The accounting major provides graduates with opportunities in business, government, and not-for-profit entities. Accounting students learn critical thinking skills as they analyze, interpret and evaluate both financial and non-financial information through the use of technical knowledge, research and data analysis. This degree prepares students with the accounting knowledge and technology skills required to meet the increasing demand for accountants and for numerous career options available in industry.

Students will graduate with enhanced professional skills in the areas of financial and managerial data analysis, financial statement preparation and interpretation, auditing, tax research and tax compliance. An accounting degree fulfills many of the academic requirements for well-recognized accounting certifications related to numerous career choices. Equipped with the tools for success, accounting majors often hold management positions and frequently start their own business.

Professional development is a key component of the accounting major. Internships are a significant part of The Citadel’s commitment to offering professional development to accounting majors by providing on-the-job experience, highly valued by both students and employers. Internships are available during fall, spring, and summer semesters. Beta Alpha Psi, the honor organization for financial and business information students, and The Citadel Accounting Club provide experiential opportunities for students including guest speakers, field trips, professional conference attendance and professional development.

The accounting major provides an excellent foundation for students seeking to become licensed as Certified Public Accountants, Certified Managerial Accountants, Certified Global Management Accountants, Certified Internal Auditors, Certified Information System Auditors and other professional licensures. Additional coursework is required and licensures differ from state to state. Students desiring to continue their education will also find opportunities in graduate school to specialize in areas such as tax law, auditing, and valuation services, with excellent employment opportunities at top consulting firms and in industry.

The accounting major consists of 24 credit hours (eight required courses) designed to provide a strong foundation in a wide range of subjects in accounting. Courses in accounting analytics, advanced financial and managerial accounting, auditing, and tax prepare students to become successful accounting professionals in a career path that provides tremendous opportunities for advancement. In addition to required courses, the accounting major also includes one business elective course and two general elective courses. General elective courses can be within any subject area, must be at least three credit hours, must be an academic course (cannot be an ROTC course), and cannot fulfill another degree requirement. Students majoring in accounting must also complete required core business classes and achieve a grade of “C” or higher in each course.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students completing the Accounting program will be able to do the following:

• Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) – Recognize the application of GAAP
• Accounting analytics and technology – Utilize accounting principles and technology to construct information for decision making
• Auditing and assurance – Recognize the basic concepts of auditing and assurance services
• Federal income tax laws – Analyze and apply federal income tax laws applicable to individuals and sole proprietors

Major Academic Map

Click here to view the Academic Map for this major, which shows the courses and sequence.