Undergraduate Major: Accounting
Accounting can be described as "the language of business." Students who wish to join the accounting profession must be fluent in this language and have the knowledge and creativity to apply this information to make good business decisions.
Accounting is not just about debits and credits anymore. While accountants still analyze individuals' and companies' financial reports and prepare tax returns, they also are decision-makers and problem solvers. For example, today's accountants design information systems that produce information relevant to users, delve into the accounting literature of professional pronouncements and government regulations to identify the ways to disclose certain types of information to the financial markets, or become an advocate for clients in disputes before the Internal Revenue Service.
Success as an accountant requires a strong mathematical background and good communication skills.
Earning an undergraduate degree in accounting is only the first step toward joining the profession. For many graduates the second step is passing one of the professional examinations in order to become a Certified Public Accountant, a Certified Managerial Accountant, or a Certified Internal Auditor. Regardless of whether you choose to sit for a professional examination, focusing on accounting as an undergraduate will enhance your abilities to understand and manage organizations.
Please see our Accounting Advising Guide (PDF) for helpful information.
Accounting Option Requirements
Non-business requirements as follows:
- Political Science (PS) 101 - United States Government (4)
- Political Science (PS) 102 - United States Politics (4)
- Philosophy (PHL) 308 - Elementary Ethics (4) or (PHL) 309 - Business Ethics (4)
- 3-4 credits in Anthropology (ANTH), Psychology (PSY) , or Sociology (SOC)
A minimum of 36 credits as follows.
- Accounting (ACTG) 335 - Accounting Information Systems (4)
- Accounting (ACTG) 360 - Management Accounting (4)
- Accounting (ACTG) 381, 382, 383 - Financial Accounting and Reporting (12)
- (ACTG) 281: Accounting Mechanics "Debits & Credits" is not required, but highly recommended before taking ACTG 381)
- Accounting (ACTG) 421 - Introduction to Taxation (4)
- Accounting (ACTG) 430 - Governmental and Not-for-Profit Accounting (1)
- Accounting (ACTG) 492 - Auditing Concepts and Practices (4)
- Accounting (ACTG) 495 - Integrated Accounting Issues (4)
- 1 upper-division accounting course to be chosen from Accounting (ACTG) 422, 460, 485, 490, 493.
- Students planning to take the CPA exam should take all of the following electives: ACTG 422, 485, 490, 493.
The printable (PDF) version of this information includes prerequisites, a suggested sequence, and identifies the terms these courses are usually offered.
The SBA offers a Master’s Degree in Financial Analysis
The Master of Science in Financial Analysis (MSFA) degree is an accelerated graduate business program that integrates coursework in finance and accounting. This unique dual-focused program quickly prepares students to pursue a variety of advanced career paths, including public accounting, investment management, andcorporate financial management. MSFA coursework is ideally suited for those interested in management-track careers in finance and accounting, with many graduates ultimately seeking CFO and partnership positions in their organizations.
Students with a bachelor’s degree in accounting will have the prerequisites required for admission to the program, and can earn a Master of Science in Financial Analysis degree in as little as twelve months. Completing this program will allow you to earn the number of credits required for the CPA exam.
