What kind of classes do accountants take

A few of these specializations related to this field include, but are not limited to:. Assessment Majors Colleges Careers. Accounting Major. Overview Schools Careers. What Kinds of Students Major in Accounting?

Accounting Info. Systems Auditing Computer Info. Want to find out more about using accounting to make a difference? Keep reading to learn what you can expect regarding the education, employment, and professional opportunities associated with a bachelor's degree in accounting.

A bachelor's in accounting is the minimum degree required by many states if you want to qualify to be a Certified Public Accountant CPA. Holding the CPA credential demonstrates that you've gained the level of education and experience you need to be considered qualified by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. It's earned when you've passed the Uniform CPA Examination , along with state-specific education and on-the-job experience requirements.

Only accountants who have earned the CPA credential can give advice, analyze financial statements, and sign off on documentation submitted to the U. Securities and Exchange Commission. Because of these responsibilities, CPAs commit to upholding high professional ethics as part of their credentialing process. Depending on your state, holding a bachelor's degree in accounting with credits may qualify you to sit for the exam.

However, many states require credits, which means completing advanced education before you're eligible to take the test. No matter the requirements to sit for the exam, you'll need to earn at least a bachelor's degree with one of the following options :. A Bachelor of Science BS in Accounting is a 4-year degree that prepares students for entry-level professional positions in public, private, or government accounting.

Some schools may also refer to a comparable degree as a Bachelor of Accountancy. Upon graduation, students can qualify for placement in graduate or professional schools to prepare for CPA licensure. The Bachelor of Business Administration BBA in Accounting is a degree that combines the study of business, management, and economics with courses that provide the analytical and quantitative skills essential to a sound accounting education.

This can also prepare you to pursue advanced education. While a BS emphasizes more courses related specifically to the accounting major, a BA has more flexibility in the form of free electives, allowing additional options for a minor or double major. With a bachelor's degree in accounting, you may have a wide range of potential career paths available. The U. Accountants with specialized certification, such as the CPA, may be likely to find better job prospects.

Since all different kinds of businesses and organizations require CPA services, you can also qualify for a wide range of nontraditional jobs with a bachelor's accounting degree. Consider some of these popular career options :. Public accountants prepare, examine, and audit financial statements for publicly traded companies.

They can offer advice to businesses and individuals on financial recordkeeping. CPA certification is required. A master's degree may be needed for career advancement. Management accountants work as staff accountants where their responsibilities can include cost management, budget preparation, and legal financial compliance.

They also can work as management consultants. Forensic accountants analyze financial records to help determine whether a crime such as fraud, embezzlement, or corruption has been committed. They also give expert testimony in court cases related to financial crimes. The BLS doesn't track salary data specifically for forensic accountants, but specializations such as this may often contribute to higher earnings. A tax examiner or collector conducts audits, reviews returns, and determines how much money businesses and individuals owe for federal, state, and local taxes.

Regardless of the credit requirements for sitting for the CPA, it's necessary to have a total of credits to earn your license in any state. So even if you took the exam while holding a credit bachelor's degree, additional coursework is needed before you'll be granted your license.

Typically, a master's degree is earned separately from a bachelor's, so you may need unique credits to satisfy each requirement.

That leaves aspiring CPAs with 30 semester hours, or the equivalent of one year of full-time study, to complete. It stands to reason that many accounting students decide to use that extra year of study to work toward a graduate degree. AD Degreequery. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Got it! What degree should I get for medical school? Which degree is better: BA or BS? Which degree is better: AA or AS? IMAGE SOURCE: Pixabay , public domain If you want your education to encompass a broader range of business studies, rather than delving deeper into the field of accounting, then a Bachelor of Business Administration degree program with a concentration in accounting might be a better fit for you.

Introductory Through Intermediate Accounting Courses Until you really start exploring the field of accounting, you may think that all accountants do the same work.