How to become a CPA without a degree in accounting?

All states require that a CPA has at least a bachelor's degree, and they must be licensed to provide services in the state they are working in. While an accounting degree is not required in those states, there are additional requirements, including:

• Alaska: Allows CPAs to have less than 15 credit hours of accounting courses as long as they have at least one year of professional experience

• Georgia: Expects CPAs to have at least 18 credit hours of upper-level accounting classes and 20 accounting credit hours total

• Hawaii: Requires CPAs to complete 18 credit hours of university-level coursework

• Maine: Has one of the smallest coursework requirements at only 15 credit hours

• Massachusetts: Requires 21 credit hours of accounting courses and has specific guidelines about which classes qualify