What Degree Levels Are Offered in Accounting?

<h3 id="section---AccountingDegreeOverview">Accounting Degree Overview</h3> <p>Accounting degrees begin at the associate's level and are available through the doctoral level. Career options open up with each degree level. To take the Uniform CPA Examination to become a Certified Public Accountant, a student must have 150 college credits in most states, which is about 30 more than a typical bachelor's degree program. Because of this, many professional accountants continue to a master's degree. </p> <h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutAccountingEducation">Important Facts About Accounting Education</h3> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td>Prerequisites</td><td> High school diploma or GED is needed for undergraduate programs, bachelor's degree is required for graduate programs</td></tr> <tr><td> Common Courses </td><td> Associate degree: mathematics for business and finance, management principles and business statistics<br /> Bachelor's degree: introductory and intermediate accounting, cost management and tax accounting<br />Master's degree: federal tax research, fraud examination and advanced business law <br /> Doctoral degree: advanced studies in financial management and statistical methods</td></tr> <tr><td>Online Availability</td><td> Some programs are offered partially or fully online</td></tr> <tr><td>Continuing Education</td><td> Needed to maintain CPA licensure, requirements vary by state</td></tr> <tr><td> Median Salary (2021) </td><td> $77,250 (<i>for accountants and auditors</i>)*</td></tr> <tr><td> Job Outlook (2021-2031)</td><td> 6% (<i>for accountants and auditors</i>)*</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---AssociateSDegreeInAccounting">Associate's Degree in Accounting</h3> <p>An Associate of Applied Science in Accounting degree program teaches the basics of accountancy. Graduates with an associate's degree in accounting can become bookkeepers or clerks. </p> <h3 id="section---BachelorSDegreeInAccounting">Bachelor's Degree in Accounting</h3> <p>A Bachelor of Science degree in accounting prepares the student for a career in auditing, corporate accounting and management services. Most professional accountants hold at least a bachelor's degree. </p> <h3 id="section---MasterSDegreesInAccounting">Master's Degrees in Accounting</h3> <p>At the master's degree level, students can choose a Master of Science in Accounting or a Master of Accountancy degree program. Those holding a Master of Science degree are qualified for senior positions in accounting and can sit for the Uniform CPA Examination. </p> <p>A Master of Accountancy degree provides a student with additional academic work to promote technical competence and skills of communication, presentation and interpersonal relationships. Auburn University reports that students with a Master of Accountancy degree have a much higher success rate on the uniform CPA examination. </p> <h3 id="section---DoctoralProgramInAccounting">Doctoral Program in Accounting</h3> <p>A Ph.D. in Accounting degree program prepares a student for research and teaching. Doctoral programs in accounting are academic degrees for potential accounting professors, rather than professional public accountants.</p>