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:
  • 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 requirement and prepare for the CPA exam.

 

“Accounting is a very dynamic major. I like that it gives me a wide range of opportunities to work in different industries and types of companies. My major allows me to work abroad and interact with clients all over the world. Also, being part of Pitt’s accounting honor society helped me connect with other accounting students, network with employers, and volunteer in areas related to my major.”

Angie Sandoval Casas

Accounting, Class of 2020

#11 Ranked Public Business Program in the United States!