Deciding whether to pursue a Bachelor of Business Administration or Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree is an important choice that will impact your career trajectory in business. As an expert in accounting education and job market outcomes, I‘m here to clearly outline the key distinctions between these pathways to help you determine the best degree option aligned with your professional interests and aspirations.
Defining a BBA vs BS in Accounting
A BBA in Accounting is a 4-year bachelor‘s degree program that provides a broad foundation across all core business disciplines – including management, marketing, economics, business law and finance – with a specialization in accounting principles, methodologies and applications. Courses cover topics like financial reporting, cost analysis, taxation, auditing and more alongside general business curriculum.
In contrast, a BS in Accounting is a specialized 4-year bachelor‘s program concentrated specifically on technical and advanced accounting skills, theories and training. The rigorous coursework goes intensely in-depth on aspects of accounting like financial statement analysis, systems analysis, regulation standards and quantitative modeling to equip students as financial information experts. General business topics are not emphasized here.
Accounting Job Market Outlook
Demand for accounting expertise spans every industry and career level. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects over 200,000 job openings for accountants and auditors over the next decade, fueled by steady 6% industry growth as businesses compete in an increasingly complex global economy. Most opportunities arise from the need to analyze and apply financial insights guiding organizational decisions.
In fact, management and public accounting roles are projected to grow even faster at over 7%. And the median salary potential mirrors this robust outlook. Accounting and auditing professions earn a median annual wage of $73,560 according to May 2021 figures, more than double the $37,690 median across all occupations nationwide.
Comparing BBA vs BS Accounting Curricula
Both BBA and BS pathways provide preparation towards this high-growth, lucrative accounting job market. However, each degree equips you with slightly different skill sets based on their curriculum focus:
BBA Accounting Courses
- Financial Accounting
- Managerial Accounting
- Intermediate Accounting I and II
- Tax Accounting/Planning Principles
- Cost Analysis and Budgeting
- Accounting Information Systems
- Business Communications
- Marketing Management
- Business Law and Ethics
- Macro and Microeconomics
- Corporate Finance
BS Accounting Courses
- Financial Accounting Theory
- Intermediate Accounting I, II and III
- Advanced Cost Accounting and Control
- International Accounting Standards
- Accounting Analytics and Data Modeling
- Tax Planning Strategies and Methodologies
- Auditing Standards and Applications
- Accounting Research Methodology
- Accounting Ethics and Professionalism
- Governmental and Not-for-Profit Accounting
As you can see, the BS program takes students much further in analyzing, interpreting, communicating and applying intricate accounting information across different standards, regulations, business structures and global markets relevant in the field.
Career Pathways and Outcomes
These curricular differences directly impact the type of accounting jobs each degree best prepares students for:
BBA Accounting Careers
- Staff Accountant
- Budget Analyst
- Account Manager
- Payroll Manager
- Financial Analyst
- Management Accountant
- Controller
- Operations Manager
- Financial Consultant
BS Accounting Careers
- Public Accountant
- Tax Accountant
- Auditor
- Forensic Accountant
- CPA – Certified Public Accountant
- Actuary
- Chief Financial Officer
- Finance Manager
- Accounting Manager
A BBA accounting foundation serves well in corporate accounting roles or managerial business functions leveraging financial insights. The specialized BS expertise feeds into regulatory, compliance, technical analysis and financial reporting roles demanding advanced mastery.
Becoming a Licensed CPA
One key distinction is that the BS coursework thoroughly prepares students to take the CPA exam to become licensed as a Certified Public Accountant. The CPA license authorizes accountants to file taxes and audit financial statements – services that require adherence to strict educational, testing and on-the-job requirements:
CPA Exam
CPA candidates must pass the rigorous 4-part Uniform CPA Examination testing accounting theory and practice across regulation, business environments, taxation and auditing procedures.
CPA Exam Pass Rates average only 50% due to the exam difficulty level so advanced accounting proficiency is vital. BS course topics mirror the CPA content domains while BBA grads will need supplemental exam-specific preparation.
Work Experience
In addition to passing the exam, CPA candidates need 1-2 years professional work experience in auditing, taxation, financial reporting or other qualified accounting services to earn the license, depending on state regulations.
