Accounting

Why Major in Accounting?

Interested in a career in a profession respected for integrity and ethics where you routinely face new challenges, engage in life-long learning, work in dynamic teams, and have in demand skills? Consider accounting!

The accounting profession is in an exciting time of evolution with automation, data analytics, remote work, as well as the "usual" changes in financial reporting and tax regulations. 

It is no longer true that accountants sit in the back room working by themselves.  Accountants fill key roles on teams as business partners and financial experts in consulting, professional services, public accounting, companies of all sizes, startups, nonprofit organizations and all levels of government. 

A Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Accounting from LeBow empowers you with a solid foundation in accounting and tax principles, analysis and communication skills, and the ability to collaborate to solve complex issues. 

Many students enrolling in the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) degree with a major in Accounting are interested in becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA).

Licensing for the CMA certification is administered by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) and is not dependent on state/jurisdiction. Certification eligibility criteria consist of prerequisite requirements including work experience, educational requirements, and the CMA exam. The required curriculum for the BSBA with a major in Accounting meet the education requirements to earn a CMA license. For more information, please see the IMA's CMA Certification requirements.

The requirements for becoming a certified public accountant (CPA) vary by state but generally include completing 150 semester (225 quarter) credit hours in an accounting program at a college or university, passing the CPA exam, and a specific amount of relevant work experience. This NASBA resource provides links to each of the state boards of accountancy to learn more about the specific requirements for your state. 

The required curriculum for the BSBA with a major in Accounting by itself does not meet the education requirements to earn a CPA license. The LeBow College of Business offers courses that may allow an individual to meet the education requirements to earn a CPA license. Students planning to obtain a CPA license should consult with their academic advisor and the Department of Accounting upon declaring the major to ensure ample time to fulfill such requirements.

A degree in accounting provides a wide variety of career opportunities.  You can specialize, becoming an accounting, audit, or tax expert.  You can also use the business understanding and analysis skills an accounting degree provides to enter the industry of your choice.  All industries use accounting/financial data to make sound decisions.  You can also combine areas of interest for example law and accounting as a forensic accountant (fraud examiner) or sports and accounting working for a sports team.  The possibilities meet your ambitions. 

Drexel's co-op program provides an added advantage to accounting students; time spent working in accounting co-op positions is often accepted as part of the experience needed for CPA and CMA certifications.

Drexel's Accounting graduates accept positions in public accounting, private industry, government, and non-profit organizations. Many also choose to continue their studies in graduate schools, pursuing such degrees as an MBA, master's in taxation, master's in accounting, or a PhD. Overall, Drexel's graduates enjoy a high placement rate.

Visit the Drexel Steinbright Career Development Center page for more detailed information on co-op and post-graduate opportunities. To learn more about career opportunities and resources, see the Career Guides provided by the Steinbright Career Development Center.