Bachelor’s-to-Master’s Accelerated Accounting Degrees //

Accelerated bachelor’s-to-master’s degree programs offer students an efficient path to earning dual degrees in accounting. These programs allow degree-seekers to transfer graduate-level credits to their bachelor’s degree as well as their master’s in accounting. Students can complete their degree in a short time frame.

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These programs are often called different names by schools:

• Accelerated bachelor’s-to-master’s accounting programs
• Accounting programs that offer dual-degree and combined degrees
• Accounting programs that last four-plus-one year or five years

Students sometimes confuse bachelor’s-to-master’s programs with bridge programs. They are completely different. Students with bachelor’s degrees not in accounting can apply for bridge programs to obtain a master’s in accounting.

There are many benefits to accelerated accounting degrees that lead to master’s and bachelor’s degrees. They offer a faster path to the education requirements for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensing exam. This guide will help you compare programs and provide a ranking of the top dual accounting degrees.

Why choose a combined Bachelor’s-Master’s program?

• 
  Meet CPA Exam Requirements:
  
  Although most bachelor’s degrees require 120 credits, all states require CPAs to complete 150 college credits in order to be licensed. Students can meet this requirement by completing a bachelor’s-masters program.
• 
  Graduate Faster:
  
  Learners can graduate quicker with an accelerated program than the average master’s student. Students who complete accelerated programs are often able to enter the workforce faster.
• 
  Enhanced Opportunities:
  
  While
  
  Graduate certificates
  
  While they are beneficial for job prospects and can be useful for securing advanced jobs, they don’t always qualify professionals. Employers may seek master’s-level holders to fill advanced positions that could offer higher salaries.

Trade-offs to Get Your Accounting Master’s Degree Faster

• 
  Stay at One School:
  
  Dual-degree programs that accelerate are usually required students to obtain both degrees at the same school. Some students prefer to study at different schools for their undergraduate and/or graduate studies. This is not possible with a combined-degree program.
• 
  Less Flexibility:
  
  Students who pursue bachelor’s and masters degrees separately have flexibility that is not offered in dual-degree programs. Some accounting students may choose to work while they study, rather than continue their studies after finishing their bachelor’s degree. Instead, accelerated programs direct bachelor’s degree holders straight to master’s programs.
• 
  High Intensity:
  
  Master’s and bachelor’s degrees are offered in accelerated programs. These programs have intense learning times that are fast-paced. These environments are great for some students, while others prefer to learn more slowly. The high-intensity of these programs also requires significant time commitments. Students may find it difficult to work part-time during their studies.

What You Can Expect from a Dual BS/MS Degree

Accelerated accounting degrees typically require five years of full-time study. Students must dedicate at least four years to the bachelor’s and one year to their masters degrees in order to complete most curricula. This makes it a total length of five years.

Dual credit can be earned in many cases for coursework completed during the fourth year of the student’s senior year. The eligible courses can count towards both a bachelor’s or master’s foundational course.

Dual programs can save students 1-2 years over traditional degrees. A bachelor’s degree in accounting usually lasts four years. Two years is often required for standard master’s programs in accounting. Each degree may require six years of study or more.

Dual-degree accounting programs at colleges offer many benefits beyond shorter time commitments. They aim to give graduates advanced accounting skills and higher earning potential. These dual programs offer a fast and efficient way to complete the 150 hours of postsecondary education required for the CPA exam in most States.

Optional Degrees and Concentrations

Although most bachelor’s-masters programs end in an accounting master’s degree, some schools offer undergraduate options in multiple fields. These include marketing, economics, and mathematics. For the bachelor’s-masters combination program, some institutions require that students complete an accounting bachelor’s degree.

A few master’s programs offer concentrations in taxation or forensic accounting. Most master’s degrees have a fixed curriculum that requires students to take specific courses in accounting.

Many institutions offer an MS in accounting. However, some programs may offer a master’s of accounting (MAcc or MBA).

Admissions Process

The minimum requirements for applying to bachelor’s programs are a high school diploma, GED certificate, standard test scores, personal statements, and a high school diploma. Other requirements include academic or professional recommendations. Many schools use the Common App which allows students to submit multiple applications to multiple institutions.

While some bachelor’s-to-master’s accounting programs only accept high-performing students already working toward a bachelor’s degree, others accept those without previous college coursework. Schools may ask for GRE scores or GMAT scores in certain cases.

Candidates and applicants with high GPAs might be eligible for fast admission to the master’s program. Schools do not require dual degree students to take standardized tests in other cases. Each school has its own admissions policies.

