Accelerated Online MBA – Accounting

Essential Skills & Insights

Build Advanced Accounting Knowledge

The curriculum in the Lindenwood University Accelerated Online MBA in Accounting combines specialized accounting courses with core business management principles giving you a strong foundation in both theory and practice.  You will develop applied skills in areas such as:

• Business Financial Statement Analysis: Turn complex financial data into clear, actionable insights by using advanced analytics to evaluate performance, forecast trends, and guide smarter investment and operational decisions.
• Tax Strategy: Design proactive, compliance-first tax plans that optimize after-tax outcomes while identifying opportunities and align tax positioning with long-term business goals.
• Government & Nonprofit Accounting: Apply fund accounting principles with rigor to ensure transparent reporting, strong stewardship of restricted resources, and data-backed program evaluation.
• Accounting Ethics & Professional Standards: Lead with integrity in a rapidly evolving digital landscape—embedding ethical judgment, regulatory compliance into everyday practice.

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AI-Powered Learning, Real-World Impact

Our accelerated online programs integrate opportunities to engage with Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a powerful tool for learning and career preparation. Students apply AI in ways that build authentic skills and mirror how businesses are leveraging it across industries. We emphasize ethical and responsible use, ensuring that students develop the judgment to apply AI appropriately. This approach helps graduates enter the workforce with both technical knowledge and a clear understanding of AI’s role in their discipline.

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Career Outlook

An MBA in Accounting opens doors to leadership roles across finance, strategy, and business management. With a diversified, business-driven skill set, graduates are equipped to excel in high-demand fields.

• Accountants and Auditors earn a median salary of $81,680, applying financial expertise to guide smart decision-making.
• Financial Managers command a median salary of $161,700, leading organizations through complex financial landscapes.
• Executives bring in a median salary of over $100,000, shaping strategy and driving growth at the highest level.

Your MBA doesn’t just prepare you for the next role; it positions you for a career of impact, leadership, and long-term success.

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Admissions Requirements

For admission to your accelerated online MBA in Accounting, simply complete the 2 step application process.

1. Complete the Graduate Admissions Online Application by my.lindenwood.edu/register 
2. Request official transcripts from your undergraduate institution(s) showing a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
   
   Only transcripts with the final degree posted are required if you attended multiple institutions.
   
   Request your official transcript to be sent directly to Lindenwood University Accelerated Online via one of the methods below:
   • Electronically to: [email protected]
   • By Mail to:
     Office of Admissions
     Lindenwood University Accelerated Online
     8205 S Priest Dr #11480 
     Tempe, AZ 85284
   • By Fax to: 480-393-1826

Curriculum Overview

Lindenwood University’s Accelerated Online MBA Accounting coursework will prepare you to lead and manage challenges in the field of accounting and finance even before you earn your degree. This program blends accounting courses with business management essentials reflecting applied theory and practice-driven approaches to key areas including business financial statement analysis and tax strategy, governmental and non-profit accounting, and accounting ethics. As an MBA graduate with expertise in accounting, you can pursue roles such as financial manager, business analyst, accounting manager and more.

In the MBA Accounting emphasis you will complete 4 of 5 required electives courses in the accounting concentration along with the MBA core coursework. The MBA coursework provides a robust foundation in business fundamentals and supports your development of analytical thinking, strategic planning, and advanced communications skills.

Foundation Coursework – 6 Credit Hours

Foundation courses are provided to support student readiness for MBA coursework and are required if students have not taken prior undergraduate courses:

Code	Title	Credits
ACCT 51010	Financial Accounting Concepts	3
MGMT 56070	Statistics and Quantitative Analysis	3

Financial Accounting Concepts

This course is the examination of generally accepted accounting concepts and their influences upon the preparation, analysis, and use of financial statements and reports. It is designed for individuals entering the program without any academic background in accounting.

Statistics and Quantitative Analysis

This course consists of an examination of the application of statistical analysis in business and the use of quantitative techniques in managerial decision making. Topics include measures of central tendency, probability and distribution, sampling and statistical inference, techniques of statistical analysis, and modeling techniques.

Major Coursework – 15 Credit Hours

Code	Title	Credits
ACCT 51011	Managerial Accounting	3
FIN 52010	Financial Policy	3
MGMT 56030	Management Practices	3
MGMT 66080	Business Policies and Strategies	3
MRKT 55010	Marketing Principles and Issues	3

Managerial Accounting

Concepts and techniques for producing and using accounting information for management decisions will be examined in this course. Topics include cost behavior, break-even analysis, cost management systems, marketing/production decision models, capital, and operational budgeting. Prerequisite: ACCT 51010 or ACCT 21010.

