What Is A Two Year Accounting Degree Worth?

Q: I really don't know much about accounting, except that I got an A in a basic accounting class in college about ten years ago. Anyway, I'm at point where I need to change careers. A local community college offers a two years accounting degree. I was wondering how valuable is a two year accounting degree? Can someone even find a job in accounting with a two year degree? The thing that got me thinking about accounting is Florida. I was just down there for a visit in the Orlando area and noticed that Orlando seems the place to be if your stuck in a "no good job around here" mid-west state like I am. There is so much growth down there (it looked that way to me) I would think accountants would be in high demand. So, is a two year accounting degree worth going after? Or is it basically a joke that small colleges use to suck money from people? What would be the difference in a two year degree and full blown four year degree anyway (beside the general educational classes)? Is there a market for new accountants in their late twenties/early thirties?

A:a two year degree is no joke (depends on the school) but you will be limited in job opportunities. There are positions in accounting such as payables or receivables that requires only a minimum of education especially if you already have college or work experience but more importantly , --- do you like the detailed numbers oriented type work? and why do you want to change careers? go ahead and take the community college accounting courses but don't be influenced by the Orlando Disney world atmosphere! If you want to "move up" or become a CPA, CMA, etc., you will need a four year college degree, actually 5 years now for a CP

A: Accounting is more than putting numbers in columns! while the math is still basic (but most colleges require calculus for a BS degree) the problems, material, etc. gets harder in advanced accounting - go visit a college placement office & check it out - A two year accounting degree doesn't really get you anywhere except on your way to the four year degree, in my opinion. For what it's worth, your "general education" classes are mostly in the first two years. You specialize a lot more once you hit the third and fourth year... and probably won't learn much about taxes, governmental/not for profit accounting, auditing, and cost accounting until the third and fourth years. Some of these are essential for ever being more than a "clerk." After I complete the 1.5 years of study I will receive a diploma in accounting issued by the Ministry of Education in Quebec. The training is intended to lead to employment as a bookkeeper or accounting clerk. These studies can be used to obtain advanced standing in other programs should I decide to continue afterwards. At this stage my intention is to not spend too long in the education process but obtain enough, and a paper, that I will be able to obtain employment... then to get some practical experience while continuing my education on my own time. I'm finding my background in IT extremely helpful and does give me an edge in the studies. I found it difficult the first couple of months going back to school but have gotten into the groove. We have a great bunch in our program, mostly older adults. So far, no regrets. I am enjoying it. Some days are challenging, but it is like riding a bike... the more often you do it the better you get.

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