Should I get a bachelor or masters degree in business?

[Nikmic]

I currently have a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, but as of now I'm feeling occupationally stuck and burnt out. I'm curious, since Accounting is such a huge transition from Social Work if a Masters is the correct track?

[Prof]

Get an MBA, and if you like accounting, select it as a concentration. The MBA is a general business degree preparing students for management positions in any level of a business, up to CEO. MBA students study accounting, finance, marketing, management, statistics, economics, law, strategy, policy, and other courses. Many MBA programs offer concentrations in these and many other fields, but that amounts to only 2-3 courses in your chosen field in the second year of study. Many students avoid a concentration and take a variety of elective subjects to gain a broader background. You don't become a specialist in a field with 2-3 courses. It generally takes a year of concentrated study.

MBA programs accept students with a bachelor’s degree in any undergraduate field. They prefer students who do not have a business major because they give you the business training but they cannot provide the broad background that managers should have. The best majors are in the sciences, technology, engineering, or math, but other majors are also suitable. Any field of endeavor can use good management. The reason for avoiding a business undergraduate degree is that it results in too much duplication with the MBA and leaves you with a narrow focus. On the other hand, companies hiring MBA graduates are looking for those who earned the MBA but can also communicate with the people that they have to manage as they advance in their jobs.

MBA programs prefer students with 2-4 years work experience after the first degree. You already have work experience, so your goal should be to change careers. Another undergraduate degree is not as valuable as a graduate degree.

If your goal is CPA certification, that may take longer than you want. Check with your state for the requirements and the reference below.