Additional Undergraduate Degree

[bnj123]

I'm contemplating getting a second undergraduate degree. I currently have a B.S. in Finance. I'm thinking of getting a B.S. in Accounting. It will cost roughly $7000 (that doesn't include books). Have any of you gotten a 2nd bachelors? If so, did it pay off? What are the potential drawbacks to having 2 undergrad instead of say a Masters?

I have the prereq's (besides taking the GMAT) to apply to the MBA program. I can't specialize in accounting unless I take 7 more classes (which completes the undergrad degree anyway).

[Deleted]

I have a double major, but not a second undergraduate degree. My impression is that there really isn't any added value to a second one. Same goes for a second master's.

If you need to take the classes anyway for your MBA program, I guess I would go ahead and file for the degree, but I wouldn't go out of my way for it.

And this isn't really my field, but my impression is that CPA is really the target to shoot for. What would you need to do to be eligible to sit for the exam? (I would do that - degree or no degree)

[mourningcloak]

I don't know that there would be any added value to getting a second undergrad degree. I would look into a MBA with a concentration in accounting and if accounting is the field you are going into, get that CPA! The MBA holds more for you than the undergrad accounting, though I don't know why you would be taking the same classes for an undergrad degree and a concentration for a Masters. That sounds odd. There are numerous types of certifications in the finance field, so if you aren't looking into CPA work look into the certifications needed in your part of the field or needed for promotions down the line.

[blackcard]

I think the CPA would be my target goal. They make good money and are always in demand.

[TheOtherMe]

Get enough credit hours to go for your CPA exam. IMO that should be your goal.

I think that change in qualifications on the number of credit hours necessary to take the exam was nationwide. Check with your state board of accounting for exact qualifications in your state.

[pammy831]

This is such a coincidence because I am contemplating this myself right now. I currently have a Bachelor of Science in Business/Finance. If I could go back and do it all over again, I would have just gotten the Bachelor of Science in Accounting. I went to my first college for 2 years and then had to transfer to another one due to moving. I'd had a bad experience in an Accounting class at my first school, so at the time I didn't want to do Accounting as my major at the second school. In retrospect, this was such a poor reason to not stick with Accounting. I really want to do a job in the Accounting field (such as AP/AR, payroll, etc.) rather than being like a financial advisor or something like that.

Anyway, from my asking around, the general consensus has been that getting a second Bachelors really wouldn't help me that much. I have spoken with the University of Phoenix, which is where I got my Bachelors from, and they said I could get a Master of Science in Accountancy with them even though I don't have my Bachelors in Accounting. One advantage to getting the Masters instead would be that it's fewer classes (11 or 12) than getting another Bachelors. One disadvantage is that the graduate courses cost a lot more than the undergraduate courses. I'm still not sure what I'm going to do yet lol. Have you made your decision?

[mizbear]

I would look at exactly what you want to do, what schools have your concentration available, what the costs are and if its available online- if that is something you are interested in. Look at financial aid also.

[flopsy]

from the managers i've talked to the second bachelors scores no points and leaves them wondering why you would bother instead of going for a higher degree.