Degree Overview: Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) Degree in Accounting
Majors Overview March 14, 2014Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) degree programs in Accounting will train students in the principles of marketing, management, and finance. Graduates will be prepared for careers as accountants within public accounting firms, nonprofit organizations, and businesses.
B.B.A. Programs in Accounting
Students enrolled in a Bachelor of Business Administration degree program in Accounting are taught about handling financial information for their clients and employers. They can expect to become adept at preparing and filing taxes, maintaining financial records and analyzing financial information. They are also taught about providing budget analysis services or working as consultants in information technology. They may be educated in various areas such as public accounting, managerial accounting, government accounting, and internal auditing.
Admission criteria require incoming students to hold a GED certificate or high school diploma. Students enrolled, in most schools, are required to complete courses in business communications, business mathematics, and economics before they begin higher-level coursework in accounting.
Coursework
Coursework in the accounting concentration program is devised to impart a theoretical understanding of the working of accounting principles within a business setting. Students enrolled, in some schools, are expected to participate in internships, in order to gain practical experience. Coursework may include subject areas such as:
•Federal income taxation
•Operations management
•Marketing fundamentals
•Financial accounting
•Business ethics
Career Choices
Apart from being imparted training for continued education; graduates are prepared to seek entry-level accounting positions in public and private sectors and can aspire for potential job titles such as:
•Public accountant
•Government auditor
•Management accountant
Job and Wage outlook
An average job growth rate of 13% has been predicted for accountants and auditors during the 2012-2022 decade (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). In May 2012, accountants and auditors earned an average annual wage of $63,550. The annual wages for these professionals ranged between $39,930 and $111,510.
Continuing Education and Professional Certifications
Graduates of BBA programs may seek continued education by enrolling in master degree and doctorate programs in accounting. In most states, students with accounting degrees are expected to complete 30 additional hours of coursework if they wish to qualify for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam, a 4-part test run by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Accountants who aspire to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission are legally required to acquire the CPA credential. Most states require CPAs in order to stay abreast of advancements in their field of expertise.
Certification to accountants, armed with work experience and bachelor’s degrees, are offered by several professional associations. For instance, the Certified Management Accountant credential is offered by the Institute of Management Accountants Inc., while the Certified Internal Auditor certification is granted by the Institute of Internal Auditors.