Globalization: 150-Credit Hour Impact

The accounting world is widely known amongst college students for its grueling workload and demanding requirements. Specifically within a school of business, those pursuing a degree in accounting are given the ability to understand the depths and details within the financial realm of a company. However, after dedicating an excessive amount of time to their studies and continuously striving to meet the high demands of professors, is it beneficial to add a 150-hour credit requirement to the mix?
A certified public accountant (CPA) in today's business environment must not only have a high level of technical ability and a sense of dedication to their position, but must also have good communications and analytical skills. Employers are looking for individuals who have the ability to analyze and evaluate complex business problems, as well as the interpersonal skills and morals to make decisions in a client- and customer-service environment. Due to these necessary requirements, many states have already taken action towards preparing undergraduate students for the task. Included in these actions is the 150-hour credit requirement.
During the past 10 years, a number of states have established 150-hour CPA licensing requirements. Currently, over 40 states have adopted the rule and by doing so, they have left undergraduate students with limited options in regards to obtaining these hours. Many colleges and universities offer both bachelor's and master's degree programs in accounting, however, to obtain a total of 150 semester hours of education, it will no longer be enough for undergraduate students with only a four-year degree to receive their CPA certification. Due to this, student's pursuing an accounting degree must now look past the common bachelor degree program offered, and consider continuing their education with either a master's degree or an integrated five-year professional accounting school.
In most cases, it is believed that an additional academic workload is needed to acquire the appropriate skills necessary for today's CPAs. Although not financially available to all, many feel these requirements are best obtained at the graduate level., However, this level of higher education may not be realistic for majority of accounting students, and will therefore cause a financial boundary for many pursuing the accounting profession. Therefore, students are forced to question if the 150-credit requirement is worth the extra educational expenses in the long run.