Choosing Between a Dual Degree in Accounting & finance or Specializing in One Field

As I embark on my journey to enter the finance job market, I find myself weighing an important decision regarding my educational path. I am planning to take advantage of the military tuition assistance program – a fantastic benefit for service members seeking higher education – and I’m excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. However, my research has led me to a crossroads: should I pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in both Accounting and finance, or specialize in just one of these fields?

In exploring potential career paths, I have come across several professional credentials that pique my interest, including the Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), and Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designations. Ideally, I hope to obtain both the CPA and CFA as my career progresses.

This brings me back to the question of whether a dual degree in Accounting and Finance – which my prospective school, Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), offers – is indeed the best route. On the surface, it seems advantageous; acquiring knowledge in both fields could provide a broader understanding and more versatility in the job market. However, I have encountered mixed viewpoints regarding the effectiveness of a dual major compared to specializing in one discipline.

Are there any potential drawbacks to pursuing an Accounting & Finance degree? Would it be more advantageous to focus intensively on just Accounting or just Finance instead? Your insights and experiences would be invaluable as I make this critical decision.

I look forward to hearing any advice or perspectives you may have!