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Hi, if I study information systems, can I get a CPA in accounting or do I have to do accounting by itself? Is there a huge advantage by choosing accounting and getting CPA over doing information systems for 4 years?
I am more interested in information systems than accounting (I think)
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Summer’s Answer
Both are great degrees to have! Have you considered going for a double major? These two degrees complement each other and both are marketable skills on their own. I can speak from a CPA standpoint - you need a number of specific accounting courses to sit for the CPA exams, which have requirements that vary by state. Without taking accounting classes, you can not sit for the CPA exam. Being a CPA with an IS degree is a great combination.
This answers my question exactly, thanks. But does double major mean more years in school? Does it mean spending more money and spending more ours in school?
Ivana
Double major doesn't necessarily mean more time in school but it may require a few more classes (so yes, more money). To sit for the CPA exams, the class requirements vary by state. But most states require 150 credits to sit for the exam, which does equate to about ~5 years of school (30 credits a year). However, the extra classes don't HAVE to be accounting related, they could be IS systems if you wanted them to be. Personally, I took classes at my local community college in the summer to fulfill the extra credits I needed to sit for the exam. I graduated with 150 credits in 4 years.
Summer Grant, CPA, CCP
Oh ok I see. So did you do community college just for the extra credit that you needed to take the CPA or did you do all eyes there?
Ivana
I only went to a local community college in the summer for those extra credits I needed. I went to a 4-year university for my undergraduate degree.
Summer Grant, CPA, CCP
Updated
Biju’s Answer
Look into the curriculum for IS and see that you like the subjects and is interested in those. IS degree is better for sure. You can always get CPA certified on the side. Two different fields. Getting CPA provides you a niche effect for your IS based job.
I appreciate it.
Ivana
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to hear that you are interested to obtain a CPA. It can add value to your qualification.
Firstly, do you have any accounting background? If not, I suggest you can take in as a minor in the college or attend accounting courses first.
After you have the fundamental accounting knowledge, you can consider to do the CPA yourself. Alternatively, you can attend online CPA courses online as well.
There are CPA material available in both electronic and physical version. You better to subscribe the material for your revision purpose. There are also mock exam online. You can practice the CPA mock exam.
On the other hand, you can do the CPA exam on part time basis. You can do it either while you are studying your IS undergraduate course or after your graduation.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Firstly, do you have any accounting background? If not, I suggest you can take in as a minor in the college or attend accounting courses first.
After you have the fundamental accounting knowledge, you can consider to do the CPA yourself. Alternatively, you can attend online CPA courses online as well.
There are CPA material available in both electronic and physical version. You better to subscribe the material for your revision purpose. There are also mock exam online. You can practice the CPA mock exam.
On the other hand, you can do the CPA exam on part time basis. You can do it either while you are studying your IS undergraduate course or after your graduation.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Thanks for the help.
Ivana
Updated
Andrea’s Answer
Information systems careers are in high demand. If you are asking about majoring in AIS having the accounting degree (also?) helps to understand the customers you are building for and working with.
Having a accounting degree is helpful and allows for a career pivot later. Passing CPA may not be necessary if you don't go to a traditional career path, but it would not hurt.
Having a accounting degree is helpful and allows for a career pivot later. Passing CPA may not be necessary if you don't go to a traditional career path, but it would not hurt.
Thanks. So I can take AIS and take the CPA test if I would like? I thought CPA was only for the accounting major, not Accounting information systems.
Ivana
Updated
Monica’s Answer
Each state has their own CPA requirements. In order to take a CPA exam, you need to apply for a "Notice to Sit" or NTS. If you look up the NTS requirements for your state, you can see how many credits your state requires to be related to accounting. For example, my state requires 150 credit-hours, but only 24 hours need to be related to semester credits of accounting and auditing, business law, finance, microeconomics, macroeconomics or tax.
Thank you. So there isn't a CPA fro information systems?
Ivana