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What is the difference between a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting?

accounting

The accounting field is here to stay. There will always be a need for accountants, no matter the state of our economy. Once you’ve made the decision to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, your next step may be to decide what kind of degree you need.

If you have a particular career in mind, it is best to research, first and foremost, what type of degree it requires.

For example, you may need to choose between a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree or a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. An associate degree will teach you the basics of accounting. However, your bachelor’s degree will assure you a wider variety of career options, for there are many branches of accounting from which to choose.

In the beginning, both degree types are made up of similar core courses; however, at the upper levels, they begin to differentiate.


Check this out: What kind of career and salary can I expect with an online Associate degree in Accounting?


Bachelor of Arts Degree in Accounting

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After obtaining your required courses, you may want to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree. This degree allows you to study a more broad spectrum of subjects and requires fewer credits in regard to a specific major. Credits in various liberal arts subjects, such as English, natural and social sciences, foreign language, humanities, and fine arts, are essential.

The Bachelor of Arts degree program will allow you more elective courses, as well as classes in the area of study in which you major, like accounting. A B.A. degree allows a student to become well-versed in several areas of study.

In addition to your core credit classes, a student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in accounting can expect to learn how to prepare financial statements, cost accounting, track financial history, and work with accounting program software.

Typical coursework may include the following:

  • accounting,
  • management,
  • auditing,
  • business,
  • statistics
  • and economics.

Many of these classes are designed to concentrate on liberal arts while also focusing on your degree major; however, the curriculum will not earn enough credit hours required to obtain your Certified Public Accountants (CPA) or Certified Management Accountants (CMA) certification; additional coursework will be needed.


Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting

accounting

The most suitable degree for the accounting major should be the Bachelor of Science degree. With this degree, you will spend the majority of your educational journey focused on all facets of accounting and related subjects. Some elective courses are required; however, not as many as with a B.A. program. Concentration purely on an accounting major will make you an excellent prospect for employers.

Since a Bachelor of Science program degree requires a more specified area of study, it is wise to have a specific career goal in mind. Some of the more common core classes include English, basic algebra, composition, history, literature, and government.

However, accounting students working towards their B.S. degree should expect to learn the following:

  • essential accounting principle,
  • accountancy planning,
  • strategic decision-making,
  • analyzing and communicating data information.

Some B.S. programs require their students to choose an additional course as a minor, and your electives are kept to a minimum.


Continue your education: The Best Master’s in Accounting Degree Programs


In Conclusion:

Remember, accounting is a field with many career options; therefore, do your research at the onset of your educational journey to find the right degree and scholastic path for your career goals.


To get you started on making the right decision for you, we’ve compiled a list of the Best Online Schools for Bachelor’s in Accounting!

Rowan Jones
Chief Editor