Charlton College of Business building (CCB) - west side Learning Pavilion entrance

Accounting
BS

Offered as: 
On-campus
Online
Undergraduate
Major
4 + 1
Minor

The demand for accountants is growing since industries of all sizes and types need accountants. 

The Charlton College of Business prepares accounting students with the essential financial knowledge and practical skills necessary to become problem solvers and decision makers. Because accounting is an information system, we emphasize information technology skills, including the use of accounting, spreadsheet and database applications as well as the use of technology for accounting and tax research.

There are four major career paths in accounting:

  • public accountant
  • management accountant
  • government accountant
  • auditor

You'll prepare for a successful career in a public accounting firm, a private corporation, or the nonprofit sector. 

An accounting degree from CCB will help you to prepare for the CPA, CMA, CFE (Certified Fraud Examination), and other professional accounting certifications.

Charlton’s accounting curriculum prepares you with the professional, analytical, and managerial skills you’ll need to adapt to the changing demands of business and society.

For the BS in accounting, you'll complete total 120 credit hours, consisting of University Studies courses, business foundation courses and accounting courses.

Working with your professors—leading experts in the field—you’ll learn how to:

  • apply accounting concepts, standards, and regulations to prepare, audit, and analyze financial statements and tax reports
  • prepare, analyze, and communicate information for financial planning, control, investing, and decision making
  • apply concepts and methods used in internal control and the auditing process
  • use accounting systems to conduct and control operations

A minor in accounting can enhance your future career options. You'll gain an understanding of accounting practices and their application to the effective management of a business enterprise.

Foundation courses in all business minors

  • ECO 231 Principles of Microeconomics
  • ACT 211 Principles of Accounting I
  • MKT 311 Principles of Marketing
  • MGT 201 Organizational Behavior

Student success

Capri McLucas '23: A meaningful experience

Accounting and MBA 4+1 student made the most of her time on campus.

Internship placements

  • KPMG
  • PwC
  • IRS
  • Brown University
  • Ocean Spray
  • State Street Bank
  • Amica Insurance
  • BayCoast Bank

Career placements

  • Deloitte
  • KPMG
  • PwC
  • KLR CPA
  • Fernandes and Charest CPA
  • State Street Bank
  • Providence Equity Partners
  • Covidien
  • City of Fall River

Accounting BS mean starting salary:
$52,067

NACE Data Collection of Class of 2022 Undergraduate Alumni

Advance your career — many accounting undergrads enroll in 4+1 MBA or MS in Accounting programs to earn the additional 30 credits needed to sit for CPA exams. MS Accounting graduates earn $81,190 and MBA graduates earn $106,557 in their mean starting salary.

UMassD advantages

  • Gain hands-on work experience through Charlton’s internship programs
  • Consult with faculty and career advisors to identify where you want to go in your career—and how to get there
  • Participate in the many activities sponsored by the accounting student honor society Beta Alpha Psi. There are over 100 students organizations including DECA.
  • Charlton’s post-baccalaureate certificate in accounting satisfies the requirements to sit for the certified public accountant (CPA) exam. 

Rankings

Expand your opportunities

  • The Master of Science in Accounting provides a convenient way for students to get the extra courses needed to meet the 150-credit requirement for the CPA certification.
  • Benefit from advanced management and leadership education through Charlton's 30-credit MBA program for business majors.
  • Integrate advanced management study with a law school education through the joint MBA/JD program with UMass Law.

Accounting faculty

Chris Jacobsen '08, '10

Accounting professor and two-time alum Chris Jacobsen discusses what makes UMass Dartmouth special.

Study online

  • Full time undergraduate—for traditional, undergraduate degree seekers.
  • Degree completion—for adult learners with some college credits. Learn more about our degree completion program.