Rutgers Business School announced a major overhaul of its MBA in Professional Accounting program, streamlining the path for graduates from all academic backgrounds to enter the accounting profession. The updates reduce the credit requirements by 25% while integrating cutting-edge technology into the curriculum to meet the evolving demands of the global financial industry.
The program, which has been a fixture of New Jersey’s flagship business school since 1954, will now require 49 credits, down from the previous 66. This change is designed to make the degree more affordable and flexible, offering both full-time and part-time tracks for students who studied arts, sciences, or business at the undergraduate level.
The revamped curriculum reflects the digital transformation of the accounting field. New coursework, including Emerging Technologies in Accounting and Auditing and Advanced Cost Accounting and Analytics, ensures students are proficient in AI, data mining, and high-level analytics.
“The revised program delivers the same rigorous preparation for the accounting profession and the CPA exam while saving students both time and cost,” Professor Alexander Sannella, the program director, said. “By modernizing the curriculum… the program is now more aligned with the needs of today’s students.”
- CPA Readiness: Graduates will meet the educational requirements to sit for the CPA exam in New Jersey.
- Dual-Degree Pathway: Students can now dovetail their MBA with a Master of Accountancy in Accounting and Analytics. By applying up to 12 credits toward the second degree, students can also become eligible for CPA licensure in New York.
- STEM Designation: The program currently has a STEM designation pending, further emphasizing its focus on technical and analytical proficiency.
- Legacy of Success: The program boasts a prestigious alumni network, including leaders such as Sony Music COO Kevin Kelleher and former Friendly’s Ice Cream CFO Paul McDonald.
Upcoming Information Sessions
Prospective students interested in the modernized program are invited to explore the Newark campus and meet with faculty at two upcoming events:
- Graduate Open House: Saturday, March 28, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Newark Campus).
- Online Information Session: Wednesday, April 8, at noon.
With nearly seven decades of history, Rutgers Business School continues to leverage its world-class accounting research to prepare the next generation of leaders for roles in public accounting, private industry, and nonprofits.
