should i major in business administration or accounting

You'll get the name-recognition of an in-demand degree as well as a credential that highlights your accounting specialization - in short, you get both the breadth to build a well-rounded business skillset and the depth to truly become an accounting expert.Īn MBA in Accounting program will help you develop the competencies required in today's business professionals, including managing risk, leadership, understanding the impact of globalization, financial decision-making, business analysis and performance measurement, understanding customers and markets, and process integration and performance. So what is an MBA in accounting? This program will deliver the technical skills and business concepts (and review the accounting essentials) you'd get in a traditional MBA, but adds an emphasis on leveraging financial analysis to help decision-making at a strategic level. As an accounting professional with advanced knowledge of the field, you might be wondering if this is applicable to you, and the answer is yes - if you pursue an MBA accounting concentration. MBA in AccountingĪn MBA is one of the most popular degrees in today's higher education landscape and often incorporates basic accounting knowledge into the curriculum. To best understand the differences between these two types of programs, we'll explore each of them in depth. While the differences between these two programs might not be immediately clear, there are actually some significant distinctions that are important to take into consideration when deciding which one is right for you. When looking into graduate-level accounting programs, you have probably noticed that the majority fall into two categories: a master's degree in accounting, or an MBA in accounting. Getting a master's degree is the best way to not only further your accounting knowledge but also qualify you to sit for the exam, which will then allow you to practice public accounting. As of 2014, accounting students preparing for the CPA must earn 150 credit hours of education, which is 30 credit hours beyond a bachelor's degree. In fact, many of today's upper-level accounting jobs require a master's degree.īeyond that, having a master's degree is a necessity if you are planning on, or considering, sitting for the CPA exam.

Additionally, having a master's degree (especially in a competitive field such as accounting) can help you qualify for more jobs, particularly those with more seniority and higher pay. Those with a master's degree can, in general, earn an average of $400,000 more over their lifetimes than those with just a bachelor's degree. If you're an accounting professional looking to take the next step in your career, considering a master's degree is a smart place to start.

Should i major in business administration or accounting