[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-4″ tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]If you excel with numbers, have strong organizational skills, and are good with money, you might consider an accounting degree.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Accounting is a broad field, covering the recording, tracking, and analysis of financial transactions for both individuals and businesses. Accountants also maintain financial records for government or tax officials.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/accountants-and-auditors.htm”]Bureau of Labor Statistics[/hen-ui-link] (BLS), accountants earned a median annual salary of over $71,000 in 2019 — more than $30,000 above the national average. This page explores educational requirements, degree options, and career paths for accountants.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Kinds of Accounting Degrees Are There?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The answer to, “what is accounting?” is fairly broad; prospective accounting professionals can pursue several different educational paths at different academic levels. Most accountants earn at least a bachelor’s degree, which can lead to a certified public accountant (CPA) credential, but there are other options as well.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-secondary” border=”shadow” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-tertiary-700″]Associate Degree in Accounting[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/associates/best-online-associate-accounting/”]associate degree in accounting[/hen-ui-link] provides training in business and accounting foundations. Students learn to maintain, analyze, and present financial records while also exploring the professional standards and ethics of the profession. These degrees typically require 60 credits and take two years to complete.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In addition to fundamental courses like principles of accounting, associate accounting programs often include courses that introduce various career possibilities, like cost accounting, financial accounting, and federal taxation. Graduates can pursue careers as [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/bookkeeping-accounting-and-auditing-clerks.htm/”]accounting or auditing clerks[/hen-ui-link], [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/financial-clerks.htm/”]financial clerks[/hen-ui-link], and [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/bill-and-account-collectors.htm/”]bill collectors[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-secondary” border=”shadow” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-tertiary-700″]Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A bachelor’s degree in accounting is the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d13/tables/dt13_318.30.asp/”]most popular path[/hen-ui-link] to an accounting career. [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-accounting/”]Bachelor’s accounting programs[/hen-ui-link] require 120 credits and typically take four years to complete, covering business and accounting fundamentals before shifting to more advanced topics. Degree-seekers also explore accounting information systems, auditing, and business statistics.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In addition to the core curricula, ctudents can often choose elective courses or concentrations that help guide their eventual careers, exploring topics like financial accounting, management accounting, and forensic accounting. After completing an [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-accounting/”]online bachelor’s in accounting[/hen-ui-link], graduates can pursue [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/accountants-and-auditors.htm”]roles like auditor[/hen-ui-link], [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/cost-estimators.htm/”]cost estimator[/hen-ui-link], or [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/financial-analysts.htm/”]financial analyst[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]What’s the Difference Between a BA and a BS in Accounting?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While bachelor of arts (BA) and bachelor of science (BS) degrees in accounting have similar core courses, they differ in electives and training focus. A BA typically provides humanities training, focusing on areas like communications or psychology, while a BS focuses more on practical application courses, like business, marketing, or finance. BS degrees sometimes require more credits, which helps students more easily meet the 150-credit requirement for the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aicpa.org/becomeacpa/gettingstarted.html/”]CPA certification[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Due to these differences, the BA and BS degrees often lead to different specializations and careers. For example, a BS may prepare for [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/financial-analysts.htm/”]financial analyst[/hen-ui-link] roles, while a BA better equips graduates for human-focused positions, like [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/personal-financial-advisors.htm/”]personal financial advisor[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-secondary” border=”shadow” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-tertiary-700″]Master’s Degree in Accounting[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A master’s degree in accounting typically requires 30-45 credits and takes 1-2 years to complete. These programs emphasize advanced accounting principles, such as business analytics, sales and exchanges of property, or in-depth taxation. They also cover business management fundamentals and usually include CPA preparation or advanced technology skills.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Master’s degrees also tend to offer specializations in areas like corporate accounting, financial management, or personal finances. With this training, master’s graduates improve their chances of finding employment as [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/tax-examiners-and-collectors-and-revenue-agents.htm/”]tax examiners[/hen-ui-link], [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/management-analysts.htm/”]management analysts[/hen-ui-link], or [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/financial-managers.htm/”]financial managers[/hen-ui-link]. Master’s degrees can also lead to management or executive roles.