Would I be able to take the CPA exam with a Bachelor's in Business Administration?

Question

This is the list of credits in the B.A. I might be pursuing...

General Education

English ( 6 Hours ) Including 1 course from:
EN101 - Proficiency in Writing
Humanities ( 6 Hours )
History ( 6 Hours )
Mathematics ( 3 Hours )
Science ( 3 Hours )
Social Science ( 6 Hours ) Including 2 courses from:
SS101 - Microeconomics
SS102 - Macroeconomics

Core Requirements (3 credits each)

GM229 - Accounting I
GM304 - Business Law
GM306 - Business Theory
GM401 - Operations Research
GM402 - Principles of Financial Management
GM414 - Business Strategy
MC300 - Principles and Theory of Management
MC302 - Management Information Systems
MC306 - Statistics
MK300 - Principles and Theory of Marketing

Concentration Requirements: (3 credits each)

GM395 - Small Business Management
GM404 - Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship
GM480 - Entrepreneurial Opportunity Evaluation & Business Plan Development
GM485 - Small Business Growth and Development

Answer 1

According to the US Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos001.htm


Professional recognition through certification or licensure provides a distinct advantage in the job market. CPAs are licensed by a State Board of Accountancy. The vast majority of States require CPA candidates to be college graduates, but a few States substitute a number of years of public accounting experience for a college degree.

As of early 2005, on the basis of recommendations made by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), 42 States and the District of Columbia required CPA candidates to complete 150 semester hours of college coursework—an additional 30 hours beyond the usual 4-year bachelor’s degree. Another five States have adopted similar legislation that will become effective between 2006 and 2009. Colorado, Delaware, New Hampshire, and Vermont are the only States that do not require 150 semester hours. In response to this trend, many schools have altered their curricula accordingly, with most programs offering master’s degrees as part of the 150 hours, so prospective accounting majors should carefully research accounting curricula and the requirements of any States in which they hope to become licensed

Additional information:

Information about careers in certified public accounting and CPA standards and examinations may be obtained from:
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, 1211 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036. Internet: http://www.aicpa.org

Information on CPA licensure requirements by State may be obtained from:
National Association of State Boards of Accountancy, 150 Fourth Ave. North, Suite 700, Nashville, TN 37219-2417. Internet: http://www.nasba.org

Answer 2

You need 150 credits upon graduation with classes in Intermation accounting 1, 2, and 3; cost accounting, audit, tax, and something else- make sure to check it out. But yes, you will definately be able to become a CPA with that degree. You should look into CSU Northridge's business program. They offer a B.S. in Accountancy, which will cover everything you need for the CPA. They also ranked as one of the top Cal State's for accounting...

Answer 3

It depends on your state. However, the other respondents are correct, all but a hanful of states require 150 hours to take the exam, and in most states these house have to be in the accounting field. However, in some states (including I think in some of the 4 that do not have the 150 hr requirement) residency is not required to take the test and you may even be able to take the test for Delaware in your home state.

But if you want a real answer call your state board of accountancy. The aicpa website has links to the Board of Accountancy's in all the states.

Answer 4

I believe the requirements vary for each state, so you should check with your state's board of accountancy for the exact answer.

In my state, you can take the CPA exam with a degree in anything, as long as you meet the credit requirements and relevant coursework. I had to have 25 hours of general business and 40 hours of upper division accounting classes.

Answer 5

Check out the pre-requisits at the CPA website for admission to the CPA course.

Answer 6

NO, you cant. You need to get a Bachelors degree in Accountancy in order for you to take the board exams.

Answer 7

I don't think so. There are requirements that ensures the general public you are qualified to become a CPA... CPA's don't make too much money anyway....Get your CFA! and then hire a CPA to keep the books...