Accounting Degrees


The level of education you receive as an accounting student will have a heavy influence on your choice of careers after college. Those not yet sure whether accounting is right for them may want to get their feet wet with a certification or diploma, while those who want to teach accounting at the college level would want to pursue a PhD. There are several options available to the prospective accounting student, so consider your career goals while deciding which degree to pursue.

It is up to you to decide which degree is going to be the right choice for you. Accounting degrees include:

  • Diploma/Certification: This level of accounting education will prepare you for an entry level position at nearly any business or accounting firm. You will learn basic bookkeeping, accounting principles and how to use typical accounting software. After completing the diploma, students may enter the work force or continue on to a higher degree.
  • Associate’s: An associate’s degree in accounting will provide options similar to the certification. Students who earn an associate’s in accounting have the option to enter the workforce as an entry-level employee, or continue on to earn a bachelor’s. Since the education process is longer than that of a certification, about two years, graduates with an associate’s degree typically earn more right out of college.
  • Bachelor’s: The bachelor’s degree in accounting, typically a four year program, will provide business training in addition to the standard practice of accounting. Students will learn the different methods of accounting and bookkeeping, as well as business principles, economics and finance. This degree allows for a more detailed study of business and accounting, and can precede entrance into a master’s program.
  • Master’s: Usually a master’s of business administration, this degree provides an even deeper study of finance, accounting theory, taxation and business management. Most programs offer a broad curriculum of business classes as part of this degree in order to prepare the student for a variety of careers after graduation.
  • PhD: The PhD program will typically prepare students for a career as a university professor or financial researcher. A master’s or bachelor’s degree is required to be accepted into a PhD program.