Which is the Best Accounting College Degree I Should Pursue

by Alex Morgan · February 3, 2023

Young Accountants discussing college degrees

If you are considering a career in accounting, one of the first questions to ask yourself is which accounting college degree is the best for you. With so many options available, it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you.
This article will discuss the different types of accounting degrees available and how they can help you land high-paying job in accounting field. We will also cover salaries, jobs, and tactics to advance your accounting career after obtaining your degree. So, let’s get started.

Is a Degree in Accounting a BA or a BS Good?

Accounting is a popular major among college students. Still, many are confused about whether to pursue a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in accounting. While some universities offer both options, the B.S. in accounting is the most common option.

However, many universities still offer B.A. degrees in accounting as well. Both degrees will provide you with the necessary skills to become an accountant and help you understand the complexities of financial systems and regulations.

It is important to research both options and decide which one best suits your career goals before enrolling in any program. For instance, six programs in the USA fall into this category. These programs are:

Bryant University Bachelor in Accounting Degree
Bachelor of Science in Accounting Degree
Texas A&M Accounting BBA
The University of Arizona Bachelor in Accounting
BSBA Accounting Emphasis at Campbellsville University Online
BS in Business Administration NSU Florida

So, which one is the best for you? Let’s lay it out for you, and then you can decide.

Bachelor of Accounting Subjects

Bachelor of Accounting is a degree program that offers students a variety of subjects to choose from– but, that’ll depend on the university or business school you choose, as the curriculum can include auditing, taxation, financial accounting, and information systems.

Usually, these undergraduate accounting degree programs teach students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful accountants in various industries. Students who pursue this degree will be able to learn about financial management, budgeting and forecasting, cost accounting, and more. Here’s what these subjects are about:

Auditing

Auditing is an important part of accounting and a fundamental component of the Bachelor of Accounting curriculum. It is a process that involves examining, verifying, and reporting financial statements to ensure accuracy and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Moreover, auditing also helps to identify any potential fraud or mismanagement that may have occurred within the organization and through a comprehensive audit, organizations can gain valuable insights into their financial health and make informed decisions about their future.
Taxation

Taxation is an important part of accounting and a crucial component of any Bachelor of Accounting curriculum- as almost every accountant needs to understand the fundamentals of taxation to succeed in their career.

Financial Accounting

Financial Accounting is a comprehensive program in most accounting bachelor curriculum. Usually, this aspect of an accounting degree will teach an understanding of key aspects of accounting, such as:
- Financial Reporting
- Analysis
- Finance Control
- Internal Control Systems
Through this course, students can interpret financial statements and use them for decision-making purposes. That’s why this program is ideal for students as it’ll help prepare for professional certifications such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA).
Financial Management

Another core component of an accounting degree is Financial Management. It targets an array of important topics, such as:
- Financial planning
- Budgeting
- Forecasting
- Investments
- Risk management
By learning these topics in-depth, students are able to develop a strong understanding of how businesses operate financially and can make informed decisions when it comes to managing their own finances.

Besides all these subjects in an accounting curriculum, students will understand how businesses operate and how to create accurate and reliable reports. That’s why you can be well-prepared for an accounting career with the right combination of courses and experience in this field.

Top Schools for Undergraduate Accounting Degree Programs

Keeping the above in mind here are some of the top schools for bachelors in accounting degrees.

1.Bryant University’s Bachelor in Accounting Degree

Bryant University’s accounting bachelor’s degree has one of the most comprehensive curriculums that cover all aspects of the accounting profession. From financial reporting, auditing, and taxation, to budgeting and forecasting, this degree will provide you with a well-rounded education in the accounting field.

You’ll gain valuable insights into the world of business and develop essential skills such as problem-solving and critical thinking. With this degree, you can look forward to a successful career in accounting.

2. Bachelor of Science in Accounting Degree at Fairleigh Dickinson

Fairleigh Dickinson’s Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree is easily one of the best options for students looking to become successful accountants. This business school’s accounting degree program has all the right ingredients to help you become a successful accountant, and the possibility to earn a CPA certificate: Such as:

Financial Statement Analysis;
Taxation;
Auditing;
And Business Law.

With this accounting degree, you will earn highly specialized skills for jobs in various industries, including public accounting firms, government agencies, and private corporations. As it enables you to earn a rewarding career that offers job security and potential for growth, increments, learning new skills, etc.

3. Texas A&M University’s Accounting BBA Degree

Texas A&M University also offers a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting, which is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful accounting professionals. The program focuses on developing the following:

A strong understanding of accounting principles;
Auditing;
Financial reporting;
Taxation and management.