Financial Policy

This course introduces the student to the major techniques of financial management. Topics will include financial markets and sources of financing, financial analysis, forecasting and planning, security valuation, cost of capital, capital budgeting, and capital structure. Prerequisite: ACCT 51010 or FIN 32000.

Management Practices

In this course, students will study classical and modern management theories of organization; the functions of management; external and/or environmental aspects bearing on managerial responsibility; development of practical management policy as guides to managerial decision-making; and human aspects of management including motivation, workplace equity and demographic diversity. This course includes the use of case studies to apply theory through practice. Prerequisite: ENGL 17000.

Business Policies and Strategies

This course is the capstone MBA offering, utilizing a top management perspective. Students explore the practices and problems that confront the modern business organization through business simulation studies or case study analysis. This course is to be taken during the student’s last term of the MBA program.

Marketing Principles and Issues

This course introduces students to the principles of marketing, the role of marketing in society and in organizations (for-profit and nonprofit), and the factors that influence marketing decision-making. Activities include the study of planning, pricing, promotion, and distribution of products and services to consumer and business markets. The course will increase students’ overall understanding of marketing as a business discipline; utilize systematic approaches to diagnosing and solving marketing problems and issues; and analyze and develop organization-wide marketing strategies as well as strategies for individual programs, services, or products.

Quantitative Coursework – 3 Credit Hours

Code	Title	Credits
MGMT 56080	Business Analytics	3

Business Analytics

This course introduces business analytics, by providing an overview of ‘big data’, data analytics/business intelligence, as well as hands-on use of mainstream commercial data analytics toolsets. Applications will include sport management, marketing, purchasing, and finance oriented analyses. Students will also gain an understanding of data warehouses, data management, and web analytics. Prerequisite: MGMT 56070.

Accounting Emphasis Coursework – 12 Credit Hours

To earn an MBA in Accounting, you must complete a minimum of four elective courses from one business discipline and achieve a grade of B or better in each course, plus complete one additional MBA elective course.  The MBA Accounting emphasis courses include:

Code	Title	Credits
ACCT 51015	Ethics in Accounting	3
ACCT 51055	Business Tax Planning	3
ACCT 51060	Governmental and Nonprofit Accounting	3
ACCT 51070	Financial Statement Analysis	3

Ethics in Accounting

This course investigates the ethical obligations of accountants and auditors. Specifically, this course will focus on professional responsibilities in the following contexts: corporate governance, financial reporting, audit function, and obligations to prevent and detect fraud. This course also addresses the importance of an accounting professional’s ethical commitment to ensure that their work meets the highest standards of integrity, independence, and objectivity. Prerequisite: ACCT 51010; ACCT 51011.

Business Tax Planning

This course examines concepts of federal and state income taxes as applicable to businesses, including regular corporations, S-corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies, and sole proprietors. Topics also include trusts and estates.  Prerequisite: ACCT 51011 or FIN 52010.

Governmental and Nonprofit Accounting

This course examines concepts of accounting and financial reporting for federal, state, and local government and nonprofit organizations. Prerequisite: ACCT 51011.

Financial Statement Analysis

This course examines profitability and risk analysis based on economic characteristics of a firm’s business, the strategy a firm uses to compete in its industry, and an understanding of financial statements. Case studies are included. Prerequisite: ACCT 51011 or FIN 52010.

Business Elective – 3 Credit Hours

5 elective MBA courses 

Students can earn an MBA with an emphasis by completely a minimum of four elective courses from a specific business discipline.  We are excited to offer the following four emphasis options: 

• Accounting
• Human Resource Management
• Leadership
• Supply Chain Management

Program Length Details

Lindenwood University’s (LU) Accelerated Online programs offer you choice and flexibility to support your education journey. Time to complete a master’s degree can vary based on course load, transfer credits, and individual pacing. You will tailor a course schedule that keeps you in the driver’s seat.

• Transfer Credit: LU allows 9 transfer credits toward a master’s degree and you can complete your degree in as few as 24 credits.
• Accelerated Courses: LU’s online programs offer 10 5-week terms per year.  By enrolling in two courses per term, you can potentially begin and complete your master’s degree in 8 months.
• Frequent Start Dates: LU offers multiple start dates throughout the year so you can begin your studies when you are ready allowing you to graduate sooner.
• Personalized Degree Plan: LU academic advisors will work with you to tailor your degree plan to support your education goals while balancing your personal and professional responsibilities.