Future job

I am a student attending Baruch College in NYC and am a little confused on choosing between the two below. I would appreciate any insight from those who are experienced or know of those who are experienced to help me visualize the reality and possibilities of each. How do they compare? I realize that accounting is in high demand in the following years and will most likely continue to be because everyone needs to spend some time with uncle Sam. However, I would appreciate to read upon your thoughts. Also what would the salary be with a masters degree in either? Also it's go hard or go home, I am terrible at math but I will dedicate 5-8hours of studying a day if it means to get into Columbia to pursue a masters finance.

1) Accounting major and masters in either accounting or taxation (CPA after, Big 4 recruit at my school)

OR

2) Math major and a masters in finance or financial risk management

Thank you

14 Comments
 
Best Response

Meh, that's not a terrible grade but honestly just do accounting. From your starting point, it'll require way less study time which can free you up to learn about your true loves of entrepreneurship / RE. Also, many facets of the acct curriculum will directly relate to these same goals. I don't even think you should consider math. You really have to love it in order to do well.

Oh, and stay as far away from tax as you can. It's completely different from all other parts of accounting. It may help you with real estate a bit but you can just pick that up on your own. You may also consider knocking out the 150 credit requirement for the CPA in undergrad by double majoring, rather than going back for a masters.

 

So Im a bachelors student in mathematical finance and the math you will do is very different from the math you've seen. A math major in finance will typically consist of topics beyond Multivariate Calc and Differential Equations. You will venture into Stochastic Calculus, Analysis, Probability Theory, Discrete and Continuous time stochastic processes. And if you are not good at math, even if you study 20 hours in a day you will not be able to do the math required as a math major in finance. I understand hard work is very important but there is a limit to what hard work can do.

 

My school offers math in concentration towards finance for students who desire to apply it later. The following is what they recommend for students aiming to pursue finance after.

MTH 4110 Ordinary Differential Equations 3 credits MTH 4120 Introduction to Probability 4 credits MTH 4125 Stochastic Process 3 credits MTH 4135 Methods of Monte Carlo Simulation 3 credits MTH 4500 Introduction to Financial Mathematics 4 credits

I take it you are hinting me towards accounting would you still after seeing these classes? I would also like to know what are your expectations upon your graduation in regards to job type, availability, and pay?

 

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