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-secondary” border=”shadow” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-tertiary-700″]Doctoral Degree in Accounting[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/rankings/doctorate/”]Doctoral degrees in accounting[/hen-ui-link] can differ considerably in format and curriculum. Credit requirements vary between 60-120 credits, and they usually take five years to complete. While some programs offer concentrations, most require extensive independent research rather than offering traditional specializations.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Doctorates usually include research and methods courses, along with advanced business, economics, and statistics courses. Due to the considerable training required for this degree, graduates qualify for most accounting positions, including roles as [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/top-executives.htm/”]top executives[/hen-ui-link], [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/financial-managers.htm/”]financial managers[/hen-ui-link], and other management careers.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Can You Do With an Accounting Degree?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Accounting encompasses diverse careers for graduates at all degree levels. According to [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes132011.htm/”]BLS occupational data[/hen-ui-link], accounting graduates make up one of the largest workforces in the coastal states, and most accounting degree jobs are in metropolitan city centers.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In 2019, nearly 25% of accounting professionals worked in accounting services, with another 30% working in the fields of finance, government, management, and self-employment combined. In addition to traditional accounting positions, graduates can also pursue [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/postsecondary-teachers.htm/”]postsecondary teaching positions[/hen-ui-link] or careers in research. The following sections examine some of these accounting career options.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Insurance[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/accountants-and-auditors.htm/”]BLS employment data[/hen-ui-link], the insurance industry employs approximately 9% of accountants and offers one of the highest median annual salaries: over $76,000. With a bachelor’s degree, candidates can pursue careers as [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/accountants-and-auditors.htm/”]accountants or auditors[/hen-ui-link], [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/actuaries.htm/”]insurance actuaries[/hen-ui-link], and [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/insurance-underwriters.htm/”]insurance underwriters[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The insurance industry primarily focuses on financial data, benefits, and coverage, so accounts in this field must use their mathematical, analytical, and organizational skills. To gain a competitive advantage, accounting students should also take courses in statistics, risk assessment, and auditing.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Financial Services[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The financial services industry employs approximately 9% of accountants and provides some of the highest wages, with a [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/accountants-and-auditors.htm/”]median annual salary[/hen-ui-link] of about $72,000. A bachelor’s degree qualifies graduates for most positions in the field, including [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/financial-analysts.htm/”]financial analysis[/hen-ui-link], [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/accountants-and-auditors.htm/”]corporate accounting[/hen-ui-link], [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/sales/securities-commodities-and-financial-services-sales-agents.htm/”]and stockbroking[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Accountants in this industry rely heavily on mathematics, financial processing, and decision-making. Students pursing careers in this field could be sure to take classes in finance, communication, and economics.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Government[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The government uses accountants to maintain accurate numbers for its public budgets, projections, and initiatives. The government employs [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/accountants-and-auditors.htm/”]8% of accounting professionals[/hen-ui-link] and pays a median annual salary of over $70,000.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some positions — such as [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/accountants-and-auditors.htm”]federal accountant[/hen-ui-link], [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/tax-examiners-and-collectors-and-revenue-agents.htm”]internal revenue agent[/hen-ui-link], and [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/financial-examiners.htm”]financial examiner[/hen-ui-link] — require a CPA credential, which requires 30 additional credits after the 120 typically required for a bachelor’s degree. Students can also improve their qualifications by taking courses in economics and government accounting.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Kind of Salary Can I Earn With an Accounting Degree?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Accounting salaries vary depending on several factors, including employer, location, and job description. The data below shows the median annual salaries of the major accounting careers, along with projected job growth data and education requirements.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Accounting Career Outlooks[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Career[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Median Annual Salary[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Job Growth (2019-2029)[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Typical Degree Needed[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Personal Financial Advisors[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary”]$87,850[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Growth (2019-2029)”]4%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Typical Degree Needed”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Financial Analysts[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary”]$81,590[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Growth (2019-2029)”]5%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Typical Degree Needed”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Financial Examiners[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary”]$81,090[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Growth (2019-2029)”]7%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Typical Degree Needed”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Budget