Popular Accounting Undergraduate Courses

Students can take undergraduate accounting classes to develop fundamental skills in accounting, finance, business, and accounting. Some courses can count towards both the bachelor’s or master’s requirements in dual degree programs. Although classes may vary from school to school, the following courses are common:

• 
  
  Principles of Financial Accounting
  
  
  This course introduces financial reporting and basic accounting concepts. The course teaches the basics of accounting and financial reporting.
• 
  
  Principles of Managerial Accounting
  
  
  This course will cover concepts of managerial accounting as well as their impact on business decision making. This class teaches students how managers use this information in order to plan operations, manage activity, and make decisions.
• 
  
  Business Communication:
  
  
  Professionals can learn business communication skills through courses. These courses typically focus on communication basics and professional writing for business situations.
• 
  
  Global Financial Management:
  
  
  This course focuses on finance in global settings, which includes multinational companies. The course covers topics such as global operational decision-making, foreign currency theory, and risk management.

Popular Accounting Graduate Courses

Master’s in accounting courses cover advanced topics that will deepen students’ knowledge of the field. Some courses may focus on specific skills such as taxation or forensics. Below are common courses in graduate accounting.

• 
  
  Taxation on Entities:
  
  
  This course covers federal income taxation for corporations, trusts, estates, and other organizations. Students will learn about tax law, ethics, and administrative procedures.
• 
  
  Sustainability Accounting:
  
  
  This course focuses on accounting and how it relates to the social and environmental impacts of enterprises. The course teaches how to gather and report sustainability data on company practices.
• 
  
  Forensic Accounting
  
  
  This course is a cross-disciplinary one that combines law and accounting. The course teaches students about evidence-gathering and information technology. It also covers legal compliance for financial crimes. This class provides a foundational understanding of fraud prevention, detection and investigation.
• 
  
  Business Valuation
  
  
  This course builds upon foundational knowledge in cash flow analysis, investments and valuation. The course covers topics such as corporate restructuring, reinvestment, distribution of cash flow and incentive alignment, as well divestitures.

What is the cost of Accounting 3+1 and 4+1 programs?

The National Center for Education Statistics reported that the average tuition for undergraduate four-year programs was $16,647 for the 2019-20 academic school year. Tuition is affected by whether the school is private or public and whether students are residents of the state. The most affordable tuition is usually found in public schools within the state.

NCES also shows that the average tuition for graduate programs was $19 792 in the 2019-20 academic years — more than undergraduate tuition. Students should research how tuition is charged by institutions, as 3+1 and 4+1 programs offer courses from multiple degree levels.

For example, some programs charge undergraduate tuition for the first four year and graduate tuition for their final year. Some schools charge tuition per course depending on the degree.

Combining bachelor’s and master’s programs can sometimes be more affordable than studying accounting bachelors or masters individually, because they require full-time enrollment for a shorter number of years. This could result in savings of up to 1-2 years on full-time tuition.

Should You Get Your Degrees Online

Online accounting programs provide many benefits such as flexibility. A lot of programs offer at least one asynchronous class. These classes don’t have scheduled meetings and allow learners the flexibility to complete assignments on their own schedule. Students with other obligations can take advantage of this flexibility. Distance learners may be charged in-state tuition or a reduced rate for some online degrees.

Before committing to an online degree, potential applicants need to carefully evaluate their learning style. Distance education requires discipline, time management, and self-sufficiency. Online degrees might not be suitable for some students who learn best in a classroom with live instruction.

How to choose the right Accelerated Accounting Program

Accreditation is a must when researching accelerated accounting programs. Accreditation confirms that the school is accredited.

The program size and student to teacher ratio should be considered by learners. Smaller classes can result in more personalized attention from instructors which can lead to academic success and more networking opportunities. You should also consider career services. Consider whether potential programs offer job boards, resume workshops, and internships.

Best Accelerated Accounting Undergrad to Grad Degrees

Explore our ranking of the top five bachelor’s-to-master’s accelerated accounting degrees for 2022. You can find out more about our ranking schools by clicking the link below.

Questions about Dual Accounting Degrees

Is it possible to do both an undergrad and a grad in accounting simultaneously?

Yes. Yes. Some institutions offer combination programs that allow you both to complete a bachelor’s and master’s in accounting.

What is the average length of an accelerated BS/MS in accounting program?

Most dual degree programs require 4-5 years of full time study. After completing their undergraduate requirements, students can begin graduate-level coursework in the third or fourth year.

Is it worth the cost of a combined master’s and bachelor’s degree in accounting?

Students who want to be able to finish their credits faster and become CPA licensed can use combined programs. Learners should be aware of the rigorous nature of these accelerated programs before enrolling. They don’t usually allow for part-time enrollment.

Do you need a master’s degree to become a CPA

No, CPA licensure does not require a master’s degree. A state mandates that prospective CPAs complete 150 credits of college coursework. A typical bachelor’s degree requires only 120 credits. A master’s degree is a great way to earn an advanced credential and increase your career prospects.

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Author: Justin Young

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