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I'm interested in Accounting or Finance, what science classes should I take?
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13 answers
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David’s Answer
Hi - I agree with the above answers. take classes that speak to you personally. Ultimately, the science class you choose doesn't matter as much as your ability to enjoy it and learn from it.
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Lia’s Answer
Hi Steve!
This is a great question! I wholeheartedly agree with the points above! I’d also recommend choosing classes that strengthen your quantitative reasoning—Physics is a fantastic option. Additionally, Environmental Science is highly relevant to finance and corporate reporting.
Wish you the best!
This is a great question! I wholeheartedly agree with the points above! I’d also recommend choosing classes that strengthen your quantitative reasoning—Physics is a fantastic option. Additionally, Environmental Science is highly relevant to finance and corporate reporting.
Wish you the best!
Kevin O'Brien, CFA, CAIA, CIPM
Senior Manager - Financial market and corporate performance analysis
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Denver, Colorado
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Kevin’s Answer
Hi Steve,
You will first want to look at your University's course catalog to determine which science courses are available for you within your accounting or finance major. In general, I think you may want to select the science course that most interests you as I think following your interests is likely the most sustainable route. With that said, if you aren't certain which subject may be most interesting, physics may be worth trying, given that there will be some overlap in the critical thinking and mathematics skills between physics, finance, and computer science (which is increasingly a basic skill for financial analysts and for some accountants).
You will first want to look at your University's course catalog to determine which science courses are available for you within your accounting or finance major. In general, I think you may want to select the science course that most interests you as I think following your interests is likely the most sustainable route. With that said, if you aren't certain which subject may be most interesting, physics may be worth trying, given that there will be some overlap in the critical thinking and mathematics skills between physics, finance, and computer science (which is increasingly a basic skill for financial analysts and for some accountants).
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Vania’s Answer
Hi there!
I recommend choosing a science class that excites you the most. Science classes can help you develop critical thinking skills, even if they're not directly linked to accounting or finance. They might be useful if you decide to work in a science-related company.
I chose biology because I loved it, even though my career didn't focus on science.
Wishing you the best of luck!
I recommend choosing a science class that excites you the most. Science classes can help you develop critical thinking skills, even if they're not directly linked to accounting or finance. They might be useful if you decide to work in a science-related company.
I chose biology because I loved it, even though my career didn't focus on science.
Wishing you the best of luck!
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Alexandra’s Answer
Hi Steve!
With so many classes laid out in front of me studying accounting and finance, I took the approach of finding a science lab that was available, met my general education requirements, and truly interested me -- I ended up taking a Weather and Science class. While it was out of my normal realm of study after high school biology, chemistry, physics type classes -- it was fascinating and allowed me to understand a bit more of something that we interact with everyday (also can pull out some fun trivia facts). I also looked to find a respected and engaging professor that made me excited to go to class!
However, if you have a more targeted field you are looking to pursue within the accounting and finance industries (Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) for example), it may benefit you to take a more targeted class that relates to those fields/industries - environmental science, sustainability, pharmaceuticals may be some examples of areas that may interest you that may encourage you to take more than just the required science classes to round out your understanding of the area of study.
Hope this helps!
With so many classes laid out in front of me studying accounting and finance, I took the approach of finding a science lab that was available, met my general education requirements, and truly interested me -- I ended up taking a Weather and Science class. While it was out of my normal realm of study after high school biology, chemistry, physics type classes -- it was fascinating and allowed me to understand a bit more of something that we interact with everyday (also can pull out some fun trivia facts). I also looked to find a respected and engaging professor that made me excited to go to class!
However, if you have a more targeted field you are looking to pursue within the accounting and finance industries (Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) for example), it may benefit you to take a more targeted class that relates to those fields/industries - environmental science, sustainability, pharmaceuticals may be some examples of areas that may interest you that may encourage you to take more than just the required science classes to round out your understanding of the area of study.