Students will also understand the legal and ethical issues related to accounting. Through this program, students will be prepared to work in public accounting firms or corporate settings.

4. The University of Arizona’s Bachelor in Accounting

The University of Arizona offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Accounting (BSBA). This program provides students with the knowledge and skills they need to pursue successful careers in accounting and financial management. Students will learn from experienced faculty experts in their field, giving them the tools to succeed in their chosen career path. Students will also gain a comprehensive understanding of accounting and financial governance. With this degree, students will be well-prepared for various accounting roles within the public and private sectors.

5. B.S. in Business Administration in Accounting from NSU Florida

Nova Southeastern University’s B.S. in Business Administration in Accounting is a great option for those pursuing a career in accounting. Located in sunny Florida, NSU offers students the opportunity to gain an education that will open up various opportunities. The BSBA program at NSU provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to become successful professionals in the accounting field. With courses focusing on financial statement analysis, taxation, and auditing, students will be well-prepared to take on roles as accountants or auditors upon graduation.

6. BSBA Accounting Emphasis at Campbellsville University Online

Campbellsville University Online offers a BSBA Accounting Emphasis program to help you take your accounting career to the next level. This online accounting degree program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the accounting industry. The program covers financial reporting, auditing, taxation, and more. With this degree, you will be able to pursue or further a variety of career paths in accounting such as auditor, work in taxation departments, or financial analysts. On top of that, it’s an online curriculum. So, you can either do it at your own pace or let the university decide.

Bachelor in Accounting Jobs And Salaries

Those who pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting can expect to find jobs in various sectors, with salaries depending on their experience level and job titles. And, since accounting is an important profession in any industry, it can lead to many career opportunities.

With the right knowledge and skills, graduates in this field can look forward to high-paying roles in auditing, financial analysis, tax preparation, and more. However, accounting salaries depend on the following:

Experience
Job Title
Organization
Industry

However, even then, the numbers can vary depending on the personal prowess of the job applicant. But, if you have a degree from an accredited university, you can make it work. According to Glassdoor, here’s what you get according to your experience:

Around $43,000 – $45,000 for an entry-level job
Around $59,000 – $$71,000 for a mid-level job
Around $72,000 – $83 for the upper 20%.

Now, it’s important to understand that these numbers are based on base salary. So, when you count in additional pay, benefits, remunerations, etc. Now, that’s when numbers gathered by BLS come into play. BLS estimates these numbers as the average pay for accounting in each industry:

Around $82,000 for an accountant in the Real Estate industry
Around $73,000 for an accountant in Local Government
Around $86,000 for an accountant in Tax, Bookkeeping, and Payroll Services
Around $70,000 for an accountant in State Government
Around $84,000 for an accountant in company management and H.R. roles

But, even then, you’d have to be a specialized individual in particular areas. For instance, some of the most common job titles in the U.S. for accountants are:

Forensic Accountant
Accounting Officer
Cost Accountant
General Accountant
Tax Accountant
Auditor or Taxation expert

So, thoroughly research the job titles and apply for the area with your expertise.

Advancement in Accounting Career Path

There are a few key things to understand to pursue a successful career in accounting. It is a field that requires expertise and knowledge. Technological advancements make it even more important for accountants to stay updated with the latest trends and tools.

A career path in accounting can be very rewarding if you are willing to put in the time and effort to gain the necessary skills. So, let’s break each step down into four major aspects of a successful career path:

The first step towards a successful accounting career is getting a degree.
After that, internships provide valuable experience and allow you to apply your knowledge in real-world scenarios.
Skills training can help you sharpen your abilities to be more competitive when applying for jobs.
Finally, obtaining a certificate or becoming a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) can give you an edge over other applicants and demonstrate your commitment to the profession.

That’s why any of the aforementioned degrees should be your priority. Then, you need to pursue an internship towards the end of your degree. However, a good business college or university will naturally provide the means for that.

Lastly, you can elevate your profile and demand by learning specific skills, such as forensic accounting. This way, you will inch closer to a successful career in accounting. And it’ll also help you get a CPA certificate, which is one of the easiest ways to secure a job in the USA.

Finally, is a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting Worth it? Why?

If this article tells us anything, then it’s that a degree in accounting is definitely worth it. Those who pursue a degree in accounting will have the opportunity to work in various industries, with high pay and chances of advancement at every corner. With a degree in accounting, you can be sure that you’ll have a lasting career.