11 answers
Genevieve
Student
Cedar Rapids
89
Questions
Asked
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How did you earn the 150 credits to be eligible for the CPA exam ?
Did you get your bachelor's then master's degree, or did you get the 150 credits through a 5 year bachelor's degree program. What where the pros and cons of your path, and what did you like/dislike about it?
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11 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1464
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey, Genevieve!
Great question and you already recieved some other great answers here—lots of smart insights!
So from my side I can tewll you a few things.
There are a few ways to get there towards those credits, and each has its ups and downs which I would like to tell you about them, hope helps out.
Bachelor’s + Extra Courses (Community College or Online) 🏆
Pros: Cheaper, faster, and flexible. You can take only the extra credits you need.
Cons: Requires research to ensure the classes count toward CPA eligibility.
Bachelor’s + Master’s Degree 🎓
Pros: Gives you more in-depth accounting knowledge, can boost career options.
Cons: Expensive and time-consuming; may not be necessary for CPA eligibility.
5-Year Integrated Bachelor’s 📚
Pros: Streamlined, no need for extra planning, CPA-ready upon graduation.
Cons: Might limit flexibility if you want to explore other subjects.
Always check your state’s CPA credit requirements! Each state has slightly different rules, and you want to make sure your extra credits actually count.
Whichever path you choose, make sure it aligns with your career goals and budget. Good luck you got this Genevieve! 😎
Great question and you already recieved some other great answers here—lots of smart insights!
So from my side I can tewll you a few things.
There are a few ways to get there towards those credits, and each has its ups and downs which I would like to tell you about them, hope helps out.
Bachelor’s + Extra Courses (Community College or Online) 🏆
Pros: Cheaper, faster, and flexible. You can take only the extra credits you need.
Cons: Requires research to ensure the classes count toward CPA eligibility.
Bachelor’s + Master’s Degree 🎓
Pros: Gives you more in-depth accounting knowledge, can boost career options.
Cons: Expensive and time-consuming; may not be necessary for CPA eligibility.
5-Year Integrated Bachelor’s 📚
Pros: Streamlined, no need for extra planning, CPA-ready upon graduation.
Cons: Might limit flexibility if you want to explore other subjects.
Always check your state’s CPA credit requirements! Each state has slightly different rules, and you want to make sure your extra credits actually count.
Whichever path you choose, make sure it aligns with your career goals and budget. Good luck you got this Genevieve! 😎
Disraeli Partridge
Accounting
27
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Disraeli’s Answer
Hello Genevieve,
My path to 150 credits started in high school with dual enrollment classes. Then I continued with the same community college until I graduated with two associate degrees and an advanced certificate. Finally, I transferred to a university and earned a bachelor's degree. This path had me earn my 150 in a non-traditional way and without the prestige of a master's degree, but I saved money and graduated without debt.
My path to 150 credits started in high school with dual enrollment classes. Then I continued with the same community college until I graduated with two associate degrees and an advanced certificate. Finally, I transferred to a university and earned a bachelor's degree. This path had me earn my 150 in a non-traditional way and without the prestige of a master's degree, but I saved money and graduated without debt.
Thank you so much, Disraeli!
Genevieve
I did the same thing! So much easier (and cheaper) than doing a masters or 5 years in a university.
Marin Taylor, CPA
Clare Staudenmeier
Data Analytics
6
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Clare’s Answer
Hi Genevieve!
As others have suggested above, there's pros and cons to each path, but it all depends on your goals and priorities. Additionally, this largely depends on the state in which you plan to gain your CPA license. Some states may not allow you to take a section of the exam until after you have graduated from college. Additionally, in regards to the 150 hour requirement, some states have different requirements as to what classes/fields these credits must be in. For example, some states require X number of credits be in accounting related studies. Be sure to compare these requirements with your undergraduate program to ensure you will meet those requirements. You may need to take different electives to get this requirement.
The amount of time it takes to hit 150 credits depends on your goals for your career. If you want to start your career immediately after a four year college, then taking extra classes at community college in between semesters or during the summer is one way to achieve this. Alternatively, you can spread these classes out to 5 years if you have other priorities throughout college. Talk to your professors to see what they recommend, and there may even be a program at your college to help accounting students achieve their 150 credits.
Another note in achieving these credits is that the classes you are required to take in college, may add up to a few more classes. Some colleges require an extra one credit class during a semester, or you may even have classes that are 4 credits instead of the standard 3 credits. These one or two additional credits per semester can add up, so be sure to take that into account.
