Degree Overview: Bachelor’s Degrees in Accounting and Financial Management
Majors Overview April 30, 2014Those interested in financial management and accounting are allowed to enroll into bachelor’s degree programs in both fields. This article expands on the information for these bachelor’s degrees.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree Programs in Accounting
Schools often offer bachelor’s degree programs in Accounting in different formats, such as a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Accounting, Bachelor of Accountancy (B.Acc.) and Bachelor of Accounting. Students enrolled in these degree programs are trained to take the CPA exam and to pursue a career as a professional accountant.
Admission criteria require incoming students to hold a GED certificate or high school diploma.
Coursework
Coursework in an Accounting bachelor’s degree program combines core business courses with a series of classes focused on different kinds of auditing and accounting. Through these classes, students are helped with identification of a specific niche of accounting that they are interested in. Coursework may include topic areas such as:
•Accounting taxation
•Ethics of accounting
•Business law
•Financial accounting
•Managerial accounting
•Auditing
Job and Wage Outlook
A job growth rate equal to the national average for all occupations has been predicted for auditors and accountants during the decade from 2010 to 2020 (United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)). In 2012, these professionals earned an average annual wage of $63,550 (BLS).
Continuing Education Choices
In some states, CPA exam candidates are expected to have earned 150 college credits, this exceeds the number earned in typical bachelor’s degree programs by about 25, and candidates may earn the additional credits by enrolling in extended bachelor’s degrees or post-baccalaureate certificates. Though a bachelor’s degree will suffice the requirement of an individual who wishes to take the CPA exam, having 150 credits will help students interested in pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees in Accounting. Through master’s degrees, students gain authoritative information in specific areas of accounting, while doctoral degrees are useful to those interested in teaching accounting at the college level.
Bachelor of Science Degree Programs in Financial Management
Students enrolled in Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree programs in Financial Management become adept at helping others to manage their financial resources.
As in the case of bachelor’s programs in Accounting, admission criteria in bachelor’s degree programs in Financial Management have no educational prerequisites, barring a GED certificate or high school diploma.
Coursework
Coursework in bachelor’s degree programs in Financial Management include courses in diverse aspects of the business world. Students enrolled in these programs are also taught ways of tailoring this business information according to their individual needs. Coursework may include topic areas such as:
•Business statistics
•Risk management
•Business law
•Macroeconomics
•Microeconomics
•Accounting
•Financial planning
Career Choices
Earning a Financial Management bachelor’s degree can help students seek entry-level careers in many areas of the financial industry. Financial management positions are most commonly offered by financial institutions and insurance companies (BLS). These positions include:
•Insurance fund manager
•Financial analyst
•Financial manager
•Financial planner
Continuing Education Choices
Depending on their careers of choice, students may need additional certification after they have completed a bachelor’s degree program. Students who aspire to pursue careers as business managers can take the Certified Cash Manager (CCM) examination, while aspiring financial planners may sit for the Certified in Financial Management (CFM) test. Schools offer master’s degree programs in Financial Management to benefit students seeking continued education or career enhancement.
