What Classes Are Required for an Accounting Degree?

An accounting degree provides the knowledge and skills for managing and analyzing financial information. It prepares students for various roles in public accounting, corporate finance, and government, offering a comprehensive understanding of financial principles and their practical applications.

Foundational Coursework

Core accounting courses provide essential skills for financial professionals. Financial accounting focuses on external reporting, teaching students to prepare financial statements that adhere to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) for stakeholders. Managerial accounting centers on internal decision-making, equipping students with methods for cost analysis, budgeting, and performance evaluation.

Auditing coursework verifies financial statements, ensuring accuracy and compliance. Taxation classes cover individual and business tax principles, including federal income tax laws. Accounting Information Systems (AIS) courses explore technology’s role in accounting, addressing transaction cycles, data management, and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. Beyond these core subjects, students also complete related business courses such as economics, business law, statistics, and finance, which provide a broader understanding of the business environment.

Degree Level Requirements

Course requirements for an accounting degree vary by degree level. A Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Accounting typically requires 120 credit hours and serves as the entry point for many accounting careers. This undergraduate degree combines foundational accounting courses with general education requirements.

For advanced knowledge or professional certifications, a master’s degree such as a Master of Accountancy (MAcc) or Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) is often pursued. These graduate programs usually consist of 30 to 36 credit hours, building upon the bachelor’s curriculum with advanced topics. Some master’s programs are designed to help students meet the 150-credit hour requirement for CPA licensure, and others include foundational coursework for students without an accounting undergraduate degree.

Specialized Study Areas

Accounting degree programs offer elective courses or concentrations for specialization. These specialized study areas provide deeper insights into specific accounting practices and career paths. Common specializations include forensic accounting, which involves investigating financial crimes and fraud detection.

Other areas include international accounting, focusing on global financial reporting standards, and governmental accounting, dealing with public sector financial practices. Data analytics in accounting is also emerging as a significant specialization, teaching students to leverage data for predictive analysis and informed decision-making. These specialized courses enable students to tailor their education to align with their professional aspirations.

CPA Eligibility Coursework

Achieving Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensure requires specific academic qualifications beyond a standard bachelor’s degree. Most jurisdictions require 150 semester hours of college education, typically 30 credits more than a 120-credit bachelor’s degree. This additional coursework can be fulfilled by completing a master’s degree in accounting or by taking additional undergraduate courses.

Candidates must also complete a minimum number of accounting-specific and general business credit hours. State boards of accountancy require 24 to 30 semester hours in accounting courses, covering financial accounting, auditing, and taxation. Additionally, 24 credit hours of general business courses are required, which may include subjects like business law, economics, and finance. Aspiring CPAs should consult the specific requirements of their state board of accountancy, as these details can vary by jurisdiction.