2 year degree in Accounting?
Is it okay to have a 2 year degree in Accounting? Is it much better to have a four year degree?
I was thinking of just getting a 2 year degree in accounting and then later on going to school to continue on to a bachelors with maybe a minor in computer science. Im 24 so I dont really have the time to just go straight for a bachelors in Accounting right now.
In my humble opinion, any degree is better than no degree. Of course, you would more than likely make more money with a bachelor's degree than an associate degree. I can understand time constraints. A person that works or has kids or family may find it hard to go to school full-time. YOu could get a 2 year degree, and then work towards the 4 year degree. However, working while going to school can be difficult.
So, I guess it all depends on what level of accounting and responsibility you want to achieve. If you finish 2 years and decide you like it, then certainly continue on to get a bachelors degree.
It kind of depends on what you want to get out of it.
If you're a stay-at-home mom (or dad), and you're just looking for something to do in your spare time or to make a little extra money on the side, then a 2-year degree will accomplish that just fine.
If you're looking to pursue a serious career in accounting or finance, and you don't want to be considered a lower-level employee for your whole career, then in today's world, you kind of need at least a bachelor's degree.
As an employer of accounting/finance/business professionals myself, I can say that if a candidate doesn't have a graduate degree (MAcc or MBA usually), I really don't even consider them. They'd have to have an amazing resume in other areas to make up for not having a graduate degree.
I might be on the other end of the spectrum here, but I honestly think this is the direction the business world is going. Even a bachelor's degree doesn't hold as much weight as it used.
I'm sorry to disagree a bit with everyone here, but a Bachelor's Degree is much more valuable in my experience. My father has 30 years of business experience, but only an Associate's Degree and he went nearly 18 months before he was able to find a job because everyone was requiring a 4 year degree as a condition to interview. Just my experience of it though. You could always finish your 2 year, then work toward the other credits at night and during summers. Best of luck.
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Daryl James
Accounting/Bookkeeping and Virtual CFO Services
I agree with daryl, if your competition has a 4 year degree and you only have 2 year degree, then you need exceptional work experience.
2 yr degree is not enough
I have found that a two year degree is not enough if you really want to work as an accountant. To get the most out of this career, you need to become a CPA. Most states require you to have 150 hours of classes, and many require some of those classes to be in specific areas. Since most bachelors degrees only take 120 hours, you often have to go to a 5th year of college, or go on for your masters degree. Once you have your CPA certificate, you can pretty much write your own career. There are a lot of jobs for those with this designation.
Caitlind Alexander, Author 101 FAWs About Becoming an Accountant
Re:2 year degree in Accounting?
An accounting degree can immensely help you when appearing for the CPA exam, according to an article on CNNMoney.com. Because preparing for it is so rigorous, you should seriously consider a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting. CPAs also go on to earn substantially more than their accounting counterparts, being able to quickly climb the corporate ladder and apply for top managerial positions because of their CPA license. You can start out with an associate's degree, but keep in mind the four year degree at all times so you don't have to take too many years to complete it.
Last edited by ZahiD; 01-12-2012 at 10:15 AM.
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