<p>Hey CollegeCon,
I am looking to become a CPA and would like national certification, but I was wondering what is the difference between Accounting as a major at some schools versus the accounting as a concentration in a Business Adminstration degree? What are the pros and cons of both?
Thanks!</p>
<p>As long as companies (Big4, midsize, or regional) recruit there, you take enough classes required to sit/get licensed, and you are intelligent, there is no difference.</p>
<p>Technically, the accounting majors tend to require a few more upper accounting coursework units to graduate than the BA w/ accounting concentration. The programs with accounting major do offer more courses in the area. You can compare the curriculum such as USC/SCU (major) with CalPoly/UCI (concentration).
With the current CPA requirement, most program’s graduation requirement also meet the Calif. CPA licensing requirement. But with the new requirement in Calif, you might need to go beyond the minimum acct graduation requirement to meet licensing requirement depending on the program.</p>
<p>Being “intelligent” has nothing to do with getting a Big4 job/CPA</p>
<p>Sorry.</p>
<p>Good thread, I had a similar question.
In the university I want apply to, Accounting is an “Option”. How is that different from Major and Concentration?</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>^ Option is you may have it or not have it. </p>
<p>I would suggest you look into school’s academic bulletin/catalog to find out what is the accounting coursework requirement to have “accounting option” on your transcript. If accounting is an option, very likely you’re taking those units on top of your major requirements, something extra. My guess is not many units are required, but it shouldn’t stop you to take more as long as the school offers the courses.</p>
<p>If you’re aiming for CPA licensing, check out your state’s accounting coursework units requirement, as well as what the school offers to see if it meets state requirement. You might also want to check out how often those courses are offered. In many schools, the required courses are offered every semester or at least two out of three quarters. But some elective courses might only be offered once a year. It’s good to know beforehand whether you can meet the requirement within four years or have to stay extra time.</p>
<p>a_mom, thanks a lot!</p>