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For any business to be successful, it must have a proper financial foundation. This starts with effective accounting strategies. The good news is that there are a number of accounting-related degree programs out there, including an MBA with a concentration in Accounting.

Saint Leo University is proud to offer this specific Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Accounting. We recently caught up with Dr. Barbara Caldwell, the chair of Saint Leo's Department of Accounting, Economics, and Finance, to learn more about what this track offers and how it prepares graduates for a chance at succeeding in their own business or working for others.

Q: When was Saint Leo's MBA in Accounting program started, and what were the reasons behind offering it?

A: The accounting concentration was added in 2004. The reason behind offering it was so that those who were completing the traditional MBA could have the opportunity to specialize in a field that they worked in already and were seeking the credentials for promotion or becoming a CPA. Others were interested in the profession and wanted to take classes that were relevant to the field.

Q: What topics are covered in the curriculum within this MBA program?

A: Aside from the seven core courses of the MBA, the Accounting concentration includes courses covering the following topics:

  • Fund Accounting for Government and Not-For-Profit Accounting
  • Fraud Examination
  • Advanced Cost Accounting
  • Law and the Accountant
  • Accounting Theory
  • Using Financial Accounting Information

Q: What are the primary goals of the MBA in Accounting program?

A: The primary goals of the MBA in Accounting program are for graduates to be able to:

  • Exhibit key knowledge of core business management functions
  • Gain knowledge and skills of accounting concepts typically taught beyond the undergraduate level
  • Make effective, efficient, and ethical decisions within this field

Q: Where is this program offered?

A: The accounting concentration courses are only offered online. However, the general MBA courses are offered online and on-ground at several Saint Leo locations across the country.

Q: Who are the faculty teaching in this program? 

A: The full-time faculty members who teach in this MBA program are:

  • Passard Dean
  • Daniel Tschopp
  • Timothy Wiseman
  • C'Lamt Ho
  • Charlene Gayle

Q: What separates this MBA program from others?

A: There are two things that truly separate this program – and all of Saint Leo's – from others:

  •  A dedicated faculty who are always willing to help students
  • A low student-to-faculty ratio, allowing for plenty of interaction between students and faculty members throughout the program

Q: What types of career opportunities can graduates of this program expect to be considered for?

A: You may have the opportunity to pursue positions as a:

· Accountant

· Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

· Financial Analyst

· Auditing Manager

· Budget Analyst

· Tax Fraud Examiner

· Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Q: How can students learn more about this program?

A: You can contact myself, Barbara Caldwell, directly at (352) 588-7393 or by e-mail at barbara.caldwell@saintleo.edu.