AICPA Calls for Accounting to be Recognized as STEM Education Sector

AICPA Advocates for Accounting as a STEM Discipline

A recent survey conducted by The Harris Poll for the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) has uncovered an overwhelming sentiment among Americans regarding the accounting field. Three-quarters of respondents believe that accounting education should be recognized as a component of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) curricula. This initiative is not merely a title change but aims to highlight the evolving nature of accounting in today’s technology-driven world.

Legislative Push for Accounting as STEM

The AICPA has taken proactive steps by advocating for the Accounting STEM Pursuit Act, which aims to secure federal K-12 education funding specifically for accounting programs that cater to diverse backgrounds. By adopting STEM designations, schools can access financial resources that would facilitate teaching essential accounting skills to students from various demographics.

The proposal stresses that the integration of accounting into the STEM framework could open pathways for students and help cultivate a workforce that accurately represents the communities it serves. With over half of younger adults (54% of those aged 18-34 and 59% of those aged 35-44) indicating that they would consider an accounting education if it were classified as part of STEM, the relevance of this initiative is straightforward.

The Economic Argument

In the context of earning potential, STEM careers typically offer salary advantages. The average compensation for STEM professionals hovers around $100,900, compared to a comparatively lower average of $55,260 in non-STEM fields. This enhanced financial outlook is pivotal in convincing students and their families to embrace careers in accounting.

As of now, there are 56 accounting programs officially recognized under government STEM classification, enabling educational institutions to widen their recruitment horizons and attract talented individuals into the profession. AICPA President and CEO Mark Koziel emphasized that accounting's role has fundamentally transformed, necessitating a more integrated approach with technology.

"The evolution of accounting extends beyond the use of advanced technologies; it encompasses the ability to innovate and support clients in improved decision-making and service enhancement," explained Koziel. By reinforcing the connection between accounting and technology through STEM legislation, the profession could attract a more diverse pool of applicants and nurture a generation of capable accounting professionals equipped for the modern era.

Urging Policy Makers for Support

Koziel further urged Congress members to endorse legislation that would facilitate greater access to accounting education for students, thereby ensuring that the accounting field mirrors the diversity found in the broader society. Evidence from the survey reinforcing public opinion posits that a designation as a STEM field would notably enhance the visibility and attractiveness of accounting to the youth.

Survey Methodology Insights

The survey executed by The Harris Poll spanned from August 21 to 25, 2025, involving 2,087 U.S. adults aged 18 and older. With a calculated sampling precision allowing for a margin of error of +/- 2.5 percentage points at a 95% confidence level, the methodology assures that findings accurately represent national sentiment.

About AICPA

The American Institute of CPAs has held a prominent role in the accounting landscape since its establishment in 1887. Representing 397,000 members, it stands as the largest member association dedicated to the CPA profession. The AICPA not only sets ethical standards but also assists in the continual education of accounting professionals, all while championing the public's interest. By supporting initiatives like the STEM designation for accounting education, AICPA continues to define the future of the accounting profession in a rapidly advancing technological world.

In conclusion, the conversation surrounding the recognition of accounting as a STEM discipline is gaining traction. With robust public support and legislative advocates behind it, this movement has the potential to redefine the image of careers in accounting and its future landscape.