Accounting Profession Without B.S. in Accounting

<p>If a student does not receive a B.S. in accouting (perhaps they major in economics) is it difficult for them to get a job in accouting after graduation (without getting, say, a masters in accounting)?</p>

<p>Also, is it true that students who receive a B.S. in accounting from their undergraduate school's business program can work as an accountant after graduation from the undergraduate college (without going to graduate school)?</p>

<p>Most states define the requirements for sitting for the CPA exam based on accounting hours (my state requires 27 hours), along with additional business hours. Additionally, my state requires a bachelors degree and 150 hours (although students now typically seek a masters degree, it's not required). Eligibility for the CPA exam probably drives the ability to get the job more than the actualy degree. That said, having the degree will likely give someone an edge over a candidate with substantially the same credentials.<br>
As for working as an accountant, as long as you aren't seeking the CPA credential, you can enter employment with a BA in accounting by seeking positions in private accounting. Check out this link from the AICPA for more career information.
Start</a> Here. Go Places.</p>

<p>And in my state, while a bachelors degree is required to sit for the CPA exam, it doesn't have to be in accounting. My undergraduate degree is in architecture, I completed all of the required accounting and business coursework through another bachelors degree program but did not earn the whole degree, and was able to sit for the CPA exam (at least 10 years ago).</p>

<p>Yes, many CPAs obtain a bachelors degree in something other than accounting and then get a masters in accounting,which will qualify them for the CPA. My elder son did that.</p>

<p>Thank you for the helpful responses everyone!</p>