A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is required to have a number of hours of classroom study in order to apply for the CPA certification. The requirements for the CPA certificate are slightly different in each state. However in many states, the CPA certification requires applicants to have at least 150 semester hours before applying. An undergraduate degree in accounting will not give you 150 hours on its own. Luckily, there are a few ways that you can use your undergraduate degree to meet the required hours in order to apply for your CPA certification.

Apply For Your Master's Degree After Getting Your Undergraduate Degree

If you graduate with a degree in accounting, then the next step would be to get your master's degree from either the same institution or another one. You can get your graduate degree in any field. A master's in accounting or an MBA are often chosen by future CPAs, but these are not the only graduate degrees that will allow you to get your CPA certification. If you decide to get your master's degree immediately after undergrad, then it is important to make sure that you meet the requirements that are outlined by each graduate program.

Enroll In An Integrated Accounting Program

An integrated accounting program is designed to allow students to get their undergraduate and graduate degrees in five years. Integrated majors are created for a number of majors and are designed to help you save the time and money of applying to a number of schools for your graduate degree. The master's degree will typically be completed in the same school through which you receive your undergraduate degree.

In addition, an integrated program will ensure that you are able to complete the required 150 hours. It is important to enroll in the integrated program at the start of your undergraduate career. These programs often require you to take a set number of classes during each semester in order to ensure that you are able to graduate with both degrees within the scheduled five years. If you apply too late to the program, then you may need to apply for your master's through the more traditional method.

The journey to becoming a certified public accountant can take a number of years to complete. Overlooking requirements and qualifications can set you back. Therefore, use these tips to ensure that you are able to meet the hourly qualifications needed to become a CPA. For more information regarding your accounting requirements, contact a school like Interactive College of Technology.

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