4 answers
Esther
Student
New York, New York
27
Questions
Updated
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Should I go to a school that does not offer my major?
Since high school my dream colleges have been mainly schools like Tufts University and Brandeis University. I have visited both colleges and found their diversity, size, and culture to be desirable. The only hindrance is that all these liberal and research based colleges does not have my major, accounting. I am 100% set on accounting, but my only worry is that these schools will not help me reach the requirements to sit for the CPA or other accounting exams. Will this be a problem for me in pursuing a career in accounting if I attend these schools as an economic or business major? Do you think it is better to stick to a school that offers accounting or attend one of my dream colleges? #guidance-counselor #school-counselor #education-counselor
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4 answers
Darcel Bowles
Academic/Career College/University Counselor
27
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Darcel’s Answer
I strongly recommend you choose a college/university that has your major. Yes it is very important to choose a college/university based on the campus community, location and your feeling of being welcomed and comfortable. Most public (community) colleges/universities have Business major and a an Accountancy degree. Here is a description of the internet for a CPA Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is the title of qualified accountants in numerous countries in the English-speaking world. It is generally equivalent to the title of chartered accountant in other English-speaking countries. In the United States, the CPA is a license to provide accounting services to the public. It is awarded by each of the 50 states for practice in that state. Career Opportunities for CPA There are a variety of career paths available as a CPA. CPA’s can work at a firm as an auditor or tax and management consultant. While working the international business or industrial sectors CPA’s can choose a career path of financial accounting and reporting. Management accounting, financial analysis, and a CPA could consider being a cash manager.
Economic and Business Administration major are totally different from Accounting which is a major in itself. There is a lot of information on line similar to the above that I cut and paste. You are very right Account major will help you better prepare for the CPA exam. Please search online in your state colleges that offer Accounting programs. Look also for professional associations/organization in your area just for CPAs. Make sure you take electives if possible in your high school that deals with business and numbers. I hope math is your favorite subject. Now a days CPAs use software programs etc. to do their jobs. It's a wonderful career, you can have your own business or office; maybe work for a large organization public or private. Work for local state, city and federal government. I hope that a CPA on this site is available to answer you question in more detail. Best of Luck.
Attend a college/university with Accountancy as a single major. Review online local colleges/universities that offer this major to see if you want to study those course.
Keep you high school grades up As' and Bs' several colleges/university may require a GPA for business related course and specific grades for math courses
Try to locate an CPA in your community. Let them know your interest in their profession and you want to know what they major in college.
The internet has everything you need videos on YouTube on how to become a CPA, job description, course required
The Department of Labor has an occupational site or career exploration type in Certified Public Account.
Economic and Business Administration major are totally different from Accounting which is a major in itself. There is a lot of information on line similar to the above that I cut and paste. You are very right Account major will help you better prepare for the CPA exam. Please search online in your state colleges that offer Accounting programs. Look also for professional associations/organization in your area just for CPAs. Make sure you take electives if possible in your high school that deals with business and numbers. I hope math is your favorite subject. Now a days CPAs use software programs etc. to do their jobs. It's a wonderful career, you can have your own business or office; maybe work for a large organization public or private. Work for local state, city and federal government. I hope that a CPA on this site is available to answer you question in more detail. Best of Luck.
Darcel recommends the following next steps:
Robin Martin
Executive Support
7
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Robin’s Answer
To attend a school that do not have what you are interested in means you are willing to make a change. However if what you are passionate about is not at the most popular school then I would not attend that school. You have to follow your heart.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6342
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hi Esther,
Wondering if You Should Attend a School That Doesn't Provide Your Chosen Major?
Choosing to go to a college that doesn't offer your preferred major, in this case, accounting, is a big decision. It needs careful thought and analysis of several factors. Here's a simplified guide to assist you in your decision-making process:
1. Define Your Career Objectives
Firstly, it's important to have a clear vision of your career objectives. As you're keen on an accounting career and plan to take the CPA (Certified Public Accountant) exam, you should familiarize yourself with the educational prerequisites for this certification. Generally, CPA aspirants need to complete 150 semester hours of education, including specific coursework in accounting and business.
2. Look at Other Major Options
If Tufts University or Brandeis University don't offer an accounting major, explore if their economics or business programs could give you the necessary grounding for an accounting career. Many accounting degree holders often have backgrounds in related fields like finance or business administration. Investigate these programs' curriculum to see if they offer courses that match CPA requirements, such as:
Financial Accounting
Managerial Accounting
Taxation
Auditing
Business Law
3. Check Accreditation and CPA Requirements
It's vital to confirm that any program you select is accredited and fulfills the state board's educational prerequisites for CPA licensure. Each state has its own rules about what counts as acceptable coursework and degree types. Consult with the New York State Board of Accountancy or similar regulatory bodies to verify if an economics or business degree from these institutions would meet their requirements.
4. Consider Networking and Opportunities
Choosing a school that matches your personal values and culture can greatly influence your overall college experience and future prospects. Schools like Tufts and Brandeis might have strong alumni networks, internship possibilities, and connections in various sectors that could be advantageous for your accounting career.
