Harness your aptitude for math with a concentration in accounting
The Bachelor of Science in Business degree with the accounting option provides students with the breadth and depth of knowledge necessary to pursue career opportunities in accounting and financial analysis. Through this program, you will be prepared to pursue professional certifications as the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) credential, as well as graduate studies in accounting or other business fields.
Why accounting?
Accounting focuses on the development and interpretation of financial information critical to managerial decision-making. This option provides students with the skills and knowledge to pursue careers in business with an emphasis on the areas of financial and managerial accounting, systems and controls, auditing, and taxation.
A Limitless Career
With this degree, you can work in any industry, across a variety of roles. Pursue an accounting career in public accounting, industry, government, or the not-for-profit sector. Picture yourself as a/an:
- Accountant
- Account Executive
- Actuary
- Adjuster
- Analyst
- Auditor
- Bookkeeper
- Broker
- Business Manager
- Business Owner
- Commercial Banker
- Department Manager
- Financial Analyst
- Investment Counselor
- Lending Officer
- Operations Manager
- Payroll Specialist
- Purchasing Manager
- Securities Trader
- Tax Accountant
- Trust Officer
Core Coursework
Prescribed Courses
Students in the accounting option take the following courses, which require a grade of C or better:
- ACCTG 404: Managerial Accounting: Economic Perspective
- ACCTG 471: Intermediate Financial Accounting I
- ACCTG 472: Intermediate Financial Accounting II
Additional Courses
Students also select 0-3 credits of the following courses, which require a grade of C or better:
- ACCTG 403: Auditing
- ACCTG 405: Principles of Taxation I
Smeal Conditional Early Acceptance Program
Are you interested in partnering with the Penn State Smeal College of Business to pursue a master's degree in Accounting or Taxation?
Smeal's Conditional Early Acceptance (CEA) program is a two-year pathway to earning an accounting-related graduate degree immediately following your post-baccalaureate studies. The program does not require a deposit and is open to Penn State undergraduates who are currently in their junior year and are majoring in accounting at the University Park campus or at another Penn State campus.
