<p>I am 42 years old and considering a career change. I am seriously thinking about a BSBA-Accounting program. Has anyone gone back to school for a degree in accounting while in their 40's? What has been your experience and do you have any regrets (other than wishing you would have started at a younger age)?</p>
<p>I should add that I have ZERO work experience in the business field. This would be a significant change from my current career.</p>
<p>Two part questions here. Ok, three if you count the question from my original post above.</p>
<p>Still considering that career change. I already have an undergrad degree in social science. I was contemplating a second BS in Accounting and the two AACSB accredited schools I was looking at informed me I would need to complete 72 semester hours for such a program. I looked into graduate degrees but with no prior business courses, I would be looking at a minimum of 48 semester hours due to needing the accounting pre-requisites.<br>
Both of these paths are still on the table mind you but I was speaking to someone in the business field and he suggested to pursue neither degree option, stating to only complete the additional courses to needed for a CPA license, because in the end that is the only thing that will make me even remotely attractive to an employer. I thought about this considerably and it seems to make sense to me. First question, what are your thoughts regarding his advice? At the end of the day, would an employer want to see the degree or just CPA eligibility? I know my age and lack of experience will be a hinderance either way, all the more reason to not invest more time and money into more than is needed. Since I already work in state government, working in government accounting may be my best option, at least to get my foot in the door (not sure if that is important to note).</p>
<p>Second question, in PA, the requirement for licensure is:</p>
<p>“150 semester credits of post-secondary education, including at least a total of 24 semester credits of accounting and auditing, business law, finance or tax subjects of a content satisfactory to the board and an additional twelve semester credits in accounting, auditing and tax subjects of a content satisfactory to the board, not necessarily as part of your undergraduate or graduate work.”</p>
<p>Does this mean coursework must be the above specific subjects? Meaning a business stats course, for example, doesn’t count? I am assuming, yes, it does not count among the 36 hours, but can someone confirm this?</p>