A bachelor's degree program in accounting explores concepts in financial management, income tax planning and auditing. Graduates may find employment as corporate, government or public accountants.

 

A bachelor's degree in accounting may be offered as a Bachelor of Accounting or a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy. An undergraduate accounting program is designed for students with strong analytical skills, who are detail-oriented and enjoy working with numbers. Within the program, students learn to analyze financial information, audit information, maintain records and scrutinize budgets. Course topics may include fraud investigations, cost management, accounting ethics and financial management. Students are generally required to have a high school diploma in order to be admitted into an undergraduate accounting program.

Course Topics

General education courses, such as speech, logic, macroeconomics and communication, provide students with a solid liberal arts foundation. Core coursework delves into marketing, business law, financial management and statistics. Students receive technical training in spreadsheets and databases. Sample courses that students may encounter include:

  • Financial accounting
  • Management principles
  • Cost management
  • Income taxation
  • Fraud examination
  • Accounting theory
  • Accounting systems and controls

Popular Career Options

A Bachelor of Accounting can prepare students for employment in non-profit organizations or government agencies, such as the FBI or IRS. Graduates may become self-employed accountants or work in an accounting firm. Graduates are qualified to work as:

  • Public accountants
  • Forensic accountants
  • Tax examiners
  • Internal auditors
  • Government accountants

Continuing Education Information

Students seeking further training in auditing and taxation may consider a Master of Accounting. A Master of Accounting program is an intensive program designed to enhance a students' knowledge of accounting information systems, financial reporting, cost accounting and tax reporting. Graduates may be prepared to take the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , accountants working with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission are required to be CPAs. In order to become a CPA, students must complete the 4-part CPA exam offered through the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.