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.

The SBA also offers a Post-Baccalaureate Accounting Certificate.

Accounting Option Requirements

[2007-08 bulletin year*]

A minimum of 36 business credits as follows:

  • ACTG 335 - Accounting Information Systems (4)
  • ACTG 360 - Management Accounting (4)
  • ACTG 381, 382 - Financial Accounting and Reporting (8)
  • ACTG 421 - Introduction to Taxation (4)
  • ACTG 430 - Governmental and Not-for-Profit Accounting (1)
  • ACTG 492 - Auditing Concepts and Practices (4)
  • ACTG 495 - Integrated Accounting Issues (4)
  • Two upper division accounting courses to be chosen from: ACTG 422, 460, 485, 490, 493.

Non-business credits as follows:

  • PHL 308 - Elementary Ethics or Phl - 309 Business Ethics,
  • PS 101 - United States Government,
  • PS 102 - United States Politics, and
  • Three or more credits in anthropology, psychology or sociology.

The printable version of this information includes a suggested sequence and identifies the terms these courses are usually offered.

*Links to requirements for other bulletin years are found on the Course Information page.