For many, the dream of becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) represents a gateway to a lucrative and respected career in accounting. However, for non-accounting majors—those with degrees in fields like psychology, engineering, or marketing—the path to CPA licensure can seem daunting. The CPA credential requires a minimum of 150 semester hours of college education, including specific accounting and business coursework, which often exceeds a standard bachelor’s degree. For non-accounting majors, bridging this coursework gap is a critical step toward eligibility, and with the right strategy, it’s an achievable goal. This article explores the challenges faced by non-accounting majors, offers practical solutions to meet the educational requirements, and highlights how diverse backgrounds can enhance a CPA career.

The Coursework Challenge for Non-Accounting Majors

To qualify for the CPA Exam, candidates must meet their state’s educational requirements, which typically include 24–36 semester hours of accounting courses (e.g., auditing, taxation, financial accounting) and 24–39 hours of business-related subjects (e.g., economics, management). For accounting majors, these credits are often built into their undergraduate curriculum. However, non-accounting majors start with a significant disadvantage, as their degrees may include few, if any, of these required courses.

Take Kara W., a recent graduate with a bachelor’s in psychology, as an example. Her 120-hour degree included courses in behavioral science and statistics, but none in accounting principles or business law—leaving her 30 hours short of the accounting requirement and 24 hours short of business credits for her state, California. Similarly, Nick B., an engineer with a 128-hour degree, found that his technical coursework didn’t align with the upper-level accounting classes mandated by Texas, which requires 30 hours of advanced accounting study. This gap forces non-accounting majors to pursue additional education, adding both time and cost to their journey.

The variability across states further complicates the process. While California demands 24 accounting hours and a 10-hour ethics course, New York may accept certain professional credentials but still requires a transcript evaluation. For non-accounting majors, misunderstanding these nuances can lead to taking irrelevant courses, delaying their eligibility. This is why we highly recommend taking advantage of our complimentary transcript evaluation service.

Strategies to Bridge the Coursework Gap

Fortunately, non-accounting majors have several pathways to bridge the coursework gap and meet CPA requirements. The key is to identify transferable credits, pursue targeted education, and plan strategically.

  1. Assess and Leverage Existing Credits: The first step is to evaluate your current transcript with a CPA advisor or through a service like NASBA’s Accounting Education Evaluation. Courses in statistics, finance, or economics from a non-accounting degree might count toward business hours, reducing the additional coursework needed. For instance, Kara’s statistics class was credited as 3 business hours, narrowing her gap slightly.
  2. Enroll in Post-Baccalaureate Programs: Many universities offer post-baccalaureate certificates or accelerated accounting programs designed for non-majors. These programs, often 15–30 credits, focus on CPA-specific courses like intermediate accounting and cost management. Schools like the University of Phoenix or Southern New Hampshire University provide online options, ideal for working professionals, with tuition ranging from $300–$600 per credit.
  3. Community College or Online Courses: For a more affordable route, community colleges offer individual accounting courses at $100–$200 per credit.
  4. Master’s Degree with a CPA Track: A master’s in accounting (MAc) or MBA with an accounting concentration can fulfill the 150-hour requirement while adding advanced credentials. These programs, lasting 12–18 months, often cost $20,000–$40,000 but may include CPA review courses. For non-accountants, this path offers a structured way to gain both credits and exam preparation, though it requires a larger upfront investment.
  5. State-Specific Planning: Research your state’s board of accountancy website for exact requirements. California’s additional ethics course or Texas’ in-person mandate might necessitate specific classes, so non-majors should prioritize accredited institutions that align with these rules. Using NASBA’s “This Way to CPA” tool can streamline this process.
  6. CPA Credits: The most convenient and affordable option is CPA Credits, which partners with regionally accredited universities to offer self-paced courses monthly, at just $675 for a three credit course.

Overcoming Financial and Time Barriers

Bridging the coursework gap comes with financial and time costs, but there are ways to mitigate them. The extra 30–50 credits needed can cost $5,000–$20,000, depending on the path chosen. Scholarships for career changers, such as those offered by the AICPA or state societies, can offset expenses—some provide $1,000–$5,000 awards. Employer tuition reimbursement, available to 56% of employees per a 2024 SHRM survey, is another option, especially for those already in business-related roles.

Time is a bigger hurdle for non-accounting majors juggling work or family. Accelerated online programs or part-time community college schedules can help, with some students completing credits in 1–2 years. Nick, for instance, balanced his engineering job with evening classes, finishing his accounting credits in 18 months. The key is to start early, mapping out a plan with an academic advisor to avoid redundant coursework.

The Unique Value of Non-Accounting Majors as CPAs

While the coursework gap poses challenges, non-accounting majors bring unique strengths to the CPA profession. A psychology major like Kara might excel in client communication or forensic accounting, where understanding human behavior is key. An engineer like Nick could leverage analytical skills for data-driven auditing or cost analysis. The CPA Evolution initiative, updated in 2024, emphasizes technology and data analytics, aligning with the technical expertise of non-traditional majors.

Employers increasingly value this diversity. A 2023 survey by the Journal of Accountancy found that 62% of hiring managers prefer candidates with interdisciplinary backgrounds for roles requiring innovation, such as sustainability assurance—a field where 75% of global companies sought audit firm support in 2023, per the IFAC. Non-accounting majors who become CPAs can stand out by blending their original expertise with accounting knowledge, creating a niche in a competitive field.

Success Stories and Final Thoughts

Real-world examples inspire confidence. Take Priya M., a former marketing major who completed 24 credits accounting credits with CPA Credits and passed the CPA Exam in 2024. She now works as a tax consultant, using her marketing skills to attract clients, and credits her diverse background for her success. Such stories underscore that the coursework gap, while challenging, is navigable with determination.

For non-accounting majors, earning a CPA is worth it if you’re committed to the field and willing to invest in bridging the gap. The credential offers higher salaries—CPAs earn 10–15% more than non-certified accountants, per NASBA—and career mobility, from public accounting to corporate leadership. However, it requires careful planning to manage costs and time. Resources like state board websites, NASBA’s tools, and online forums can guide the journey.

As the accounting profession evolves with AI and global demands, non-accounting majors who bridge the coursework gap can turn their diverse perspectives into a powerful asset. The path is not easy, but with the right strategy, it’s a bridge worth crossing.