Accounting

 

Accounting continues to be one of the most reliable and in-demand career paths. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of accountants and auditors is projected to grow faster than average, creating steady demand across industries and opening up a wide range of careers for accounting majors. CBU alumni with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting work in some of the finest businesses and public accounting firms in the nation, and in areas such as government, tax, criminal justice, and entrepreneurship.

• Industry-Aligned Curriculum and CPA Preparation: The Accounting program is intentionally designed to align with CPA exam content and evolving industry standards. Students gain mastery in financial accounting, auditing, taxation, information systems, and data analytics—ensuring they graduate ready for licensure pathways and professional certification.
• Small Class Sizes & Faculty Accessibility: CBU’s School of Business is known for its personalized, relationship-driven approach. Students learn directly from experienced accounting faculty—including CPAs and industry professionals—who provide individualized mentoring, internship guidance, and career support.
• Experiential Learning & Employer Connections: The program maintains strong ties with regional accounting firms, corporations, and nonprofit organizations. Through internships, service-learning, and hands-on projects, students gain meaningful professional experience before graduation, giving them a competitive edge in the hiring process.

CBU’s program is well established in Memphis and the Mid-South because it teaches you the skills, techniques, and concepts necessary to succeed. You’ll learn to keep up with financial laws and corporate governance regulations, and to keep the books clean and accurate for company leaders. Through personalized advising, internship guidance, and CPA pathway support, students graduate ready to pursue a wide range of accounting major jobs and career opportunities with confidence.

Program Highlights

A career as an accountant or auditor requires strong analytical, technical, and decision-making skills. The BS in Accounting program at CBU prepares students to meet these demands by building the essential skills needed for accounting and providing hands-on experience with modern tools and practices. 

Through this program, students learn to: 

• Implement fundamental accounting principles and procedures with accuracy and integrity
• Use technology tools relevant to accounting and financial reporting
• Analyze alternatives and solve complex business and financial problems
• Use information in the field in making business decisions
• Synthesize accounting information and non-accounting information to appropriately assess business opportunities

CBU’s accounting major course requirements are carefully designed to provide both a solid foundation and practical experience, helping students transition seamlessly to an accounting career after graduation.

What You’ll Study

The major requires 121 credit hours. You’ll take CBU general education courses, business core and support courses, and a comprehensive accounting major course list designed to prepare you for a wide range of careers.

Accounting major classes include:

Students also complete an exit exam, ensuring they are prepared for professional expectations and next steps, including pursuing certifications or entering the workforce. 

View Accounting Course Requirements

Careers

Essentially, every business needs accountants and auditors to ensure that its finances are in order and in compliance with a number of regulatory requirements. As a result, accounting majors have access to a wide range of career opportunities across industries. Graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting are well prepared for roles that offer job security, competitive salaries, and clear paths for advancement.

Common careers for accounting majors include:

With support from faculty advisors, career services, and a strong alumni network, CBU students are positioned to confidently pursue a wide range of careers for accounting majors after graduation.

Our Graduates

CBU accounting graduates go on to build successful careers with leading firms and organizations across the country. Alumni have secured positions with organizations such as:

These outcomes highlight the value of a CBU accounting degree and the diverse paths available, from public accounting and corporate finance to consulting and entrepreneurship. Through a strong alumni network and connections within the Memphis business community, students gain access to mentorship, internships, and career opportunities that extend well beyond graduation. 

Is Accounting for You?

If you enjoy working with numbers, solving problems, and making informed decisions, an accounting major may be a strong fit. The field attracts individuals who are detail-oriented, analytical, and interested in how financial information shapes business success. 

Many of the core skills needed for accounting align with the following strengths and interests:

These abilities not only support success in accounting major classes but also prepare students for a wide range of careers in accounting after graduation. If you’re looking for a structured, in-demand career path with long-term growth potential, accounting offers a clear and rewarding direction. 

Related Programs

If you’re exploring an accounting major, you may also be interested in other business degrees that build complementary skills and open additional career paths. These programs share a strong foundation in finance, global markets, and strategic decision-making: 

• INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS
• BANKING
• FINANCE

Each of these options pairs well with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, offering alternative pathways for students interested in financial services, global commerce, or corporate leadership.

Meet the Faculty

CBU’s accounting program is taught by experienced faculty who bring both academic expertise and professional experience into the classroom. Faculty advisors guide students through internship placements, CPA exam preparation, and career planning, ensuring every student is supported on the path to success.