Choosing the Right Degrees for Accounting

Given the different specializations, education levels, and timelines, choosing the right degree for your accounting career can be difficult. Compare programs' tuition rates, locations, and delivery methods to determine your preferred option.

Students can also consider program concentrations. These specializations can create significant curriculum differences that provide niche knowledge.

Your school choice has serious consequences as you commit to a two-year or four-year program. Use this guide in your decision-making process as you explore differences in degree levels, concentrations, and delivery methods.

Degree Level

Accounting degrees can provide various levels of education through associate, bachelor's, and graduate degrees, along with graduate and undergraduate certificates, which have a 6-12 month graduation timeline. Certificate enrollees can learn foundational knowledge but do not earn degrees upon completion.

Students interested in entry-level accounting roles can benefit from associate or bachelor's degrees. Corporations can view degree-holders as proficient in accounting basics.

To pursue an advanced career as a professor or financial manager, you may need a master's or doctoral degree. Consider your intended career path and timeline to determine which degree best suits your needs.

Concentration and Curriculum

Programs offer many degree choices within the same level. The following section describes the differences among common degrees for accounting.

• Bachelor of Science: A BS degree focuses on technical accounting skills, including finance, accounting, and taxation.
• Bachelor of Arts: A BA degree combines liberal arts and accounting. Curriculums offer a wider focus than BS degrees.
• Master of Accountancy: A MAcc degree focuses on advanced technical accounting skills to prepare students for the CPA exam.
• Master of Science: An MS degree covers general accounting skills. Graduates may qualify to sit for the CPA exam, though state requirements vary.

Students can also choose accounting concentrations, including auditing, managerial accounting, and taxation. An individual's degree choice should reflect their future career goals. For example, a student interested in generally accepted accounting principles and forensic accounting can benefit from a BA in accounting with a concentration in forensic accounting. However, candidates looking to become experts in forensic accounting can pursue BAs in forensic accounting. Compare education requirements with available degree and concentration options found in the link below.

Delivery Method and Program Length

You're likely to encounter degrees for accounting with various delivery methods, including online, on-campus, and asynchronous learning.

Online degrees have gained popularity over the past decade due to their various benefits, including scheduling flexibility, reduced transportation time, and the ability to pursue any program without relocating. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 53% of students enrolled in at least one distance education course in 2022.

On-campus programs' fixed schedules, networking opportunities, and traditional college experience appeal to many learners. Individuals who require face-to-face interactions and predetermined study plans can benefit from on-campus programs.

Your preferred program type may depend on the degree level. For example, at the undergraduate level, you may seek more face-to-face interactions with faculty and peers. With a graduate program, you may prioritize flexibility if you have full-time employment.

You can also look for accelerated bachelor's-to-master's programs, which can deliver both degrees in about five years. While you can graduate earlier than pursuing both programs separately, you must choose a similar major for the bachelor's and master's degrees.

Accreditation and Reputation

Applicants should ensure that prospective schools have received accreditation from reputable accreditation agencies. Accreditation demonstrates that the institution has achieved a certain learning standard. Schools, employers, and certification agencies may not recognize credits from non-accredited institutions.

Individual programs may also receive accreditation in specific fields, including accounting or engineering. The Council For Higher Education Accreditation provides an online list of recognized accreditation agencies.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Tuition varies based on multiple factors, including reputation, delivery method, and course selections. Attendees can compare the costs and benefits offered by similar programs. Though attending college at any level creates a financial burden, there are several types of aid to help.

Financial aid may or may not require repayment, depending upon aid conditions. Aid can be offered in many forms, including scholarships, grants, and loans. The following links provide additional information regarding financial aid for accounting degrees.

Location and Size

If you're attending an in-person program, consider the different types of school locations. Campuses can be in rural, urban, or suburban locations. Each offers distinct benefits and drawbacks, so make sure that the location matches your interests and needs.

You can also consider the size of the school. Small schools can offer personalized assistance, while large schools may provide additional events and experiences. According to College Board, small schools have under 5,000 students, while large schools have over 15,000 attendees.

Admission and Acceptance Rate

Institutions create their own admission criteria, including minimum GPAs, years of work experience, or GMAT scores. Compare admission requirements and determine which personal skills provide a competitive advantage.

You can apply for multiple schools, including those you qualify for and others that may be marginal. The most you can lose is the application fee and time spent applying.

Faculty Credentials and Ratios

Schools have requirements for professors, as well. Faculty may be required to have doctoral degrees or relevant experience. Attendees may feel more comfortable with professors they deem as experienced or renowned in their field.

Institutions can list professors' details online, which can be reviewed by applicants. Students can also review student-to-teacher ratios. Programs with lower ratios may offer smaller class sizes and additional discussion opportunities with teachers.

Internships and Fellowships

Accounting interns can learn valuable skills that can be transferred to a full-time job, including preparing financial documents, assisting with journal entries, and entering data. Online and in-person enrollees can find internship opportunities by attending events, applying online, and networking. Career service centers within schools can offer assistance in locating internship opportunities.

Career-seekers can face stiff competition from other recent graduates. Employers may prefer an applicant with prior internship experience.

Extracurriculars and Culture

You can attend extracurricular activities like sports, clubs, and school accounting organizations during your studies. Schools may offer online lists of available activities, allowing you to find like-minded individuals or expand your horizons through new experiences.

Schools with large student populations may offer more extracurricular options compared to smaller institutions. Undergraduate and graduate students can participate in extracurriculars, unless otherwise stated in an organization's rules.

Graduation Rate

The U.S. Department of Education defines the graduation rate as the percentage of full-time students who complete a program within 150% of the published program length. Institutions with low graduation rates demonstrate an inability or unwillingness of students to complete their programs.

Possible explanations include program difficulty, unprepared students, and unfulfilled attendees. Applicants can review schools' graduation rates and determine their comfort with attending programs with low graduation rates.

Career Services

Job-seekers can gain connections through their schools' career centers and alumni networks. Career centers may partner with local employers to deliver internships and entry-level job opportunities.

Alumni networks can hold members from multiple industries and career levels. Recent graduates can utilize these networks to learn from mentors and gain assistance with career searches.

Common Questions About Degrees for Accounting