Is accounting a stable career choice?

Accounting remains one of the most stable and recession-resilient business careers, offering strong demand across industries. Career paths include: public accounting corporate and management accounting forensic accounting and fraud examination auditing and risk management government and nonprofit accounting tax strategy and advisory services With growing demand for expertise in compliance, analytics, and financial transparency, accountants play a critical role in responsible business leadership.

Charlton College of Business

Accounting BS

Turn numbers into insight and opportunity. Build the financial expertise to launch a career in accounting, auditing, taxation, financial analysis, and beyond with a BS in Accounting—the language of business.

Degree: Bachelor of Science; Accelerated degree options
Modality: On-campus; Also offered online

Duration: 4 years
Total Credits: 120

Median starting salary:: $56,000 Median starting salary. View career outcomes.

Capri McLucas moments before crossing the stage at Commencement

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The language of business

Every organization—whether a startup, global corporation, nonprofit, or government agency—relies on timely, reliable financial information to make decisions, manage risk, and create long-term value. At the Charlton College of Business, our accounting program prepares you to analyze and translate financial data, uphold the highest ethical standards, and deliver clear, actionable insights organizations depend on to move forward with confidence.

You’ll build expertise in financial reporting, auditing, and taxation while developing highly sought-after skills in business analytics, financial modeling, and today's technology-enabled accounting systems. Graduates are prepared to pursue professional credentials such as the CPA and CFA, launch impactful careers with leading firms, and step into roles where financial insight, integrity, and strategic thinking shape responsible business leadership.

Launch your career

Median starting salary

Source: NACE AY 2025 Data Collection of Undergraduate Alumni

What can I do with a Accounting BS degree?

An accounting degree prepares you for careers in public accounting, corporate finance, auditing, taxation, consulting, government, and more. Build the financial and analytical expertise to pursue CPA licensure and help organizations manage risk, ensure accountability, and make informed business decisions.

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Forensic Accountant
Auditor

Tax Consultant
Financial Analyst
Fraud Examiner

Corporate Controller
Financial Consultant
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Top employers

Curriculum

Charlton’s accounting curriculum blends technical mastery with strategic thinking.

You’ll complete 120 credit hours, including business foundations and advanced accounting coursework designed to help you:

analyze and interpret financial data
apply accounting standards and regulatory frameworks
evaluate internal controls and audit systems
use accounting software, Excel, and data tools
communicate financial insights clearly and professionally

You won’t just prepare financial statements — you’ll learn how to use financial information to guide high-level business decisions.

Academic catalog

Explore the official academic catalog for detailed curriculum requirements, course descriptions and program information.

Student spotlight

Capri McLucas '23, '24: Big Four experience

Hometown: Bridgewater, MA
Major: Accounting
Minor: Communication
Leadership: Beta Alpha Psi (Secretary), Student Alumni Association (President)
Internship: O’Connor & Drew Audit Intern, Withum Tax Intern, Ernst & Young Audit Intern
Employment: Admissions Ambassador, CCB Ambassador, ARC Business Center Tutor
Achievements: Chancellor's List 7x, Dean's List 1x

Accelerated degree options

Explore accelerated pathways that may help you complete your bachelor’s degree sooner, begin graduate coursework early, or pursue a streamlined path to a master’s, teaching, or law degree. Available options vary by program and eligibility.

4+1 Accelerated bachelor’s to master’s option

Qualified students in this program may be eligible to pursue an accelerated bachelor’s-to-master’s pathway at UMass Dartmouth. This option allows you to begin graduate coursework while completing your undergraduate degree and transition directly into a master's program.

Learn more

3+3 with UMass Law: a fast track to a law degree

Enrollment in the 3+3 joint degree program with UMass Law offers an accelerated pathway to an undergraduate and law degree, enabling qualifying students to substitute the first year of law school for the final year of their undergraduate program, thereby earning both a bachelor’s degree from UMass Dartmouth and a Juris Doctor from UMass Law in six rather than seven years.

Learn more

Online or on-campus: your choice

Accounting is also offered online

Looking for a more flexible way to study Accounting? Explore UMass Dartmouth’s online Accounting program and find an option that fits your life and your goals.

Learn more about the online option for Accounting

Accolades

UMass Dartmouth is a nationally ranked R2 research university that combines the resources of a major university with a personalized educational experience. Ranked among the top 15 public research institutions with fewer than 10,000 students and in the top 17% nationally for return on investment, UMass Dartmouth is recognized for advancing research, social mobility, and career-ready education.

AACSB-Accredited Excellence at Charlton

The Charlton College of Business holds AACSB accreditation, a distinction earned by fewer than 6% of business schools worldwide. Nationally ranked undergraduate, graduate, and online programs combine rigorous academics with experiential learning, while strong employment and salary outcomes demonstrate the lasting value of a Charlton education.

Frequently asked questions

Have questions about the Accounting BS program? Here you will find answers to common questions about admissions, curriculum, career outcomes, and student experience.

Yes. The accounting curriculum provides the academic foundation required to pursue CPA licensure. Many students complete Charlton’s accelerated 4+1 MBA or MS in accounting programs to meet the 150-credit requirement needed to sit for the CPA exam.

Accounting remains one of the most stable and recession-resilient business careers, offering strong demand across industries. Career paths include:

public accounting
corporate and management accounting
forensic accounting and fraud examination
auditing and risk management
government and nonprofit accounting
tax strategy and advisory services

With growing demand for expertise in compliance, analytics, and financial transparency, accountants play a critical role in responsible business leadership.

Yes. Students regularly intern with firms such as Deloitte, KPMG, PwC, IRS, and regional accounting firms — often leading to full-time offers.

Students develop proficiency in accounting systems, Excel, data analysis tools, and audit technologies used by modern firms.

Yes. Students interested in tax law, corporate governance, regulatory compliance, or forensic accounting can add pre-law advising to their studies and/or pursue an accelerated 3+3 pathway with UMass Dartmouth’s School of Law. An accounting background provides strong preparation for legal careers involving taxation, contracts, mergers, auditing, and financial regulation.

Accounting is also available as a minor. Contact your academic advisor for more information.