Several weeks ago we reported that the accounting profession appears to be weathering the recession better than other positions. It’s no wonder then that a recent AICPA report found the number of students in 2007 and 2008 who received both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting increased by 3.5% over the previous year.

Of the increase, Jeannie Patton, AICPA Vice President said, “The historic growth of accounting degrees is especially significant now because it coincides with the CPA profession’s programs and efforts to attract young talent,”. There has been so much interest in fact, that the report found that there isn’t enough room for all of those that are interested. The AACSB reported having had to turn away an average of 56 qualified candidates, with the largest shortages of classroom space in the Pacific region.

While finding work upon graduation has been difficult, the placement of those who do find work continues to be dominated by public practice firms. 35% of Bachelor’s degree recipients and 74% of those with their Master’s degree, select public accounting as their first position out of school, followed by Business and Industry.

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To view the 2009 Trends Report, click here.

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