<p>I cross-posted this in the Business Major subforum, but wanted to start a thread here to get the most responses to help me out.</p>
<p>I have a simple dilemma to choose: Should I stay in-state and attend either UCI (less likely) or UCSB (more probable) or go to Utah for BYU (please leave the whole religious part out, just to stay on topic)? Cost wise its almost about the same thing; however, UCs doesn't really have a full blown accounting program, and the one at BYU is pretty well known.</p>
<p>I just feel like having a full accounting program would be better if I want go to into public accounting in the future.</p>
<p>I think that people should go to college for an education, not for job training. (That’s my personal prejudice. ) I’d also wonder whether some kind of graduate credential would ultimately be required to rise in the profession. Lastly, although you are interested in accounting now, your interest may fade as you actually experience what it is like to do the work, or something else might catch your fancy and displace it.</p>
<p>For all of those reasons, the money being equal, I would go to the school that offers you the best academic opportunities across the board. If you are really certain that you wish to enter the business world on graduation, and you know where you wish to do so, you might also consider which school has the best alumni network in that area, and the best job and internship placement.</p>
<p>Yes, BYU does have a wonderful accounting program. But the Big Four recruit heavily at Cal States and UC’s as well; accounting is even taught at many jucos. My point is that I don’t believe that attending a top-ranked accounting program is any plus factor when looking for a job (unlike in Engineering, for example, where MIT, Stanford and Cal open a bunch of doors).</p>
<p>Thus, I side with Consolation. Attend college where you will have the best experience. Undergrad biz is mostly regional. If you want to become an Accounting guru, you could always add-on a Masters in Accounting. 'SC is also good, as is Texas.</p>
<p>Quality of accounting program can be relevant. All Big 4 firms slot schools and have a hiring quota from each school. The higher ranked schools get more hires. You need to be a top student at a lower ranked school as they have fewer hire slots.</p>
<p>As far as getting an undergrad degree in accounting, if you really want to be an accountant (CPA) you probably should get the undergrad accounting degree. You can get a degree in something else, say ECON, but then you have to go take all of your required accounting courses (for the CPA). Because of course prerequisites, etc, this usually means at least another 3 semesters. Most (if not all) state accounting boards will not accept accounting courses from a JUCO other than the intro courses.</p>
<p>As an example, 2 courses in Intermediate Financial accounting are generally required. UCSB lists:
ECON 136B. Intermediate Accounting
(4) STAFF
Prerequisite: Economics 136A and 137A.
Quarters usually offered: Winter, Spring, Fall.
An in-depth analysis of recognition, measurement, classification, and valuation issues in financial reporting within the framework of generally accepted accounting principles. Case studies and microcomputer analysis software will be integrated into the course. </p>
) I’d also wonder whether some kind of graduate credential would ultimately be required to rise in the profession. Lastly, although you are interested in accounting now, your interest may fade as you actually experience what it is like to do the work, or something else might catch your fancy and displace it.</p>