5. Think About Graduate Programs
If you opt for a school without an accounting major but still aspire to be a CPA, think about pursuing graduate studies later. Many students take a Master's in Accounting after finishing their undergraduate degree in a different field. This route can help meet the 150-hour requirement while also providing specialized knowledge needed for the CPA exam.
6. Balance Personal Fit and Major Availability
Lastly, balance the significance of personal fit against academic offerings:
If Tufts or Brandeis align more with your values and ambitions than other schools offering accounting majors, it might be worth considering them.
On the other hand, if going to a school that provides direct access to an accounting program aligns more with your career goals, it might be wise to prioritize that option.
Conclusion
In summary, while attending a school without an accounting major presents challenges in meeting CPA requirements directly through undergraduate studies, it's not impossible if you strategically plan your course selection and potential graduate education options. Keep both your immediate academic needs and long-term career goals in mind when making this decision.
Top 3 Reliable Sources Used:
American Institute of CPAs (AICPA): Offers in-depth information about CPA licensure requirements.
National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA): Provides resources on state-specific educational requirements for CPAs.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): Gives data on job outlooks and educational paths for accountants and auditors.
Stay Blessed!
JC.
Wondering if You Should Attend a School That Doesn't Provide Your Chosen Major?
Choosing to go to a college that doesn't offer your preferred major, in this case, accounting, is a big decision. It needs careful thought and analysis of several factors. Here's a simplified guide to assist you in your decision-making process:
1. Define Your Career Objectives
Firstly, it's important to have a clear vision of your career objectives. As you're keen on an accounting career and plan to take the CPA (Certified Public Accountant) exam, you should familiarize yourself with the educational prerequisites for this certification. Generally, CPA aspirants need to complete 150 semester hours of education, including specific coursework in accounting and business.
2. Look at Other Major Options
If Tufts University or Brandeis University don't offer an accounting major, explore if their economics or business programs could give you the necessary grounding for an accounting career. Many accounting degree holders often have backgrounds in related fields like finance or business administration. Investigate these programs' curriculum to see if they offer courses that match CPA requirements, such as:
Financial Accounting
Managerial Accounting
Taxation
Auditing
Business Law
3. Check Accreditation and CPA Requirements
It's vital to confirm that any program you select is accredited and fulfills the state board's educational prerequisites for CPA licensure. Each state has its own rules about what counts as acceptable coursework and degree types. Consult with the New York State Board of Accountancy or similar regulatory bodies to verify if an economics or business degree from these institutions would meet their requirements.
4. Consider Networking and Opportunities
Choosing a school that matches your personal values and culture can greatly influence your overall college experience and future prospects. Schools like Tufts and Brandeis might have strong alumni networks, internship possibilities, and connections in various sectors that could be advantageous for your accounting career.
5. Think About Graduate Programs
If you opt for a school without an accounting major but still aspire to be a CPA, think about pursuing graduate studies later. Many students take a Master's in Accounting after finishing their undergraduate degree in a different field. This route can help meet the 150-hour requirement while also providing specialized knowledge needed for the CPA exam.
6. Balance Personal Fit and Major Availability
Lastly, balance the significance of personal fit against academic offerings:
If Tufts or Brandeis align more with your values and ambitions than other schools offering accounting majors, it might be worth considering them.
On the other hand, if going to a school that provides direct access to an accounting program aligns more with your career goals, it might be wise to prioritize that option.
Conclusion
In summary, while attending a school without an accounting major presents challenges in meeting CPA requirements directly through undergraduate studies, it's not impossible if you strategically plan your course selection and potential graduate education options. Keep both your immediate academic needs and long-term career goals in mind when making this decision.
Top 3 Reliable Sources Used:
American Institute of CPAs (AICPA): Offers in-depth information about CPA licensure requirements.
National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA): Provides resources on state-specific educational requirements for CPAs.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): Gives data on job outlooks and educational paths for accountants and auditors.
Stay Blessed!
JC.
Thomas Weber
Personal consultant
6
Answers
Bainbridge Island, Washington
Updated
Thomas’s Answer
Hey Esther.
I started at a Liberal Arts college, studied history and anthropology, and grew up before deciding to get certification to teach at another school. I'm a better teacher because of that and I've had a successful career in both teaching and administration. And I have no regrets.
I'd say that you should go to the college that will make you really happy, and you can study accounting on the side to start and focus on the CPA prep AFTER you have had a well-rounded education. Good and well-paid accountants work with people just as much as they work with numbers, and so it's important to have a better understanding of people, the world around you, and yourself BEFORE you have an understanding of the techniques and rules of accounting.
So go for Tufts or Brandeis., learn about yourself and others, and do the career training afterwards.
Thomas
I started at a Liberal Arts college, studied history and anthropology, and grew up before deciding to get certification to teach at another school. I'm a better teacher because of that and I've had a successful career in both teaching and administration. And I have no regrets.
I'd say that you should go to the college that will make you really happy, and you can study accounting on the side to start and focus on the CPA prep AFTER you have had a well-rounded education. Good and well-paid accountants work with people just as much as they work with numbers, and so it's important to have a better understanding of people, the world around you, and yourself BEFORE you have an understanding of the techniques and rules of accounting.
So go for Tufts or Brandeis., learn about yourself and others, and do the career training afterwards.
Thomas