How Long Does It Take To Get an Accounting Degree?

How long does it take to get an accounting degree? Let’s explore the factors that affect how long it takes, the typical timeline for completion, and strategies for accelerating or extending your educational journey in pursuit of this rewarding and versatile degree.

Understanding the Basics

How is an accounting degree program structured? Accounting degrees are typically offered at both undergraduate and graduate levels, providing students with a solid foundation in accounting principles, financial reporting, taxation, auditing, and other relevant topics.

Undergraduate Accounting Degrees: At the undergraduate level, students can pursue a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Accounting. These programs typically require four years of full-time study to complete, although the exact duration may vary depending on factors such as the institution's program requirements, course load, and any prior credits or transfer credits. Getting a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting is a great way to begin your professional career.

Graduate Accounting Degrees: For students looking to further specialize or advance their careers in accounting, graduate-level programs such as Master of Accounting (MAcc) or Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) offer advanced coursework and specialized training. Graduate accounting programs typically require one to two years of full-time study to complete, although some accelerated programs may allow students to earn their master's degree in as little as nine to twelve months.

Factors Affecting Duration

Several factors can influence the duration of obtaining an accounting degree:

Program Structure: The structure and format of the accounting degree program can impact the timeline for completion. Traditional full-time programs typically follow a four-year undergraduate or one to two-year graduate format. However, part-time, evening, or online programs may offer more flexible scheduling options, allowing students to balance their studies with work or other commitments.

Credit Requirements: The number of credits required for graduation can vary depending on the institution and program. Some programs may have more stringent credit requirements, while others may offer flexibility in elective courses or transfer credits from previous coursework or professional certifications.

Prerequisites and Core Courses: Certain prerequisite courses or core requirements may need to be completed before advancing to upper-level accounting coursework. These prerequisites can extend the overall duration of the degree program, especially for students who need to fulfill additional coursework requirements.

Internships or Co-op Programs: Many accounting degree programs incorporate internships or cooperative education (co-op) programs, providing students with valuable real-world experience in accounting firms, corporations, or government agencies. While these experiences enhance students' resumes and career readiness, they may add additional time to the overall duration of the degree program. So, is an accounting degree worth it?

Typical Timeline

The typical timeline for obtaining an accounting degree can vary depending on the level of study and individual circumstances:

Bachelor's Degree: A Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Accounting typically requires four years of full-time study to complete. However, students with transfer credits or advanced placement may be able to complete their degree in less time.

Master's Degree: A Master of Accounting (MAcc) or Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) usually requires one to two years of full-time study to complete. Accelerated programs may allow students to earn their master's degree in as little as nine to twelve months, while part-time or evening programs may extend the duration to two or more years.

Strategies for Acceleration or Extension

Depending on individual goals and circumstances, students may choose to accelerate or extend their educational journey in pursuit of an accounting degree.

Acceleration: Students looking to expedite their degree completion may consider enrolling in accelerated programs, taking summer courses, or maximizing credit transfer opportunities. Additionally, advanced placement exams or proficiency tests may allow students to waive certain prerequisite courses, enabling them to progress more quickly through their degree program.

Extension: On the other hand, students who wish to balance their studies with work, family, or other commitments may opt for part-time or evening programs, allowing for a more flexible pace of study. These students may take fewer courses per semester or extend their degree program over a longer duration to accommodate their schedule.

How Long Does It Take?

The duration of obtaining an accounting degree can vary depending on factors such as program structure, credit requirements, and individual choices. While undergraduate accounting degrees typically require four years of full-time study, graduate-level programs may range from one to two years, with options for accelerated or extended timelines.

Whether pursuing a Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Accounting at the undergraduate level or a Master of Accounting (MAcc) or Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) at the graduate level, students have the flexibility to tailor their educational journey to meet their career goals and aspirations. Once students have that accounting degree, many positions open in this lucrative field.

Level Up with an Accounting Degree

By understanding the factors influencing the duration of an accounting degree program and exploring strategies for acceleration or extension, prospective students can make informed decisions about their educational path and embark on a rewarding journey in the dynamic field of accounting and finance.