For those considering a career change, the fear of instability makes certain careers stand out by a mile for their continual security and long-term relevance. That's why accounting attracts professionals from a wide range of backgrounds for its clear growth opportunities and stable career paths.
Chances are, a degree in communications, English, political science, or another non-financial field may have once felt like the right choice for your career. However, your focus might now be shifting towards a role in a financial field to enhance your career advancement potential, while making a meaningful impact in organizations.
If that sounds familiar, accounting deserves a closer look. The field is ever-expanding, it has a surprisingly people-oriented nature, and yes, those without an undergraduate accounting degree can still pursue a career in the field with the right graduate-level education and training.
Accounting is more than a technical profession focused on calculations and compliance. Tracking the flow of money, preparing and analyzing financial information to offer the right strategies, is foundational to the success of organizations. From Fortune 500 companies to local nonprofits, every institution relies on accounting professionals for accuracy, insight, and accountability.
Professionally, an accounting career path offers more than job security. Accounting positions are increasingly relevant across industries and possess long-term growth potential. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for accountants and auditors is projected to remain strong, driven by globalization, evolving regulations, and increased scrutiny on organizational transparency.
Many believe that AI or automation could replace the role of accountants in the workplace. But while technology can accelerate certain functions like data entry or basic reconciliation, it cannot replace human reasoning. Accountants are increasingly sought after to prepare and interpret financial and tax data, audit financial statements, anticipate risks, and advise decision-makers. Accountants constitute the majority of Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) in major organizations, compared to other professionals. The future of accounting depends not just on accuracy, but also on human discernment.
Even if your bachelor’s degree isn’t in accounting, there are alternative pathways into the field. What matters most is your commitment to developing the right skill set, gaining relevant experience, and pursuing the appropriate education and certification.
Becoming an accountant is challenging, but not out of reach. You’ll need to invest time in building your accounting skills, understanding regulatory frameworks, and practicing applied financial analysis. But your undergraduate background—especially if it developed your communication, analytical, or organizational skills—could be an invaluable asset.
In fact, individuals from non-accounting majors often bring a unique perspective to the field. They are often better equipped to connect financial decision-making with larger organizational goals or to consider how business decisions affect real people. With the right educational support, you can enter the accounting profession with a strong foundation.
Accountants today are not simply number crunchers. They are decision-makers, strategic thinkers, and prominent players in the organizations they serve. To succeed as an accountant, you’ll need to demonstrate these skills:
If your undergraduate studies or previous career emphasized research, logic, or structured analysis, you may already have a head start in several of these areas. You can develop these skills through practice in the field or by pursuing additional coursework or education.
Practical experience is a key component of preparing for a career in accounting. Even if you’re not ready to pursue a graduate degree just yet, you can begin building your resume through roles like a financial clerk or assistant in a corporate accounting department, a bookkeeper at a small business, or a budget coordinator at a nonprofit. Resources like Accounting+ can connect you to internships and other opportunities to widen your experience.
Real-world exposure to accounting roles can help you understand how financial systems function within organizations while giving you direct experience with accounting practices and tools.
For individuals without an undergraduate degree in accounting, pursuing a graduate program is the most effective way to bridge the gap. A master’s degree in accounting provides structured learning in core topics like financial reporting, auditing, taxation, and ethics. Most programs also prepare students to meet the academic requirements for Certified Public Accounting (CPA) licensure in most states.
What can you do with an accounting degree? Graduate education opens the field of accounting degree opportunities. You could work in:
When evaluating graduate programs, consider a curriculum that aligns with CPA requirements, faculty that bring both academic and industry expertise, and programs that support flexible learning formats.
The University of Dallas, for example, offers an MS in Accounting program designed specifically for individuals seeking a professional and ethical foundation in accounting. The program welcomes students from all academic backgrounds and prepares them to sit for the CPA exam while emphasizing value-driven decision-making that the industry needs.
Discover more about the master’s in accounting program at UDallas.
To expand your career opportunities, consider certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). The CPA license is the gold standard in accounting. It opens doors to higher-paying jobs, more autonomy, and leadership roles.
If you’re drawn to more specialized areas in accounting, you could consider additional certifications such as the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA). Each of these credentials can open doors in niche areas of finance and business strategy.
Although exact CPA requirements vary by state, most jurisdictions follow a similar structure:
Many master’s programs, including the UDallas MS in Accounting, are designed to help you meet these standards to become a CPA without an undergrad degree in accounting.
The future of business is human, and the work of accountants plays a vital role in shaping that future. When financial professionals lead with integrity and purpose, they not only support their organizations but also help ensure accountability and long-term value.
The University of Dallas offers an MS in Accounting degree designed for individuals who bring intellectual curiosity, a strong moral compass, and the drive to make a difference. Whether you’re changing careers or deepening your skill set, this program will equip you to excel in the accounting profession.
Learn more about the University of Dallas Master of Science in Accounting and take your next step with purpose with our free resource, Cultivating Ethical Leadership in Business: A Guide to the UDallas College of Business.