<p>My school doesn't offer a degree in Accounting Information Systems and I've been thinking about either majoring in Accounting or MIS. Would it be worth it to do a double major in both Accounting and MIS?</p>
<p>It would be pretty close to majoring in AIS. Double major and become CPA eligible and that will open up IT auditing jobs. It’s one of the few double major combinations that is actually worth it.</p>
<p>Edited…</p>
<p>I’d say it’s worth it as you will be more qualified and skillful than those with just an accounting background. </p>
<p>With all this recent “Accounting hype” stimulating a greater interest in the Accounting major (since the recession began), do you think it will be tougher to get hired after graduation since there may be much higher competition than now? </p>
<p>If so, I think AIS would be advantageous.</p>
<p>^I think that that there will be slightly higher competition from here on out for accounting, and those looking to score with the Big 4 will have to up their game, but here are a few reasons why I think accounting will not be nearly as difficult as investment banking or other high finance positions any time soon:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Image: Whether or not it’s true, lets face it, accounting doesn’t have quite as glamorous of an image as investment banking. When most people think of accountants as introverted number crunchers, auditors are a pain in the ass, etc. Since many people are concerned about how they’ll be viewed by society from their job title, being accountant will always be less desirable as being an investment banker.</p></li>
<li><p>Availability: Accounting jobs are simply MUCH more available compared to investment banking. Everyone who is dying to be an investment banker knows that they have little leeway for error, which means that a greater percentage of the applicants will push themselves to the limit when applying, which may not be the same for the accountants who know that they can make a few mistakes and still have at the very least a job.</p></li>
<li><p>The Pay: Accounting definitely can pay well, but the pay does not compare to investment banking, and the exit opportunities aren’t nearly as good. I also hear that it’s considered “lesser” experience compared to banking for top MBAs. </p></li>
<li><p>Major: Unlike banking, an accounting major is almost required to get into accounting. Not all schools have a major, while almost every school on the planet at the very least has economics for a major (especially the top schools). This will limit the supply, while the demand is still quite high.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>So yeah, I think accounting will be tougher as more people become aware about how rewarding it could be, but unless the above 4 criteria I mentioned dramatically change within the next few years, I don’t think accounting will be unbearably challenging either.</p>
<p>I’m planning on double majoring in Accounting and MIS because:
- I’ve always planned on majoring in Accounting
- My school has one of the top 5 MIS programs in the U.S. (University of Arizona - Eller College)</p>
<p>I have a few questions:
After my sophomore year should I be trying to get an accounting internship or a IT/MIS internship? After I graduate should I be looking for an accounting job (probably lower starting salary but more potential) or an MIS job (higher starting salary) or hold out and try to get a AIS or IT auditing job (possibly 1 more year of school…)?</p>
<p>Think about Majoring in Accounting & Minoring in MIS</p>
<p>Minoring in MIS does not open up near the amount doors a double major would.</p>
<p>As plscatamacchia said, if you can double major, go for that. If you can’t, which is the case for most people b/c it takes too long, then minor is an option. At my B-school, minoring in MIS takes up only 3 additional classes, which I think are not enough but its better than nothing if you don’t have room in your schedule for a double major. Also, I was talking to CFO of a firm here in Texas (he majored in Accounting) and he recommend an MIS minor at least since Accounting systems and familiarity with different software is becoming more common as I hear. When asked the question “what if you don’t have room in your schedule for even a minor?” The response was that those IT courses could be taken at a community college but familiarity with the systems is definitely a plus (long as you have the knowledge).I was also told the same thing by a Microsoft Recruiter when I was trying to get some insight for internship with Mic… Following his recommendation, I am reading some networking books on my free time because technology is advancing day by day and you don’t wanna fall behind. That’s just my input.</p>
<p>After my sophomore year should I be trying to get an accounting internship or a IT/MIS internship? After I graduate should I be looking for an accounting job (probably lower starting salary but more potential) or an MIS job (higher starting salary) or hold out and try to get a AIS or IT auditing job (possibly 1 more year of school…)?</p>
<p>cjones, you should be focusing on getting a job in either field. If you are just in it for the salary then you got a problem.
Both are decent paying.
I don’t know much about AIS or IT auditing…it seems too specific…so less chances of getting a job in it, I assume.</p>
<p>Understand that college is about being creative and forming a marketable resume. To dual major in Accounting and MIS would mean having that accounting knowledge to go back into the “workshop” and develop an efficient accounting software. other opportunities include bec oming an IT Auditor and working for the government in making sure corporations are complying to the rules and regulations set in fine print. Accounting alone will be challenging. MIS is another. As an accounting tutor, I would recommend taking Intermediate Accounting classes first, then adjusting to the MIS curriculum. This creates both an accounting and business foundation to take back with the software engineers and communicating to them want the accountants need. Look at it this way, you are the bridge, a liason communicating information from the accountants and translating it to the technology personel. A very complicated dual major to pull off, very few can say they have, but we need people to fully understand accounting and be able to develop softwares that accountants can utilize effectively. MIS majors alone without an accounting background would not be able to do this effecttively, not without guidence any how. Managerial positions may arise a lot quicker if successfully excuting this dual major. Be willing to program and you will do fine. Learn that that there are no answer keys in the real world and that the MIS curriculum will test you on that, no answer keys, do what you must to properly make that program happen. Do not fear, take my advice by first taking Intermediate Accounting courses, then adjust your thing to the MIS curriculum, that way your brain does not get confuse. Good luck!</p>
<p>Accounting + MIS = employment.</p>
<p>Fantastic combo.</p>
<p>^^I wouldnt make any generalization like that…</p>
<p>BUT I wish I had double majored in both. That way I would have gotton more computer savy AND been able to apply for positions in both industries. Still, Im sure AIS majors and Acctg/mis majors are having difficulties too.</p>
<p>If he does well academically, has a couple internships, and can talk about something other than accounting, then yes = employment.</p>
<p>I don’t want to rehash our disagreements on hiring.</p>
<p>^^still disagree. but since you dont want to argue, I wont give you my perfectly reasonable reasons.</p>
<p>cjones, I think you have a great idea with the double major. With regards to your question re internship, you might want to think of an accounting internship one year and an MIS the next. Or perhaps you will get lucky and an accounting firm will look at you for an internship in their MIS department. Just be open to any possibility. IT auditing was mentioned earlier. There are enough people out there who have the combination of Accounting/MIS. I think the combo could give you a leg up in the future and even with the internship.</p>
<p>Hi,
I am an incoming MIS freshman. Do you know how dificult to get in the MIS program after the sorphmore year (the GPA and acceptance rate)? As you are an Eller student, could you share some information with me? Thanks a lot!</p>