How to pursue accounting when I already have a BA in Sociology?

Question

Hi, I am interested in a career in accounting. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. I am thinking of going back to school to get another Bachelor’s for Accounting because it will be easier than getting a Master’s in Accounting and not having any experience at all. Also, I was looking at the Master’s program for non-accounting majors and you have to take a lot of credits and the classes if you are enrolled as a Graduate student are more expensive.

I would like to know how hard it will be for me to major in Accounting?

I’m not used to studying hard. I’m used to being the “lazy student” and barely passing. I love Math but while I was going for my Bachelor’s in Sociology I took Calculus 1 and I didn’t pass it because I couldn’t keep up with how fast the class was moving.

Any advice how I can achieve the above or any options on what I should do?

Thank you.

I planning to go back in Aug. '07. What can I do in the meantime to prepare? I have a very bad memory.

Answer 1

Another BA? I don't think that that is necessary.

Take only select accounting courses typically required/pre-reqs for a master's in accounting. I wouldn't get another BA, just take the classes you need then obtain an MA.

I would reexamine your plans here if you couldn't pass calculus. Accounting is a fast-paced program, and keeping up with the class is key.

Answer 2

Getting your MBA is going to be tough so I would get another bachelors. You can acomplish this quite easily I think. I would enroll in a community college to get your basic courses out of the way...if you take courses year round, you can probably get your basic accounting courses done in 1-1.5 years. You can then transfer to a "real" university (a state school will be cheapest) to get your bachelors in accounting. I know a lot of people who have done this with various programs. Community colleges are generally pretty cheap and in the end, you'll have a degree from the "real" university. I would make that this is all possible with an advisor from both universities before you go ahead a sign up for classes though. Good luck!

Answer 3

Hello. I have experienced a similar situation. I had a B.S. in biology and decided to go back to college to get a degree in mechanical engineering.

Although I haven't taken accounting courses, I would imagine the calculus course you took involved more difficult math (in general) than accounting. I believe accounting concerns more about how to categorize and properly account for numerous transactions.

If you love math and have an idea about what accounting will be like, you should do fine. I would recommend talking to an accountant to get first hand knowledge about what they do.

In terms of course work, I would expect you will probably be taking mostly accounting and business-related courses, but since you already have a degree a lot of the supplementary courses will probably not be required. I would recommend sitting down with an academic advisor with your current transcript and having them highlight what courses you will need and calculate how long it will take.

I wish you well and good luck!