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Accounting Degree FAQs

What You Need to Know About Earning an Accounting Degree

If you are a detail-oriented person who enjoys working with numbers, a career in accounting may offer a variety of career options and potential growth opportunities. The following are frequently asked accounting degree questions that can help you determine if an accounting degree is right for you.

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FAQs

Can you become a CPA with an online degree?

Earning an online degree in accounting may help you meet the 150-hour requirement to become a licensed CPA. While a degree does not guarantee you will become a CPA, earning the credits required to take the CPA exam is a first step in pursuing your goal. At DeVry, our online accounting degree programs include elements of Becker Professional Education’s industry-leading CPA Exam prep built right into the coursework, so you’ll gain exposure to today’s most relevant accounting principles.1

Is an accounting degree a BA or BS?

Typically, an undergraduate degree in accounting is a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree. That is the case at DeVry University with our Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting online program. Additional program options s include Bachelor’s in Business Administration (BBA) and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) with accounting specializations.

Is a CPA better than an accountant?

Someone who has earned the CPA designation has met the requirements to achieve this widely recognized credential. You may be able to work as an accountant without being a CPA. However, the CPA designation signifies a person has demonstrated a deeper level of accounting knowledge and expertise.

Is accounting a lot of math?

Many people with accounting degree questions are curious about the amount of math required. While accounting does require competence with basic mathematical concepts, many of the math skills required by accountants are not overly complex.

What is the best degree in accounting?

There are many options for earning an accounting degree, including at the bachelor’s and master’s degree levels. At DeVry, we offer a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Master’s Degree in Accounting, as well as a Graduate Certificate in Accounting. In addition, many accounting degree programs offer specializations to further focus your study. The best degree for you is the one that aligns with your specific goals and objectives.

Can you become an accountant without being a CPA?

Yes. You can work as an accountant without earning the CPA designation. However, becoming a CPA lets employers know you’ve shown in-depth knowledge of accounting and its application to business. As stated above, DeVry’s accounting programs include elements of Becker Professional Education’s industry-leading CPA Exam prep built right into the coursework, so you’ll gain exposure to today’s most relevant accounting principles.1

Which certification is best for accounting?

There are many certifications for accounting, and each is designed to demonstrate proficiency in a specific area of the field. Those certifications include Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF), Certified Government Auditing Professional (CGAP), Certified Financial Services Auditor (CFSA) and Certification in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA).

One of the most widely recognized accounting certifications is that of the CPA. The CPA designation is offered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and is granted to those who pass the Uniform CPA Examination and meet the education and experience requirements. The education requirements include a minimum of 150 credit hours studying accounting or a related field. The experience requirements involve work experience as an accounting professional, which is a typically requirement to become licensed as a CPA.

Is accounting a good career?

Of all the accounting degree questions people have, this is one of the most important to ask. The answer is there are many ways to define a good career. Growth prospects. Job flexibility. Satisfaction with your work. For those who love digging into the details of financial performance and forecasting, and value having a variety of job opportunities to explore, accounting can be a great career. Many organizations across all industries need accountants to help ensure accurate and efficient operations and delivery of products and services. Accounting is also a growing profession; according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of accountants and auditors is projected to grow 4 percent on a national level from 2019 to 2029. As the economy rebounds, it is expected that more accountants will be needed to prepare and examine financial records.2

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DeVry offers multiple accounting degree programs, with classes starting every 8 weeks. Contact an admissions representative to learn more.

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1Credits and degrees earned from this institution do not automatically qualify the holder to participate in professional licensing exams to practice certain professions. Persons interested in practicing a regulated profession must contact the appropriate state regulatory agency for their field of interest. For instance, typically 150 credit hours or education are required to meet state regulatory agency education requirements for CPA licensure.
2Local growth will vary by location. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/accountants-and-auditors.htm

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In New York, DeVry University operates as DeVry College of New York. DeVry University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), www.hlcommission.org. Keller Graduate School of Management is included in this accreditation. DeVry is certified to operate by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. Arlington Campus: 1400 Crystal Dr., Ste. 120, Arlington, VA 22202. DeVry University is authorized for operation as a postsecondary educational institution by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. Naperville Campus: 1200 E. Diehl Rd., Naperville, IL 60563 Unresolved complaints may be reported to the Illinois Board of Higher Education through the online complaint system https://complaints.ibhe.org/. Program availability varies by location. In site-based programs, students will be required to take a substantial amount of coursework online to complete their program. DeVry University Home Office: 1200 E. Diehl Road, Naperville, IL 60563.

*The Transparency in Coverage rules require DeVry University to disclose on a public website information regarding colleague medical plan in-network provider rates for covered items and services, out-of-network allowed amounts and billed charges for covered items and services, and negotiated rates and historical net prices for covered prescription drugs.  Through UnitedHealthcare, UMR Benefits creates and published the machine-readable files on behalf of DeVry University. This information is intended for informational purposes only. It should not be construed as legal or financial advice.