Online Business Accounting

Should I get a degree in Business Administration or Accounting?

I am thinking of switching from a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology to something else due to the saturation of the IT market. My research indicates that Accounting is one of THE most available jobs and is also one of the highest paying non technichal degrees, much higher than Business Admin. My ultimate goal is to start my own business, any business. With a degree in accounting I could go on and get my MBA in accounting so that I can take the CPA exam in my state and start my own business. I could also get a Business Admin degree in undergrad and then an MBA in accounting and still qualify to take the CPA exam in my state and hence, still go into business for myself. It is a tough decision to make though. The BA degree looks easier and is very versatile, not to mention very popular at my school. The down side is that most jobs would benefit from a BA degree don't really require one if you have experience. Also, BA majors tend to make about 7 K less. Michelle, I feel ya girl when it comes to the hiring decision and the job going to someone with a degree rather than someone that has none, but I can tell you from MY experience that I have SEVERAL times beat out people with AA, AAS or BA/BS degrees for jobs when I had NO degree at the time. Why? I had the skills they where looking for... Just food for thought. You still make a very valid point though.

Public Comments

1. biz admin...accountants are dweezils..
2. I cant answer this question for you, but i do want to point something out. Your stats on what they make, are averages only. There is no guarantee that one will make more than another, ever!
3. I currently have a BS in Business Administration, management major and/or concentration. My advice would be for you to go for the accounting degree instead because I have plenty of experience looking for jobs as I've been in and out of the job market over the last 8 years and accounting jobs do seem to be more plentiful as well as higher paying. I've also dabbled into the idea of starting a business and frankly, it doesn't matter what you major in for that....you don't have to be an accounting expert so long as you know the basics of bookkeeping....take your taxes to a professional if you are more comfortable with that....the expense would be well worth it. In addition, I was recently entertaining ideas of working for the State....and many if not most of their 'business' related jobs request that you have accounting experience. So all in all, if you are looking for a career working for someone else, go for the Accounting undergrad degree. If you are determined to start your own business pick your poison...it won't matter that much either way.
4. Business Administration because it is more transferable to many career fields. Accounting is more specialized and limits your scope of opportunity.
5. Accounting. Since you already plan on becoming a CPA, I would reccommend getting your Bachelor's degree in accounting so that you will be better prepared for Grad school. Also, with a Bachelor's degree in accounting you will be able to find good jobs while you are in Grad school. Although Business Administration is a more broad major leaving you with more career options, Accounting would be better for your future college plans.
6. go for accountancy..you will never go jobless..although the course is not that easy but you wont regret it, you can even look in the ads..all business related jobs requires background in accounting...and eventhough you cant pass the CPA board exams there are still many accounting jobs offered..
7. I can't answer your question because that depends on you yourself. I can give you my input to give you a few things to consider. You don't mention what type of business you would like to open. If it is an accounting firm, I would definitely say go for your degree in accounting. If your field of business has nothing to do with accounting, I would say get your degree in bus. admin. and you can always hire an accountant. You also mention the downside that most jobs would benefit from a BA don't really require one if you have experience. I don't know where you live but where I live it isn't required to have a BA degree, but if you have one you will most likely get the job over somebody who doesn't have one. Especially if it boils down to two candidates for the job, with one having a BA and the other not. Also, every job I have had pays more if you have a BA rather than if you didn't have one. Good luck in your future!
8. accounting degree's the way to go; i think it is important to specialise in a field and an acct qualification provides you a stepping stone to a whole range of profitable industries such as finance, banking, consultancy etc. CPAs are always in demand (you have done your research well) and will ride through even in times of recession.