No matter what path you choose, I recommend mapping out how many credits you plan on taking each semester to ensure you hit your goals. Good luck!
As others have suggested above, there's pros and cons to each path, but it all depends on your goals and priorities. Additionally, this largely depends on the state in which you plan to gain your CPA license. Some states may not allow you to take a section of the exam until after you have graduated from college. Additionally, in regards to the 150 hour requirement, some states have different requirements as to what classes/fields these credits must be in. For example, some states require X number of credits be in accounting related studies. Be sure to compare these requirements with your undergraduate program to ensure you will meet those requirements. You may need to take different electives to get this requirement.
The amount of time it takes to hit 150 credits depends on your goals for your career. If you want to start your career immediately after a four year college, then taking extra classes at community college in between semesters or during the summer is one way to achieve this. Alternatively, you can spread these classes out to 5 years if you have other priorities throughout college. Talk to your professors to see what they recommend, and there may even be a program at your college to help accounting students achieve their 150 credits.
Another note in achieving these credits is that the classes you are required to take in college, may add up to a few more classes. Some colleges require an extra one credit class during a semester, or you may even have classes that are 4 credits instead of the standard 3 credits. These one or two additional credits per semester can add up, so be sure to take that into account.
No matter what path you choose, I recommend mapping out how many credits you plan on taking each semester to ensure you hit your goals. Good luck!
Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions! Also, thanks for the well-wishes. :)
Genevieve
Carol Wong
Senior Analyst, Marketing Planning & Strategy
7
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Carol’s Answer
Hey Genevieve!
I pursued a regular Bachelor's degree in Accounting and then took additional classes on the side by signing up for online-only classes at a community college. This way, I had enough credits to be CPA eligible by the time I graduated with my Bachelor's which allowed me to save both time and money, compared to pursuing a Masters/extended bachelor's program.
Specifically, the college I enrolled in for online accounting classes was Foothill College (based in Northern California, but since they offer online classes, location does not actually matter). If you are interested in doing this, I would recommend researching the correct types of classes and units needed to be CPA eligible that will not be fulfilled by your Bachelor's program, so that you know to enroll in the right classes.
I pursued a regular Bachelor's degree in Accounting and then took additional classes on the side by signing up for online-only classes at a community college. This way, I had enough credits to be CPA eligible by the time I graduated with my Bachelor's which allowed me to save both time and money, compared to pursuing a Masters/extended bachelor's program.
Specifically, the college I enrolled in for online accounting classes was Foothill College (based in Northern California, but since they offer online classes, location does not actually matter). If you are interested in doing this, I would recommend researching the correct types of classes and units needed to be CPA eligible that will not be fulfilled by your Bachelor's program, so that you know to enroll in the right classes.
Thanks for sharing Carol. I think you earning the additional credits by taking classes through a community college was really neat. Thanks again!
Genevieve
Makayla Horn
IT Audit
2
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Makayla’s Answer
Hi Genevieve!
This is a great question and one that I asked myself about three years ago. I would not recommend pursuing a Master's Degree unless you are able to land a Graduate Assistantship or are not concerned with the cost of a master's program. I was able to work in a Graduate Assistantship position where my tuition was paid for, but if I did not have this opportunity, I would not have gotten my master's degree. However, (at least in Illinois), I was able to take all of my CPA exams during my Master's program because I had completed the required classes, obtained my bachelor's degree, and was eligible to sit for them. If this is applicable to your state, (where you can begin sitting for the exams if you are pursuing the 150 credit hours requirement), I recommend using this '5th year' to take community college classes that are A) cheap and B) likely to be less strenuous than classes at a 4-year college. This could give you an opportunity to take classes that are interesting because the 150 credit hour requirement does not need to be fulfilled with business specific classes. If you took community college classes, you could likely obtain the additional 30 credit hours within two semesters. If you go this path, I recommend finding an internship during the semester to give you additional experience. Also, a lot of large public accounting firms will pay for your CPA study course materials if you have accepted a full-time offer from them.
This is a lot of information to digest, but I recommend
1. researching your state requirements for CPA exam eligibility (different than CPA license eligibility)
2. applying for graduate assistantships that can help cover the cost of a master's degree
3. if you are unable to do this and still want to pursue a master's degree, I HIGHLY recommend doing an online program and working (or taking the exams) simultaneously.
