and professional requirements and passing all four parts of the Uniform CPA Examination®. Usually, accounting or finance majors are interested in the CPA since it often involves getting a Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) to meet the hours needed for the exam. However, anyone is welcome to take the exam if they qualify.

An MBA, on the other hand, is a graduate degree that appeals to several areas of business since it covers corporate finance departments, marketing, management, information technology, and more, depending on the program. To enroll in an MBA program, you have to fulfill that school's admissions requirements and submit an application. This usually includes sending official educational transcripts, a copy of your resume, and letters of recommendation or a personal statement. At Yeshiva University's Sy Syms School of Business, the application requirements are clearly spelled out to make the process as smooth as possible.

Whether pursuing a CPA license or an MBA degree, various specializations can help focus your career trajectory. For those pursuing the CPA path, several degree options include a Master of Accountancy, Master of Professional Accounting, Master of Science in Professional Accountancy, or an MBA in Accounting. Common areas of CPA specialization include:

• Tax Accounting: Focus on tax planning, compliance, and strategic advisory services
• Audit and Assurance: Specializing in financial statement audits and internal controls
• Forensic Accounting: Investigating financial fraud, disputes, and complex transactions
• Management Accounting: Strategic financial planning, analysis, and decision support

As for the MBA-focused options, there are many specializations from which to choose because of the degree's broad business coverage. According to the Princeton Review, the most in-demand MBA specialties are:¹

• General Management
• International Management
• Strategy and Consulting
• Finance Leadership
• Entrepreneurship
• Marketing

Many professionals choose to earn an MBA in their current industry. For example, earning an MBA in marketing lets you hone your skills while giving you more exposure to financial accounting and other business topics than, say, a Master's in Marketing.

A key way to decide between CPA vs. MBA is by understanding the distinct career trajectories each path offers. Both credentials can lead to rewarding careers with strong earning potential, but they tend to attract professionals with different career aspirations and strengths. CPAs typically gravitate toward roles requiring analytical precision and deep financial and specialized accounting expertise, while MBA graduates often pursue broader business leadership positions across various industries. CPAs excel in roles such as:

• Public Accounting: Leading audit teams, managing client portfolios, and providing assurance services
• Corporate Finance: Overseeing financial operations, reporting, and compliance
• Tax Advisory: Developing strategic tax planning solutions for businesses and individuals
• Risk Management: Evaluating financial controls and mitigating business risks
• Controller or CFO: Managing overall financial strategy and operations

MBA graduates often pursue leadership roles including:

• Management Consulting: Advising organizations on strategy and operations
• Investment Banking: Managing mergers, acquisitions, and corporate finance
• Corporate Strategy: Directing organizational growth and market expansion
• Executive Leadership: Leading companies as CEO, COO, or other C-suite positions
• Entrepreneurship: Founding and growing new businesses

It's hard to pinpoint an exact range for the cost of earning your CPA vs. MBA since so much depends on your location, university, number of hours required, and access to books and technology. To help with this, some universities will offer financial aid and tuition assistance that can significantly affect your costs. Your employer may also offer tuition reimbursement to offset some or all of your graduate school tuition.

For the CPA path, it's important to note that you'll have to pay for prep courses and state registration fees for the exam. These costs will vary from state to state. In New York, for example, the initial registration and licensing costs $427,² and the total exam fees for all four exams are just under $1800.³

The cost to attend an MBA program varies widely, with tuition at some top programs costing more than $80,000 a year, while some state schools charge less than $5,000 per year.^4,5 Full-time students should consider the income that will be lost during the course of the program as part of their total cost as well (knowing that the cost is an investment in yourself that will pay out over time). Because of this, online MBA programs specifically made for working professionals are becoming increasingly popular. Yeshiva University's Sy Syms School of Business offers you a perfect blend of online convenience, academic rigor and reputation, and affordable tuition.

Since there are a few different ways to complete an MBA program, there's really no set time frame that you have to follow; that being said, the average is usually 2-3 years. The length of time depends on whether you take full or part-time classes and whether you're on campus or online. A major benefit of taking classes online at YU Sy Syms is that all course content is available 24/7 and can be completed whenever works best for you. This gives you the flexibility to continue working at your current job and balance your time accordingly.

An MBA does not require any kind of formal examination. You simply graduate from the program and earn your certification.

Becoming a CPA is a longer process with more milestones to hit. First, you have to complete 150 undergraduate credit hours. Usually, accounting students will choose their classes very purposefully to fulfill this requirement. Depending on your state, you might also need a certain number of hours worked directly under a CPA.² Then, in New York State, you have 30 months to sit for and pass all four parts of the CPA exam.³ It could take more than seven years to become a CPA (four years of undergraduate work, one year for an MS in Accounting or more undergraduate hours, two years working, and several months to pass the CPA exam).

Figuring out ROI on an expense is a basic skill for both CPA and MBA roles. Given the wide range of costs associated with different degrees, and the need to factor in the cost of your time, you're the only person who can accurately determine whether a specific degree is worth your time and effort.

While there's also great variety in post-graduation or post-licensing earnings, nationwide salary data is available to help you with your ROI calculations. According to Glassdoor, first-year certified public accountants earn a median total pay of $108,000,⁶ while median national first-year MBA salary is $133,000.⁷ Salaries in major cities can be significantly higher. These figures reflect the strong market demand for both credentials, with compensation often increasing significantly with experience and specialization. When comparing MBA vs CPA salary potential, consider both starting salaries and long-term earning potential.

As you weigh your options, start by considering the costs. CPA exam and licensing fees total approximately $2,200 in New York State, while MBA program costs vary significantly. Many universities, including Yeshiva University's Sy Syms School of Business, offer scholarships to help offset tuition costs, and many employers provide tuition reimbursement programs that can substantially reduce your out-of-pocket expenses. Time investment is another key factor - while the CPA path typically takes several years, you can complete the Sy Syms Customized Online MBA in as little as 24 months while keeping your full-time job. Beyond the financial benefits, the professional growth, leadership development and career opportunities that come with an MBA can meaningfully accelerate your career trajectory.

For ambitious professionals, pursuing both MBA and CPA credentials can create unique opportunities by combining the deep financial expertise of a CPA with the broad business management skills of an MBA. This powerful combination can be particularly valuable in corporate finance, executive leadership, and specialized consulting roles. However, obtaining both credentials requires a significant investment of time, effort, and money—typically 5-7 years of focused study and professional experience, plus associated costs for both paths. Consider your long-term career goals carefully to determine if the dual-credential path aligns with your professional aspirations.

Whether you decide to earn your MBA, CPA, or both, Yeshiva University's Sy Syms School of Business Customized Online MBA can help you get there. Our AACSB-accredited program accommodates your goals and lifestyle with asynchronous classes, rigorous curriculum, and engaging, experienced faculty. An admissions outreach advisor will be happy to answer any questions you have to get started.