Should I major in Accounting?

Accounting majors should be good students who are logical, analytical, and love to solve problems. For a brief overview of what accountants do and where they work, watch the What is Accounting video.

Benefits of being an Accounting major at UCA

• You will get a job when you graduate! There is a great demand for accounting graduates. Every company earns money and needs an accountant.
• Accounting majors receive job offers up to a year in advance with starting salaries of up to $45,000 or more.
• An accounting background provides the opportunity to pursue MANY career paths other than just accounting.
• You will be viewed as a professional, even though only five years of education is required.
• Serving clients is rewarding work.
• As an accountant you often are asked to provide a professional opinion to those who manage companies.
• As your career progresses you can stay in accounting or move into management.
• You actually understand discussions of financial topics.
• Taxes are not a mystery to you.

Getting an undergraduate Accounting degree

Students who major in accounting are working towards a Bachelor of Business Administration. Along with the 36 hours of accounting, accounting majors take 33 hours of business courses (the equivalency of a minor in business administration). For more information about the degree plan, jobs and internships, scholarships, and accounting certifications, visit the BBA in Accounting Web page.

Getting a graduate Accounting degree

Many of our students stay one extra year to earn their Master of Accountancy (MAcc). Any student planning on becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) needs 150 hours. The BBA gives students a minimum of 124 credit hours, so 30 additional hours provided by the MAcc is sometimes needed by students to take the CPA exam. The extra year has many more benefits:

• More job offers
• Higher starting salaries
• Higher pass rates on the CPA exam
• Deeper understanding of accounting theory and practice

University of Central Arkansas • Accounting Department
201 Donaghey • COB 204 • Conway AR 72035 • 501.450.3108