Hope this helps!
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Tian’s Answer
Hi Steve,
Absolutely agree with the previous answers in finding something that interests you.
As someone who works in Finance, a good understanding of data and the ability to identify trends and discern good data from bad are becoming increasingly important. Statistics or something in Data/Computer Science would be very relevant and useful.
Computer science is also a very practical option. Being a master coder may not be the goal, but understanding how systems and automation work is a great skill. Basic Excel logic can be a great advantage in itself.
While maybe not the first things we think of when we hear the word science, those would develop great skills to develop or course to take, if offered.
Absolutely agree with the previous answers in finding something that interests you.
As someone who works in Finance, a good understanding of data and the ability to identify trends and discern good data from bad are becoming increasingly important. Statistics or something in Data/Computer Science would be very relevant and useful.
Computer science is also a very practical option. Being a master coder may not be the goal, but understanding how systems and automation work is a great skill. Basic Excel logic can be a great advantage in itself.
While maybe not the first things we think of when we hear the word science, those would develop great skills to develop or course to take, if offered.
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Vicky’s Answer
Hello there,
Sciences help you critical thinking. Finance and Accounting also need critical thinking. I would suggest that you take a science class that foster and reinforce that skill set. Otherwise, take the time to learn and enjoy your classes.
Best of luck to you.
Sciences help you critical thinking. Finance and Accounting also need critical thinking. I would suggest that you take a science class that foster and reinforce that skill set. Otherwise, take the time to learn and enjoy your classes.
Best of luck to you.
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Sarah’s Answer
Hi Steve,
It's exciting that you're already thinking about your career and planning your courses accordingly.
In my experience, someone working in accounting or finance won't incorporate specific science knowledge in their day to day work, but they will use some general science principles (e.g. experimentation, scientific method).
I would recommend studying whichever type of science is the most interesting to you! Especially if there is a course taught by a passionate teacher which could keep you engaged.
Best of luck!
It's exciting that you're already thinking about your career and planning your courses accordingly.
In my experience, someone working in accounting or finance won't incorporate specific science knowledge in their day to day work, but they will use some general science principles (e.g. experimentation, scientific method).
I would recommend studying whichever type of science is the most interesting to you! Especially if there is a course taught by a passionate teacher which could keep you engaged.
Best of luck!
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Martin’s Answer
Hi Steve,
It’s great you are thinking ahead and trying to plan for a successful career.
I believe it would be best to take classes that suit your passion as well as strengthen your work skills. I started in foreign trade, and I work in finance and accounting so it was not until later that I incorporated the knowledge I needed to pursue my current path. I do suggest you study and consequently have some knowledge on AI so computer since could be a great class.
Best of luck !
It’s great you are thinking ahead and trying to plan for a successful career.
I believe it would be best to take classes that suit your passion as well as strengthen your work skills. I started in foreign trade, and I work in finance and accounting so it was not until later that I incorporated the knowledge I needed to pursue my current path. I do suggest you study and consequently have some knowledge on AI so computer since could be a great class.
Best of luck !
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Steven’s Answer
Hi Steve, taking some math classes (through calculus in high school) would be a great starting point for a career in finance and accounting. They'll give you some foundational knowledge to pursue relevant college classes and set you up to deal with structure, organization and challenges that arise in those careers.
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Svitlana’s Answer
Hi! I think the answers above are great. Pick the topic that interests you the most and has a teacher you like (ask others who have taken the class for their thoughts). Once you've decided, really get into the subject and try to learn it well. Connect with your teacher and have fun with it. Good luck!
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Kimberly’s Answer
Take science according to your interests and your school's requirements. There isn't typically a certain science required especially for accounting careers.
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Andy’s Answer
Hello- I would suggest you choose a science class that interests you. If you would like to work in the science industry in an in-house accounting/finance role, you can also explore science topics there.
Best of luck to you!
Best of luck to you!