Ethics and Continuing Education
Licensed CPAs must uphold strict ethical and continuing education standards through their state Board of Accountancy to maintain credentials. Ethics coursework in both BBA and BS curricula instill these professional values early.
While BBA graduates can choose to pursue CPA certification, those with BS training will be markedly better equipped for the rigorous examination while also filling educational requirements.
Complementary Accounting Credentials
Beyond the CPA, there are a number of other specialized accounting certifications students can work towards in conjunction with their BBA or BS degrees:
- CMA – Certified Management Accountant
- CIA – Certified Internal Auditor
- CFM – Certified in Financial Management
- CFP – Certified Financial Planner
- EA – Enrolled Agent
Professional associations like the American Institute of CPAs and the Institute of Management Accountants also offer avenues for networking, career development and continuing education in the field.
Gaining Practical Experience
While classroom learning provides important foundations, real-world experience is key as well. I highly recommend all accounting students actively engage in one or more internships to gain practical exposure to their area of interest and build their professional network prior to graduation.
Most programs facilitate matching enrolled students with aligned corporate or nonprofit accounting internships. Top schools even integrate training facilities partnered with major public accounting firms like Deloitte, Ernst & Young and PricewaterhouseCoopers.
This hands-on training allows you to apply concepts from your coursework under supervisor guidance while learning the ins and outs of accounting operations in a thriving business – paving the way for future employment opportunities.
Comparing Program Lengths and Admissions
Both BBA and BS degrees in Accounting require roughly 120 total credit hours spanning 4 years of full-time undergraduate study including lower and upper division coursework plus a core curriculum. Competitive admissions factors at most universities include:
- High school GPA – minimum 3.0
- SAT/ACT standardized test scores
- Coursework in mathematics, statistics and economics
- Essays and letters of recommendation
Candidates for BS programs may face slightly more stringent mathematics expectations due to increased quantitative rigor but admissions criteria aligns closely otherwise. Some schools do allow students initially admitted to a BBA program to switch into the BS track through an internal application process if they meet grade thresholds in foundational accounting courses.
Tuition and Affordability Realities
From a cost perspective, BBA and BS accounting programs at both public and private nonprofit colleges come at comparable tuition rates on average:
- In-state public university: $9,500 – $11,500+ per year
- Out-of-state public university: $20,000 – $27,000+ per year
- Private nonprofit university: $35,000 – $55,000+ per year
However, over 90% of accounting graduates utilize financial aid, significantly reducing costs. Scholarship eligibility spans merit, financial need and more – averaging from $5,000 up to $20,000.
My best advice is to thoroughly research each prospective program‘s aid opportunities – leveraging available departmental, employer, government and third-party accounting scholarships alongside school-based options to make your degree affordable.
Top Accredited Accounting Degree Programs
For the best career preparation and recruiting visibility, I recommend targeting accounting programs accredited through ACBSP or AACSB institutional accreditors, along with CAEP specialized accreditation for teaching-focused curricula.
Here are 2022-2023 standout picks across public and private universities in both BBA and BS categories:
Top BBA Accounting Programs
- Indiana University–Bloomington
- University of Georgia
- Ohio State University
- University of Texas–Austin
- University of Michigan–Ann Arbor
Top BS Accounting Programs
- University of Illinois–Urbana Champaign
- University of Notre Dame
- Villanova University
- College of William and Mary
- Bentley University
Take time to research each prospective program’s curriculum design, faculty expertise, career development resources and accounting-related initiatives to discern the best option for you.
Which Accounting Degree Will Best Equip You?
As you analyze BBA vs BS pathways, reflect honestly on your skills, interests, values and professional vision to determine the ideal choice:
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Do you enjoy tackling quantitative challenges and unraveling intricate details within data? The specialized BS curriculum will comprehensively prepare you for these scenarios.
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Are you motivated by drawing connections between financial insights and wider business goals? The BBA’s blended coursework can equip you to make strategic impacts.
I encourage you to speak with department advisors and faculty at your target schools to address any specific questions. Leverage campus visits and current student perspectives to envision where you will thrive most while realizing your career aspirations.
With clear goals and the right accounting degree foundation, you will be well equipped to excel in this rewarding, ever-evolving field as you add value across any business entity or organization.
