Accounting Major
Analyze numbers—without becoming one.
Love working with numbers? If so, you will be in good company at the USD School of Business. Our accounting major ranks nationally in the top 5 percent by College Factual. Many students receive job offers before they even graduate. And accounting graduates typically earn the highest salaries compared to other business majors. The secret? Our commitment to personalized learning.
We keep our accounting classes small so you can fully absorb the content, from financial accounting to auditing and everything in between. Many of our professors are licensed CPAs, and you have the freedom to ask them directly for industry or career advice. Plus, with annual on-campus hiring events, you will have opportunities to interview for internships and full-time positions.
To help you pinpoint where you would like to focus your career, we have four accountancy tracks for you to choose from. Each one will prepare you for a career as an accountant, whether you want to work on your own, for a company, at an NGO or within the government sector.
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Recent Spotlights
Ronson J. Shamoun '98, '02, '03
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Ronson Shamoun is a triple USD alumnus as well as an adjunct professor and board member for the USD School of Business and the USD School of Law. In 2…
Two Degrees, Two Graduations, Two Days
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It seems only right that when 21-year-old Angelica Ignacio graduates this weekend from the University of San Diego it will be done a little differentl…
Director of Graduate Accountancy Programs and Professor of Accounting Diane Pattison Creates an Accounting Legacy at USD
June 17, 2019
Joining the University of San Diego in 1986, Academic Director of Graduate Accountancy Programs and Professor of Accounting Diane Pattison has created…
Pick from four specialized degree tracks.
Accountancy
This option is ideal if you are seeking a career in public accounting and plan to take the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam. It is also a great choice if you are interested in industry-related accounting careers in which the Certificate in Management Accounting (CMA) is more popular.
Accountancy and Supply Chain Management
We recommend this track if you are looking to build skills in both accountancy and supply chain management. You will learn how accounting principles are applied to supply chain concepts such as strategic costs, negotiations and activity-based costing.
Accountancy and Finance/Real Estate
With this option, you can choose to supplement your accountancy studies with either finance or real estate topics. You can gain a financial perspective by studying corporate finance, or learn how accounting methods are used to assign value to commercial properties.
Accountancy and Information Systems/Technology
Consider this track if you would enjoy a career in public accounting, industry or government, where you are required to combine accounting and technology skills. You will learn about accounting system design, analysis and internal controls.
The Big Four and more.
USD accounting majors go on to work at the largest accounting and auditing firms nationally and internationally, including Ernst & Young, Deloitte, KPMG and PricewaterhouseCoopers. Most graduates accept accountant positions and also work within corporations and businesses.
Resources you will want to bookmark.
From CPA exam tips to essential tax information, we have compiled our favorite accounting resources for you to view.
Dress for success.
Making a strong first impression is key. Learn tips for maintaining a polished appearance in the field.
School of Business