Accounting

Major Information

 4-Year Track

The four-year program, B.B.A. prepares students for a wide range of professional careers in industry, finance, government, and non-profit organizations.  This program includes accounting coursework that prepares students for work in areas such as fraud examination, financial management, financial reporting and analysis, internal auditing, data analytics and management consulting. Upon completion of the 4-year track, students receive the Bachelor of Business Administration degree. Students may want to also minor in another area of business to enhance their business skill sets. Many Accounting students find that Data Analytics and Information Systems are a very valuable added area of emphasis. Students should also consider completing the highly regarded Certificate in Fraud Examination.

5-Year Track

The five-year professional accounting program, B.B.A. plus M. Acc., prepares students for careers in public accounting as certified public accountants (CPA). To become certified in the State of Georgia, candidates must have 150 credit hours of post-secondary education. During the last year of B.B.A. coursework, highly qualified students apply for and are competitively admitted to the Master of Accounting program. During the fifth year, students complete 30 additional credit hours of accounting and graduate electives to complete their Master’s level education. This curriculum is designed to prepare them for work as objective advisors for their clients, providing such services as auditing and assurance services, data analytics, sustainability and environmental accounting, forensic accounting, information technology services, international accounting, consulting services, government and not-for-profit financial services, personal financial planning, and tax advisory services. Graduate students in the M. Acc. program also have the opportunity to earn a Certificate in Taxation and a Certificate in Forensic Accounting. Please refer to the graduate portion of the catalog for a detailed description of the Master of Accounting degree and Certificates. 

General Information

Degree(s) Offered:

• Bachelor of Business Administration 
• Master of Accounting

Sample Occupations

Sample Work Settings

Sample Employers

Connecting Majors, Skills, and Occupations

• View learning outcomes associated with your major in the Georgia Southern Academic Catalog:

Georgia Southern Academic Catalog

• Explore the connection between occupations and skills in O*Net:

www.onetonline.org

• Use Handshake to upload your résumé and explore internships and jobs. For more information:

www.georgiasouthern.edu/ocpd

Internet Resources

Professional Organizations

Georgia Southern Student Organizations

• Accounting Association
• Beta Alpha Psi
• Association of Certified Fraud Examiners
• National Association of Black Accountants
• Delta Sigma Pi
• Enactus

Professional Tips

These areas are highly valued by employers who seek candidates that have developed skills and abilities in the following areas.  See the naceweb.org website to explore more.

• Communication
• Critical Thinking
• Equity and Inclusion
• Leadership
• Professionalism
• Teamwork
• Technology

Résumé Tips

•  Bachelor of Business Administration: Accounting  
• Include minors, emphasis areas
• List special technology skills, including certifications in Excel or Access; Tableau, SAP
• Write about relevant experiences that are tied to the Career Readiness areas (mentioned above)
• Include a variety of experiences that show strengths / skills valued by employers
• Limit to one page, unless there are 10+ years of professional work experience (military, or after college)

Last updated: 6/28/2013