Accounting Major

The major in accounting is designed to provide students with the general business and accounting knowledge necessary for them to succeed as professional accountants. As accounting is a dynamic field, all accounting majors will learn how to keep their knowledge up to date so they can continue to grow throughout their professional careers. Accounting majors will also acquire the communication, technical, and interpersonal skills necessary to successfully resolve complex problems in unstructured settings. Accounting majors will also benefit from participation in extracurricular activities and organizations such as Beta Alpha Psi, the national accounting honorary fraternity.

Highly motivated students are also able to participate in our 3+1 BSBA and MS in Accounting program with the Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business. Students are able to earn both degrees in only four years, and those who qualify for merit-based scholarships may pay the same tuition as if they were only earning an undergraduate degree.

Earn a minimum of 120 Academic Credits
- Complete two BSBA core courses in accounting as well as the seven required accounting major courses
Fulfill All:
- Arts and Sciences Foundation Requirements
- BSBA Core Curriculum Requirements
Cumulative GPA of 2.25 (C+) in all courses applied toward a Accounting major.
A “C-” or better must be earned in each course applied toward a Accounting major

Pitt Business Core Courses

Each of these courses must be completed with a C or better in order to proceed with the accounting major.

Required Major Courses

Elective Major Courses

Skills Needed

Accuracy and attention to detail
Analytical, critical-thinking ,and problem-solving skills
A high GPA is expected to be competitive in the market. Grades are an indicator of technical ability in accounting and of a person’s work ethic
Excellent communication skills are needed, in addition to working well in a team environment
Strong technical skills; many positions require using specialized accounting software

Types of Jobs

Budget Analysis
Financial
Management Accounting
Tax
Auditing

Types of Industries

Public Accounting
Corporate Accounting
Government
Education
Non-profit
Self-employed – CPA

Accounting majors who are preparing for the Certificated Public Accountant (CPA) examination are encouraged to take BUSACC 1210 Financial Statement Analysis and BUSENV 1760 Business Law.
In Pennsylvania and most other states, a Certified Public Accountant license will be granted only to individuals who have earned 150 or more college credits.
The Master of Science in Accounting program at the University of Pittsburgh Katz Graduate School of Business enables students to reach the 150 credit-hour requirements and prepare for the CPA exam.

The University of Pittsburgh has partnered with Becker Professional Education, which is the leading CPA exam review provider. Our accounting faculty have access to Curriculum Assistance, which allows professors to incorporate a section of Becker within a class. Students can also benefit in the following ways:

Seniors can receive access to one Free section of Becker for 5 months
Becker’s Premium package is available for all students at a discount
Scholarships are available – 50% off the Becker course (application required)
Access to Becker representatives who will set-up office hours to speak with students one-on-one to discuss their questions/concerns regarding the exam

“Being able to get a head start on my college career even before setting foot on campus, like meeting with an Executive in Residence (Kathy Foody-Malus) was an amazing experience. Now that I’m here, I’m excited to take continue this journey and grow both academically and professionally!”

Rahel Sitotaw

Accounting and Finance, Class of 2025

Academics

Accounting