Accounting

Major: Accounting
Degree Awarded: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA)
Calendar Type: Quarter
Total Credit Hours: 180.0
Co-op Options: Three Co-op (Five years); One Co-op (Four years); No Co-op (Four years)
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 52.0305
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 13-2011; 11-3031; 13-2051

About the Program

Accounting is the language of business and so much more. It provides the critical information that guides decision-making at all levels of business, government, and non-profit organizations. An Accounting degree offers students the opportunity to obtain technical knowledge, critical thinking, data analytics, decision-making, and innovation skills as well as communication expertise required to lead in today's transforming marketplace. Accounting graduates find career opportunities across many areas including public accounting, corporate and non-profit financial management, accounting, auditing, taxation roles, and governmental accounting.

Many professional accountants obtain a license as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or obtain a Certified Managerial Accountant (CMA) designation after passing the examinations and completing all education and experience requirements. The University’s co-op program provides practical experience for Accounting students. Time spent working in accounting co-op positions is accepted as part of the experience requirement for Pennsylvania and many other states.

Students planning to obtain a CPA license must take additional coursework to meet state mandated requirements. Each state has different education requirements for licensure. Interested students should consult with their academic advisor and/or the Department of Accounting upon declaring the major to ensure ample time to fulfill such requirements.

Degree Requirements

Students planning to take the CPA exam should review the educational requirements established by the State Board of Accountancy in the state in which they plan to sit for the examination. Students are qualified to sit for the examination in Pennsylvania by meeting the degree requirements above. Students planning to apply for a CPA license in Pennsylvania have to obtain 225.0 quarter credit hours—the equivalent to 150 semester hours.

Sample Plan of Study

5 Year 3 Co-Op 

4 Year 1 Co-Op 

4 Year No Co-Op 

Co-op/Career Opportunities

Public, private, and government accounting provide the greatest range of career possibilities. Professional accountants are normally certified as public accountants (CPA) or managerial accountants (CMA) after passing the appropriate professional examinations.

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 one year of accounting experience needed for CPA certification.

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.

Facilities

Accounting Faculty