2021 Accounting Degree Guide
Do you find it fun and easy to keep track of your favorite sports team's records in order to forecast how their season is going to play out? Accountants do just that, except in the business setting. They gather information, examine records, decode, and communicate information to individuals or organizations in order to improve their financial risk and performance. A program in Accounting will prepare students to perform related business functions and practice the profession of accounting.
There are many different concentrations within this major; they include Auditing, Accounting and Finance, Accounting and Business/Management, and Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. While studying this major you will be taking courses in Business Law, Cost accounting, Tax accounting, Accounting information systems, and Auditing. This major is commonly offered as a Bachelor's degree.
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Accounting Degrees Popular in the U.S.
In 2018-2019, accounting was the 8th most popular major nationwide with 105,123 degrees awarded. This represents a 2.6% reduction in accounting degrees awarded over the prior year's total of -107,851.
The United States has 1,854 different schools where you can get a degree in accounting. This year's Best Colleges for Accounting ranking compares 521 of them to identify the best overall programs in the country. Explore this or one of our many other custom accounting rankings further below.
What Are The Requirements For a Degree in Accounting
Attention to detail will be a helpful skill as you work with numbers and variables that can be misinterpreted and thrown off by one mistake. Strong mathematical skills and an analytical mind will help you in both your college classes and your career.
If you have the chance, it is helpful to take courses in Business, Computer applications, Calculus, Statistics, and Microeconomics while still in high school. This program is not only offered as a Bachelor's Degree, but students can continue onto higher education and receive a Master's or Doctorate in this major.
Prior Education for an Accounting Program
accounting degree applicants generally need have finished high school or their GED. Many schools may also have GPA and SAT/ACT score minimums that must be met. Once you obtain your degree, additional accounting certifications required to pursue a career in this field.
Types of Accounting Degrees
Accounting degree levels vary. You can spend many years getting as high as a research / scholarship based doctorate's in accounting to something that takes less time like a associate's. The time it takes to complete a accounting degree varies depending on the program.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
A bachelor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to accounting, with approximately 41.9% of workers getting one. See the the most common levels of education for accounting workers below.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 40.0% |
| High School Diploma | 14.4% |
| Master’s Degree | 13.8% |
| Some College Courses | 9.6% |
| Associate’s Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 8.4% |
Most workers in accounting have at least a bachelor's degree. The chart below shows what degree level those who work in accounting have obtained.
This of course varies depending on which accounting career you choose.
Accounting Careers
While accounting is a general topic, specialization is important. Many accountants specialize in auditing, taxes, or consulting. Depending on your focus you can become a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Management Accountant, or a Certified Internal Auditor. In order to become a Certified Accountant, you must take a national exam to obtain a license. Graduate can also become Budget Analysts and Financial Analysts. These Analysts create, study, and oversee the budgets and finances for organizations. The demands for these Analysts are increasing rapidly.
Growth Projected for Accounting Careers
Want a job when you graduate with your accounting degree? Accounting careers are expected to grow 6.4% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to accounting.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks | 1,705,300 | -1.5% |
| Accountants and Auditors | 1,537,600 | 10.0% |
| Financial Managers | 689,000 | 18.7% |
| Financial Analysts | 328,200 | 10.8% |
| Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks | 164,700 | -1.0% |
How Much Money Do Accounting Grads Make?
Accounting graduates between 2015-2017 reported earning an average of $44,476 in the 2017-2018 timeframe. Earnings can range from as low as $6,600 to as high as $83,100. As you might expect, salaries for accounting graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
High Paying Careers for Accounting Majors
Salaries for accounting graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top 5 highest paying careers accounting grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Financial Managers | $146,830 |
| Business Professors | $103,330 |
| Financial Analysts | $100,990 |
| Financial Examiners | $90,310 |
| Credit Analysts | $82,300 |
Getting Your Accounting Degree
With over 4,953 different accounting degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased accounting school rankings to help you with this.
Top Ranking Lists for Accounting
Majors Related to Accounting
Accounting is one of 21 different types of Business, Management & Marketing programs to choose from.
Most Popular Related Majors
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Business Administration & Management | 410,147 |
| General Business/Commerce | 58,451 |
| Finance & Financial Management | 56,186 |
| Marketing | 51,241 |
| Human Resource Management | 26,823 |
View All Accounting Related Majors >
References
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Southern New Hampshire University
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