Accounting (BS)

Accounting degree student Paige Rockett working on the computer in the Finance Lab

Help companies, organizations and individuals reach their financial goals.

Why study accounting?

Today’s accounting professionals are data-driven, strategic thinkers who rely on both intellect and technology to help companies and organizations make crucial business decisions. This field is broader than you might think, with possibilities for specializations like financial forensics, business valuation and information technology.

Why USF for Your Bachelor of Accounting?

As an accounting major at USF, you will build a solid foundation in business, deepen your financial knowledge and develop strong technical skills through core coursework. Rooted in the Franciscan tradition of faith and reason, our accounting curriculum prepares you to become a trusted, ethical financial professional.

CPA Track: Prepare for Certification

Boost your marketability by aiming to become a CPA. To sit for the Uniform CPA Exam, you first need to complete 150 undergraduate credit hours. USF’s CPA Track was designed for you to reach this goal, and it offers you a broader range of accounting and business courses. Your academic advisor will guide and support you along the way, and will see you through the finish line, including an on-site CPA exam review.

Take the first step:

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Career Outlook & Success

100%

of USF accounting majors are hired into professional positions

#7

In U.S. News & World Report’s business jobs

$71,690

median annual salary for accountant and auditor occupations in Indiana (BLS, 2019

Accounting Co-ops, Internships & Networking

As a USF accounting major, you will gain real-world experience and make valuable connections through:

Internships

Learn by observing and doing as you spend a semester or two on site at an accounting firm or in the business department of a local business. USF accounting internships frequently lead to full-time employment.

EPIC Program

Starting fall 2024, current and incoming students may apply for the newly designed EPIC program.

Busse Speaker Series

Gain insight and make connections as local business and community leaders share their success stories. Past speakers include Tom Ash, CEO of Ash Brokerage.

Faculty & Facilities

Our faculty members are experts in their field of study and experienced financial and accounting professionals. You will also have access to the University of Saint Francis Business Center in downtown Fort Wayne, which offers collaborative spaces and high-tech learning tools such as a finance lab with real-time market data.

Campus and Community Involvement

Have fun, give back and build business skills through clubs and service-learning opportunities, including the VITA — volunteer income tax assistance — program. Student organizations of interest to someone on an accountant degree path include:

  • Luca Pacioli Society (accounting club)
  • Finance and Investment Society

I learned a lot and developed a realistic understanding of the business world through my internship at a local mergers and acquisitions firm. And because I was in the EPIC program, it was a double-benefit: I earned money while working alongside professionals in my field.

Paige Rockett ’19
Accounting major

What Can You Do With an Accounting Degree?

Accountants are found in nearly every industry and in companies, nonprofits and government agencies of all sizes. You can work as a staff accountant at an individual company or small business, or you might choose to find a position with a financial services firm where you can work with multiple clients.

While the title of accountant is common among our graduates, there is a range of positions, from entry-level to those you could advance into, including:

  • Auditor
  • Controller
  • Cost Analyst
  • Director of Finance
  • Tax Accountant
  • Chief Financial Officer

Where You’ll Find Our Graduates

USF’s accounting program consistently sees a 100% placement rate. In fact, it’s common for USF accounting students and CPA track graduates to secure professional positions even before they finish school. You can find them crunching numbers at companies such as:

  • Alderling CPA Group
  • American Electric Power
  • Ash Brokerage
  • BKD CPAs & Advisors
  • Delta Faucet Company
  • EY (Ernst & Young)
  • First Internet Bank
  • Franklin Electric
  • Midwest Pipe & Steel
  • H&R Block
  • Parkview Health
  • Rolls Royce North America
  • USAA REALCO
  • Wells Fargo Advisors
  • THOR Industries, Inc

I was hired at EY before graduation, took the CPA exam and started right away!
Jason Nicodemus ’17
auditor at EY

Ready to start?

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Your first step to becoming a USF Cougar is applying for admission. Our online application makes the process as convenient as possible.

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Visit USF

Whether you know what you want to see, who you want to meet or are just exploring your options, we will personalize your campus visit to fit your needs.

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Academic Plan

An academic plan is a general blueprint showing how one might complete the degree, semester by semester. Get an idea on what each semester could look like.

View Accounting Plan

View CPA Track Plan