Accounting

Do you have a penchant for accounting? Do you hope to pursue a career in this business field?

When you study accounting, you learn the nuts and bolts of how a business operates. The BSBA in accounting provides a broad overview of significant issues in management accounting as well as a detailed examination of internal accounting issues affecting multiple entity types. The courses include an array of topics needed for an accounting manager working in a dynamic environment. The BSBA accounting degree prepares students for careers in corporate accounting, government accounting, and internal auditing.

For decades, the College of Business at East Carolina University has done an excellent job teaching students the technical material necessary for success in the business world. In today's economy, though, that is no longer sufficient. As part of teaching the "whole student," a revamped curriculum for undergraduate students now emphasizes leadership, professionalism, and communication skills. While not compromising our long history of teaching strong technical skills, the Leadership and Professional Development program teaches students how to "Think, Value, Communicate, Lead," regardless of his or her job title or position. Through our unique Leadership and Professional Development program, each student gains valuable leadership skills, communication skills and professionalism. The bar is set high for students, with personalized support coming from a network of mentors, advisors, and coaches.

In addition to learning vital 21st-century skills, our students receive top-notch training in technical business material. Our faculty members offer excellent preparation for various careers in business

• Department Website
• College Website
• How Do I Apply
• Apply Now

Program Coordinator: Cal Christian (3401 Bate Building; 252-737-1053; [email protected])

The Accounting, BSBA is intended for students who aspire to enter the accounting profession in the private and public sector (e.g., governmental, internal audit, and managerial accounting positions). It is not intended to prepare students for professional certification as a certified public accountant. However, the BSBA does provide a strong foundation for pursuing professional certification. If professional certification as a certified public accountant is desired, then students will need to pursue the MSA degree program after completing the BSBA.

Students pursuing the Accounting, BSBA must earn a minimum grade of C (2.0) in accounting courses to satisfy any upper-level accounting course prerequisites. Also, to graduate, students must earn a minimum grade of C (2.0) in each of the concentration courses and must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 from all concentration courses attempted. 

Minimum degree requirement is 120 s.h. as follows:

Accounting:
• ACCT 3551 - Intermediate Accounting I
• ACCT 3561 - Intermediate Accounting II
• ACCT 3621 - Cost Accounting
• ACCT 3851 - Accounting Information Systems
• ACCT 4611 - Taxation for Decision Making
• ACCT 4631 - Internal Auditing
Choose two courses from:
• ACCT 3101 - Fraud Examination
• ACCT 4451 - International Accounting
• ACCT 4621 - Controllership Topics
• ACCT 4641 - Governmental and Not-for-Profit Accounting
• ACCT 4991 - Topics in Accounting
• FINA 3554 - Principles of Real Estate
• FINA 3824 - Financial Analysis and Planning
• FINA 3904 - Investments
• or other electives
• Or other electives, including appropriate internships, approved by the chair

For more information about this degree visit the university's academic catalogs.

Graduates with this degree are successful in many fields and careers, including the following:

• Accounting
• Auditors
• Budget Analysts
• Credit Analysts
• Financial Examiners
• Tax Examiners, Collectors, and Revenue Agents
• Business Teachers, Postsecondary
• Business and Administrative Services
• Finance and Insurance
• Public Administration and Legal Services
• Education and Training

Career Opportunities

ECU has developed resources to help you learn more about career opportunities and job market outlook. In addition, the websites below provide specific information on careers in the various majors from which students may choose:

NC Tower

This website provides graphs and tables of in-depth information on employment rates, wages and ongoing higher education enrollment of graduates from the North Carolina Community College System and from the University of North Carolina system schools. NC Tower includes data on former UNC students who are working in roughly 90% of all jobs in North Carolina. This database excludes information for graduates who are:

• Self-employed;
• Work for the federal government, including the military: or
• Work outside of North Carolina.

US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook

This website also provides in-depth information regarding pay, projected new jobs, required education, growth rate and on-the-job training information on various occupations.

Degree-specific internships

For information on internship information for specific majors, go to the home page of the department in which the major is located and, as available, find the link to the information on internships in that major.