Analysts[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary”]$76,540[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Growth (2019-2029)”]3%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Typical Degree Needed”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Accountants and Auditors[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary”]$71,550[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Growth (2019-2029)”]4%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Typical Degree Needed”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Tax Revenue Agents[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary”]$54,890[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Growth (2019-2029)”]-4%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Typical Degree Needed”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary”]$41,230[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Growth (2019-2029)”]-6%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Typical Degree Needed”]None[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] Source: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/home.htm/”]BLS[/hen-ui-link] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Accounting Professional Organizations[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://aaahq.org/” target=”_blank”]American Accounting Association[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] Contributing to the accounting profession since 1916, the AAA houses the largest network of accountants in academia in the country. Members share information, support research, and collaborate to drive innovation and strengthen the industry. The association offers access to education, industry publications, and events on the regional and national levels.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aicpa.org/” target=”_blank”]American Institute of CPAs[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] AICPA represents the accounting industry nationally. Founded in 1887, the association publishes professional rules and ethical standards and offers the CPA examination. AICPA also offers access to continuing education, career guidance and development, and industry news.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.fasb.org/home/” target=”_blank”]Financial Accounting Standards Board[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] Founded in 1973, FASB sets standards for financial accounting and reporting, affecting accountants, financial professionals, and most organizations. The board provides access to industry news, professional standards, and a reference library.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.imanet.org/?ssopc” target=”_blank”]Institute of Management Accountants[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] IMA supports and strengthens the management accounting field through advocacy and professional suppoer. The association provides members with access to education and professional development opportunities.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nsacct.org/home/” target=”_blank”]National Society of Accountants[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] This organization aims to help accounting and tax professionals develop and advance their careers. Members have access to industry news and information, education, and events, along with a large professional network.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Accreditation for Accounting Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When choosing a higher education program, students should always keep accreditation in mind, as it can affect financial aid, continuing education, and employment opportunities. In most cases, learners only need ensure they attend a [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/accreditation/”]regionally accredited[/hen-ui-link] school, but some disciplines also require programmatic accreditation from national organizations.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Accounting students should look for accreditation from the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aacsb.edu/accreditation/journey/accounting/”]Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business[/hen-ui-link] (AACSB), which enforces quality standards for business education. Depending on your accounting specialty, your postgraduate employment and industry certification opportunities may depend on AACSB accreditation.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Accounting Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is an Accounting Degree Hard?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Like all degrees, an accounting degree is challenging for different students in different ways. Students should prepare for a heavy focus on mathematics. With proper preparation, study habits, and attention to detail, though, any learner can succeed.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is Accounting a Stressful Job?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While accounting careers can be stressful, particularly during high-stakes times like reporting periods and tax season, well-trained professionals should be able to cope. Professionals with good time management skills and attention to detail will find this career less stressful.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Why Is Accounting Important?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Accounting is about ensuring the safety and accuracy of financial information for people and organizations. Most organizations and industries rely on accountants to keep track of their financial data, analyze the information, and make sound financial decisions. According to [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/accountants-and-auditors.htm/”]BLS employment data[/hen-ui-link], the prevalence of the accounting field mirrors the health of the economy[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How Long Does It Take to Get a Degree in Accounting?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The length of time it takes to complete an accounting degree depends on the program. Associate degrees take two years, bachelor’s degrees take four years, master’s degrees typically take two years after a bachelor’s degree, and doctorates can take an additional five years. However, some programs offer accelerated degrees, so actual time to graduation varies.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-xs”]Header Image Credit: MoMo Productions | Getty Images[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Learn more, do more.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h5″]More topic-relevant resources to expand your knowledge.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”slider” ids=”1188,276,323″][/hen-ui-article-row] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]