Accounting vs. Finance: Which Degree is Right for You?

By Grant Tilus on September 26, 2012

If you become stumped while comparing accounting and finance degree programs, you are not alone; many future college students can struggle with this decision. Although these programs can sometimes be very similar, there are also some fundamental differences. For instance, accounting could be defined as the systematic recording and reporting of financial information, while working in finance may involve analyzing and evaluating the financial information that is reported. 

Even though the two programs do share some similar concepts and theories, they are still fundamentally different in their respective cores. Weighing your options of accounting vs. finance is extremely important in finding out which degree program is right for you.

Accounting Degree 101

Prior to choosing your degree, make sure you understand what accountants do. It’s important to know the days of sitting in a room crunching numbers are long gone. When you look at accounting courses and career paths it’s important to realize you will be preparing to work in the field of accounting across a wide range of businesses and industries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for accountants is expected to grow 16 percent through 2020 as there has been an increased focus on accounting stemming from the recent economic situation. 

Finance Degree 101

In a finance degree program you could expect to see courses of study such as financial management or financial modeling, as well as similar courses in the accounting program like business law or statistics. Upon earning your bachelor’s degree, graduates beginning their career in finance can expect a wide range of employment opportunities. The expected job growth through 2020 is 23 percent for financial analysts, according to the BLS, which is faster than the average occupation. 

Without a doubt when you are looking at the difference between an accounting and  finance degree, you will find many similarities and differences in courses, careers and opportunities. The reason colleges offer both accounting and finance degree programs is not to confuse you, but to help you truly find the best fit for your strengths, interests and goals.

If you are still debating which degree program may best fit you, just reach out to a college’s admissions department to answer any further questions. The admissions department can help you weigh the pros and cons, and after you’ve made your final decision, they can help get you started earning your degree.

Tags: accounting,business careers,business education,

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Grant Tilus

As an Inbound Marketing Specialist at Rasmussen College, Grant creates helpful, student-focused articles to educate, encourage, and motivate current, past, and future students in an effort to promote a learning culture that changes and builds lives.

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