Moral of the story, there is no right or wrong path, and you will obtain your CPA and necessary experience at a pace that works for you and your lifestyle.
This is a great question and one that I asked myself about three years ago. I would not recommend pursuing a Master's Degree unless you are able to land a Graduate Assistantship or are not concerned with the cost of a master's program. I was able to work in a Graduate Assistantship position where my tuition was paid for, but if I did not have this opportunity, I would not have gotten my master's degree. However, (at least in Illinois), I was able to take all of my CPA exams during my Master's program because I had completed the required classes, obtained my bachelor's degree, and was eligible to sit for them. If this is applicable to your state, (where you can begin sitting for the exams if you are pursuing the 150 credit hours requirement), I recommend using this '5th year' to take community college classes that are A) cheap and B) likely to be less strenuous than classes at a 4-year college. This could give you an opportunity to take classes that are interesting because the 150 credit hour requirement does not need to be fulfilled with business specific classes. If you took community college classes, you could likely obtain the additional 30 credit hours within two semesters. If you go this path, I recommend finding an internship during the semester to give you additional experience. Also, a lot of large public accounting firms will pay for your CPA study course materials if you have accepted a full-time offer from them.
This is a lot of information to digest, but I recommend
1. researching your state requirements for CPA exam eligibility (different than CPA license eligibility)
2. applying for graduate assistantships that can help cover the cost of a master's degree
3. if you are unable to do this and still want to pursue a master's degree, I HIGHLY recommend doing an online program and working (or taking the exams) simultaneously.
Moral of the story, there is no right or wrong path, and you will obtain your CPA and necessary experience at a pace that works for you and your lifestyle.
Thank you so much for sharing your perspective. I really appreciate it. :)
Genevieve
Zach B
Audit
5
Answers
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Updated
Zach’s Answer
Hi Genevieve, I earned my 150 credits through doing a double major in both accounting and finance. For me, I enjoyed this path because I feel the finance degree gave me some additional experiences in everyday areas outside of work. However, I would say the biggest con to this path is I just have bachelor degrees and do not have a masters degree. I know many individuals at my school did a 4+1 masters program where they could earn their MBA in just 1 year following earning their bachelors degree. I personally believe either of these are good options to earn your 150 credits.
Thank you for sharing your story, Zach!
Genevieve
Mary Kaupp
Consultant
4
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Mary’s Answer
Hey Genevieve. I was able to get my 150 hours in 4 years. I came into college with a lot of college credits from AP classes and dual enrollment courses. I then studied MIS while taking a few additional accounting courses. For my four year, I participated in my university's MAcc program. The combination of my undergraduate degree and MACc program helped me reach the 150 hours in 4 years!
Thank you for sharing your story!
Genevieve
Ruben Greenstein, CPA
1
Answer
Glencoe, Illinois
Updated
Ruben’s Answer
Hi Genevieve!,
This is a great question. My path to obtaining 150 credits involved 4 years in undergrad, where I earned 120 credits and then I went to a 1 year master program to earn 30 credits at a different school. Contrary to other people's answers, I think going to two different schools for undergrad and then grad school allowed me to meet really interesting people.
My undergrad school was super small and my grad school was a university within the Big 10. My grad year was my favorite year! Enjoy being a student for as long as possible!
This is a great question. My path to obtaining 150 credits involved 4 years in undergrad, where I earned 120 credits and then I went to a 1 year master program to earn 30 credits at a different school. Contrary to other people's answers, I think going to two different schools for undergrad and then grad school allowed me to meet really interesting people.
My undergrad school was super small and my grad school was a university within the Big 10. My grad year was my favorite year! Enjoy being a student for as long as possible!
Thank you!
Genevieve
Levi Ferguson
Accountant
9
Answers
Jacksonville, Florida
Updated
Levi’s Answer
Hey Genevieve, this is a great question! I would say most people start with getting their bachelor's degree then decide whether they would like to pursue the masters path or pick up another major to satisfy the 150 credit hours. Personally, I did not get my masters and decided to dual major in financial management as I felt accounting and financial management went hand in hand. Getting your masters is definitely more expensive (if applicable) but you will gain further knowledge in theory and concepts in accounting, which is very beneficial. The pros of not getting you masters and getting another major to fill up the 150 credit hours is more broad knowledge in another field and may be cheaper, but you may not obtain the narrow and precise knowledge in accounting that you may get with a master's degree. I knew friends who I took the CPA with who went the masters route and those who had two majors. Some examples of those who had two majors tended to go the IT route so they could leverage data tools with accounting. I don't think there is a more "correct" pathway to getting the 150 credit hours, but it may prove to be valuable to take classes that align to your goals!
