Now that you’re familiar with the differences between an accountant and a CPA, you may be thinking about planning your own career path. The first step is earning your degree. As you research different schools, be sure the Bachelor of Science in Accounting program that you choose will enable you to pursue CPA licensure after graduation.
The Bachelor of Science in Accounting program at GCU requires a total of 120 credits for completion. Most of the BS in Accounting classes are 15 weeks in length. During the program you will study topics such as:
- The basics of the accounting cycle and the development of financial statements according to the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
- The principles of internal accounting, including job order systems, process costing, activity-based costing and budgeting
- Theories and practices in accounting for individuals, partnerships, corporations, estates and trusts
- Generally accepted auditing standards, procedures and ethical issues
Consider pursuing an internship while you’re working toward your CPA credential. An internship can give you an inside look at the difference between an accountant and a CPA, and what you can expect from a typical day on the job.
Begin working toward a career in accounting by earning the Bachelor of Science in Accounting with an Emphasis in Public Accounting degree from Grand Canyon University (GCU). This program can prepare students to pursue national certification and state licensure as CPAs. Complete the form on this page to learn more about our business and management degree programs.
1 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Accountants and Auditors as of May 2021, retrieved on May 16, 2023. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may also impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the BLS. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers from across the country with varying levels of education and experience and does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as Accountants and Auditors. It does not reflect earnings of workers in one city or region of the country. It also does not reflect a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. You may also wish to compare median salaries if you are considering more than one career path. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, and accept employment from, determines salary not only based on education, but also individual characteristics and skills and fit to that organization (among other categories) against a pool of candidates.
2 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as well. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2022, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Accountants and Auditors, retrieved on May 16, 2023.
Approved by the academic program coordinator for the Colangelo College of Business on June 14, 2023.