Thinking about majoring in Accounting?

Should I major in Accounting?

Accounting majors should be good students who are logical, analytical, and love to solve problems. For a brief overview of what accountants do and where they work, watch the What Is Accounting video?

Benefits of being an Accounting major at UCA

  • You will get a job when you graduate! There is a great demand for accounting graduates. Every company earns money and needs an accountant.
  • Accounting majors receive job offers up to a year in advance with starting salaries of up to $45,000 or more.
  • An accounting background provides the opportunity to pursue MANY career paths other than just accounting.
  • You will be viewed as a professional, even though only five years of education is required.
  • Serving clients is rewarding work.
  • As an accountant you often are asked to provide a professional opinion to those who manage companies.
  • As your career progresses you can stay in accounting or move into management.
  • You actually understand discussions of financial topics.
  • Taxes are not a mystery to you.

Getting an Undergraduate Accounting Degree

Students who major in accounting are working towards a Bachelor of Business Administration. Along with the 36 hours of accounting, accounting majors take 33 hours of business courses (the equivalency of a minor in business administration). For more information about the degree plan, jobs and internships, scholarships, and accounting certifications, visit the BBA in Accounting Web page.

Getting a Graduate Accounting Degree

Many of our students stay one extra year to earn their Master of Accountancy (MAcc). Any student planning on becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) needs 150 hours. The BBA gives students a minimum of 120 credit hours, so 30 additional hours provided by the MAcc is sometimes needed by students get the CPA license. The extra year has many more benefits:

  • More job offers
  • Higher starting salaries
  • Higher pass rates on the CPA exam
  • Deeper understanding of accounting theory and practice

For more information about the MAcc, see our MAcc Web page.