Thank you Levi!
Genevieve
Nolan Z
CPA - M&A Advisory
10
Answers
Denver, Colorado
Updated
Nolan’s Answer
Hi Genevieve - great question!
There's many options and I recommend thinking about which classes/programs provide the most value for yourself.
Personally, I took additional classes within finance and a program in business analytics. My thought process was that a lot of the materials I would have gone through in a MAcc program would be covered in studying for the CPA exam. Obviously, this would be helpful with passing the exam; however, I felt a program in a different area helped to diversify my resume and allowed me to learn additional skills other CPAs may not have had. I found that the business analytics classes (data mining, data modelling etc.) have been extremely helpful in my career and will continue to be extremely important as the profession evolves in the digital age.
Good luck!
There's many options and I recommend thinking about which classes/programs provide the most value for yourself.
Personally, I took additional classes within finance and a program in business analytics. My thought process was that a lot of the materials I would have gone through in a MAcc program would be covered in studying for the CPA exam. Obviously, this would be helpful with passing the exam; however, I felt a program in a different area helped to diversify my resume and allowed me to learn additional skills other CPAs may not have had. I found that the business analytics classes (data mining, data modelling etc.) have been extremely helpful in my career and will continue to be extremely important as the profession evolves in the digital age.
Good luck!
Thank you!
Genevieve
Bright Komor
Nurse
260
Answers
Accra, Greater Accra Region, Ghana
Updated
Bright’s Answer
Hey this should do
To be eligible for the CPA exam, candidates must typically earn **150 credit hours**. This can be achieved through various paths:
### 1. **Bachelor’s + Master’s Degree**:
- **Path**: Some students complete a **4-year bachelor’s degree** (usually in accounting or a related field) and then pursue a **1-year master's degree** in accounting or a related subject to meet the 150-credit requirement.
- **Pros**:
- Provides in-depth specialization in accounting.
- Master's degree can make candidates more competitive in the job market.
- **Cons**:
- Time-consuming and expensive to complete both degrees.
- It can delay entry into the workforce.
### 2. **5-Year Bachelor's Program**:
- **Path**: Some schools offer a **5-year integrated program** where students earn both their bachelor’s degree and enough credits for the CPA exam in one extended program.
- **Pros**:
- Saves time compared to pursuing two separate degrees.
- Streamlined and more focused on accounting, leading directly to eligibility for the CPA exam.
- **Cons**:
- Longer duration of school compared to a traditional 4-year program.
- Can be intense with a heavier course load.
### Summary:
Both paths can be effective depending on your preferences. The **Bachelor’s + Master’s** route provides a more flexible approach but can be costly and time-consuming. The **5-year program** is efficient but may feel demanding. Both paths have their pros and cons, but the right one depends on individual goals and priorities.
To be eligible for the CPA exam, candidates must typically earn **150 credit hours**. This can be achieved through various paths:
### 1. **Bachelor’s + Master’s Degree**:
- **Path**: Some students complete a **4-year bachelor’s degree** (usually in accounting or a related field) and then pursue a **1-year master's degree** in accounting or a related subject to meet the 150-credit requirement.
- **Pros**:
- Provides in-depth specialization in accounting.
- Master's degree can make candidates more competitive in the job market.
- **Cons**:
- Time-consuming and expensive to complete both degrees.
- It can delay entry into the workforce.
### 2. **5-Year Bachelor's Program**:
- **Path**: Some schools offer a **5-year integrated program** where students earn both their bachelor’s degree and enough credits for the CPA exam in one extended program.
- **Pros**:
- Saves time compared to pursuing two separate degrees.
- Streamlined and more focused on accounting, leading directly to eligibility for the CPA exam.
- **Cons**:
- Longer duration of school compared to a traditional 4-year program.
- Can be intense with a heavier course load.
### Summary:
Both paths can be effective depending on your preferences. The **Bachelor’s + Master’s** route provides a more flexible approach but can be costly and time-consuming. The **5-year program** is efficient but may feel demanding. Both paths have their pros and cons, but the right one depends on individual goals and priorities.
Thank you!
Genevieve