Accounting
In today鈥檚 fast-paced economy, accountants are critical in guiding organizations through complex financial landscapes. With advancements in technology, automation, and data analytics, Accounting has evolved into a dynamic field that provides real-time insights, helping businesses manage risk, allocate resources effectively, and remain compliant with regulatory standards.
Why Study Accounting at the Palumbo-Donahue School of Business?
Our Accounting major prepares you for successful careers in corporate, government, nonprofit, and public accounting. Beyond technical knowledge, we emphasize critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and professional communication.
Discover 91制片厂鈥檚 Distinctive Educational Experience
As an Accounting major, you will learn analytical and problem-solving skills, communicate financial information to stakeholders, work within interdisciplinary teams, and take on ethical and professional responsibility. The School prides itself on offering more than just a top-tier education; as a 91制片厂 student, you will have access to:
- State-of-the-Art Technology: Accounting majors have access to Oracle NetSuite, AI MindBridge, and other industry-standard accounting and financial software.
- Networking: Participate in our annual Accounting Connect networking event, where you meet face-to-face with hiring managers from top firms for internship and job placement.
- Industry Engagement: Interact with professionals through speaker series, competitions, conferences, case studies, and corporate visits.
- Beyond the Classroom: Join and the . These student-led organizations host guest speakers, networking events, and career workshops.
- Accounting Mentoring Program: Our professional mentors help you set goals, build networks, and gain valuable insight into career paths, certifications, and employer expectations. With 100% of participants recommending the program, it鈥檚 a proven launchpad for internships, graduate school, and full-time roles in the field. Ask your Student Success Coach for details.
- IIA-Endorsed Program: The Palumbo-Donahue School of Business is endorsed by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). We are one of two IIA-endorsed accounting programs in Pennsylvania and one of only 58 worldwide.
B.S.B.A.-to-M.S. in Accountancy (MAcc)
The B.S.B.A.-to-MAcc program is our accelerated pathway to CPA licensure while earning a MAcc degree. Perks include:
- Paid Co-Op Experience: Spring semester in your senior year
- One year of graduate work: Earn your B.S.B.A. and MAcc degrees in only 5 years (while only paying 4.5 years of tuition)
- CPA Licensure: Upon completion of the B.S.B.A to MAcc program, you will have completed 150-credit-hours,
allowing you to sit for the CPA exam faster.
Program Information
IIA-endorsed Accounting program that prepares undergraduates for a successful career. The program helps students to become experts in data analysis, strategic thinking, and forecasting.
Program Type
Major, Minor
Degree
Bachelor's
Duration
8 Semesters
Required Credit Hours
Minimum of 120
Modality
In-Person
From Our Alumni & Students
I'm grateful to my professors for believing in my potential. Thanks to their support and guidance, I co-authored several published academic papers, completed four internships, and received multiple job offers.鈥�
It wasn't a regular lecture...He always says that reading is fundamental and that's what made me love accounting. You need a mindset to want to read formats and formulas and learn step-by-step.鈥�
The accounting class I took in high school helped me understand that accounting is the backbone of all business decisions.鈥�
Career Opportunities
Invest in Your Future
Graduates with an accounting degree pursue careers in public accounting at top firms or Fortune 500 companies. Many also find rewarding careers in the nonprofit sector and government agencies.
Accounting Majors Employment
Recent 91制片厂 Accounting graduates have found positions in a variety of major corporations, including:
- Alcoa
- Amazon
- BDO
- BNY
- Deloitte
- EY
- Grossman Yanek & Ford LLP
- KPMG
- PNC
- PwC
- Schneider Downs
- UPMC
Scholarships and Awards
Each year, merit-based scholarships are awarded to enrolled Accounting students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance, leadership, and a commitment to community service. Thanks to the generous support of alumni, top accounting firms, major corporations, and professional organizations, the School distributes over $65,000 annually in scholarships.
Accounting as a Second Major or Minor
Combining Accounting as a double major or minor with another business major gives students a competitive advantage in the job market.
Expected Job Growth
According to the , the employment of accountants and auditors is projected to grow by 6% from 2023 to 2033. Many of our Accounting majors secure job offers by the first semester of their final year, with nearly all having positions lined up by graduation.
Curriculum
- Bridges Requirements: 19 credits of University-wide courses taken by all students
- Business Core Required Courses: 51 credits plus 3 additional credits of required courses taken by business students
- Accounting Major Required Courses: 24 credits
- Major Specific Electives: 3 credits
- Open Electives: 20 credits
- Graduation Requirements: Students must earn a minimum overall 2.0 GPA.
Students who complete our undergraduate program can enroll in the M.S. in Accountancy to earn the additional 30 credits needed to reach the 150 credits required to sit for the CPA exam.
Students are encouraged to meet with their Student Success Coach for more information.
- ACCT 310鈥擜ccounting Information Systems
- ACCT 311鈥擨ntermediate Financial Accounting I
- ACCT 312鈥擨ntermediate Financial Accounting II
- ACCT 315鈥擣inancial Planning & Cost Management
- ACCT 410鈥擜dvanced Accounting
- ACCT 411鈥擜uditing
- ACCT 412鈥擨ntro to Income Tax Accounting
- ACCT 414鈥擟orporate and Partnership Tax Accounting
Accounting majors need 3 elective credits.
- ACCT 416鈥擜ccounting Co-op (0 credits)
- BUAD 401鈥擝usiness Administration Internship (1-6 credits)
- BLAW 354鈥擟ommercial Transactions (3 credits)*
- BLAW 355W鈥擫aw of Business Organizations (3 credits)
- FINC 333鈥擣inancial Management (3 credits)
- FINC 334鈥擨nvestments (3 credits)
- ISYS 381鈥擲ystems Analysis and Design (3 credits)
- MKTG 372鈥擡motional Intelligence (3 credits)
* Students taking the CPA exam are strongly encouraged to take BLAW 354 as an elective.
(3 credits ea.)
- ACCT 214鈥擣inancial Accounting (from the Business Core)
- ACCT 215鈥擬anagerial Accounting (from the Business Core)
- ACCT 310鈥擜ccounting Information Systems or ACCT 315鈥擟ost Management
- ACCT 311鈥擨ntermediate Financial Accounting I
- ACCT 312鈥擨ntermediate Financial Accounting II
- ACCT 410鈥擜dvanced Financial Accounting