Accounting Degree & CPA Path: Complete Guide to Becoming a CPA

At a Glance

• Minimum degree: Bachelor's in accounting or related field
• CPA requirement: 150 credit hours (usually bachelor's + 30 more)
• Common credential stack: BS Accounting + Master of Accountancy (MAcc)
• CPA Exam sections: AUD, FAR, REG + 1 discipline (BAR, ISC, or TCP)
• Experience required: 1–2 years under a licensed CPA, state-dependent
• Accountants & Auditors median (May 2024): $81,680
• Financial Managers (often CPAs): $161,700
• Projected growth 2024–2034: +6%

What Counts as This Kind of Degree?

A CPA is a state-licensed accounting professional authorized to sign audit reports, represent taxpayers before the IRS, and act as a fiduciary in ways non-CPAs cannot. Every state licenses its own CPAs through a board of accountancy, but all states use the same Uniform CPA Examination.

The path has three pillars: education (150 credit hours), examination (the four-section CPA Exam), and experience (typically 1–2 years supervised). All three must be satisfied for licensure — the "3 Es".

Who These Programs Suit

• Students strong in math and precision work
• Career changers willing to commit to the 150-credit and exam requirements
• Business graduates wanting a durable, portable professional license
• Those targeting Big Four (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG) or corporate controller tracks
• Entrepreneurs who want deep financial literacy for running a company

Degree and Credential Levels

The table below summarises the main credential levels for this field.

CredentialTypical LengthWhat You Can DoBS in Accounting (120 credits)4 yearsEntry-level accountant, staff auditorMAcc / MSA (30 additional credits)1 yearMeets 150-credit CPA ruleCPA licenseExam + experienceSigned audits, tax representation, corporate controllerMBA or MS in Taxation1–2 yearsPartner track or tax specialtyCMA, CFE, CIA certificationsOngoingManagement accounting, fraud exam, internal audit

Online, Hybrid, and Campus Options

Accounting undergrad and master's programs are widely available online from AACSB-accredited universities. Fully online BS Accounting, online MAcc, and online CPA prep courses are all legitimate and common. Exams are delivered in Prometric test centers, so the physical exam is not online.

Career Paths, Salaries, and Job Outlook

Figures below are May 2024 national median wages from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook unless otherwise noted. Actual pay varies by state, specialty, employer, and experience.

RoleMedian Annual Wage (May 2024)Projected Growth 2024–2034Accountants and Auditors$81,680+6%Financial Managers$161,700+17%Tax Examiners / Collectors / Revenue Agents$58,530+2%Budget Analysts$87,550+2%Financial Analysts$101,350+9%

CPAs typically out-earn non-CPA accountants by 10–15% in the first five years and considerably more at senior levels. Big Four starting salaries for new CPAs typically run $65,000–$85,000 plus signing bonus; mid-career senior managers $150,000+; partners above $500,000 on an earnings basis.

What Programs Cost

BS Accounting at a public in-state university: $40,000–$80,000 total. MAcc: $25,000–$60,000. CPA Exam: approximately $1,500–$2,000 in fees plus $2,000–$3,500 for a review course (Becker, Surgent, UWorld, Gleim). Total education + exam cost: under $110,000 at a public in-state path. Employer reimbursement for the MAcc and exam is common at Big Four firms.

How to Choose the Right Program

1. Confirm the 150-credit plan. BS + MAcc is most common; BS with 30 extra credits also works.
2. Pick an AACSB-accredited program for Big Four recruiting.
3. Check state-specific CPA rules. Each state sets its own experience and ethics requirements.
4. Plan exam order. Most candidates pass FAR first or AUD first; discipline last.
5. Budget review course + study time. 300–400 hours across all sections is typical.
6. Secure an experience opportunity. Public accounting firms provide supervised-by-CPA experience by default.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Treating the CPA as a one-exam credential — it's four sections plus experience
• Choosing a program that doesn't clearly get you to 150 credits
• Skipping review course — self-study pass rates are notably lower
• Delaying the exam — pass rates drop after 1–2 years out of accounting school
• Ignoring state-specific experience rules before planning where to work
• Not using employer reimbursement for MAcc and exam fees

Key Terms Glossary

• CPA — Certified Public Accountant — state-licensed accounting professional
• 150-credit rule — Most states require 150 credit hours for CPA licensure (bachelor's is 120)
• MAcc / MSA — Master of Accountancy / Master of Science in Accounting
• Big Four — Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG — the four largest global public accounting firms
• FAR / AUD / REG — The three core CPA Exam sections: Financial Accounting & Reporting, Auditing, Regulation
• Discipline section — The fourth exam section: BAR, ISC, or TCP under the CPA Evolution
• AICPA — American Institute of CPAs — the CPA profession's national body
• Public accounting — Firms that audit other companies; a common first-CPA employer

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a master's to become a CPA?

Not technically, but most candidates take a MAcc to hit the 150-credit requirement. A bachelor's + 30 extra credits also works.

How hard is the CPA Exam?

Pass rates per section hover around 45–55%. Most candidates pass all four sections within 12–18 months of starting.

Which is harder — CPA or MBA?

Different challenges. CPA is more technical and exam-driven; MBA is more collaborative and broad. CPA has a higher barrier to passing; MBA has a higher financial cost.

Can I become a CPA online?

Yes — online accounting bachelor's and MAcc programs are widely available and AACSB-accredited.

What's the Big Four starting salary?

Typically $65,000–$85,000 for staff auditors with CPA track; higher in NYC, SF, and Boston.

Do I need to work in public accounting to be a CPA?

Most states accept corporate or government experience under a licensed CPA. Public accounting is the most common starter because supervision is built in.

Is the CPA worth it if I don't want to audit?

Yes. The credential is a recognized marker of financial expertise across controller, FP&A, CFO, and consulting tracks.

Key Takeaways

• CPA requires 150 credit hours, four exam sections, and supervised experience
• BS Accounting + MAcc is the standard 150-credit path
• Public accounting firms (especially Big Four) are common first employers
• Employer reimbursement can cover MAcc and exam fees
• CPAs earn 10–15%+ over non-CPA accountants and dominate senior finance roles