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Accounting

Accounting is a complex, innovative discipline and a widely exciting career path.

The mission of the School of Accountancy at the Ohio University College of Business is to provide you with an engaging learning experience. Upon graduation you are transformed into a promising accounting professional of integrity that is ready to serve the global economy.  

Accounting is an integral part of a dynamic business environment. As an accounting student, you'll gain a strong business background and graduate as a promising accounting professional prepared to successfully complete the Certified Public Accountant examination.

Our School of Accountancy has a unique approach to classroom teaching: a problem-based methodology that presents you with real life situations and challenges you to perform team-based and independent research. This approach will give you a competitive advantage over graduates from other universities.

All in all, our philosophy of learning and application give you the practical skills you need to successfully secure an internship that lead to a rewarding career.

Students that major in accounting will graduate with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree (BBA).

96%
Internships And Job Placement
$55k
Average Salary Upon Graduation

Internships and Job Placement

96% of our 2022 accounting graduates experienced positive outcomes such as employment or continuing education within six months after commencement. Many students have even accepted offers during their senior year.

The School of Accountancy and the College of Business have great relationships with accounting recruiters throughout Ohio and across the nation. In fact, most students have accepted offers before the spring semester of their senior year. 

As an accounting student, you'll interact with accounting firms during several recruitment events each year. Events like the OHIO Business Conference, Bowl-a-Thon Fundraiser, Annual Awards Banquet, and Golf Outing provide you with opportunities to meet recruiters, interact with hiring managers, learn about company culture, and cultivate great networking relationships. 

Top Employers

Our graduates are highly sought after by top national and international organizations.

  • PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC)
  • BDO USA LLP
  • Plante Moran
Close-up of hands writing on a ledger next to a computer and a calculator on a desk

Potential Careers

  • Managerial Accountant/Controller
  • Tax Planning Analyst
  • Assurance Services

Accounting career paths are varied, with subsequent positions in public accounting, corporate finance and accounting, government auditing and reporting, not-for-profit accounting, controllership, financial management and general management.

Our accounting graduates take positions with some of the top organizations in the world, including EY, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Deloitte, KPMG, RSM McGladrey, Crowe Horwath, Plante & Moran, Cohen & Company, and many other regional and local firms. Our graduates are known to have opportunities across the world, including in Charlotte, Chicago, New York City and London.

Accounting Advisory Board

Accounting Major Courses

View the Accounting Major catalog page in OHIO's Undergraduate Catalog to see additional requirements, such as Individual Core Requirements or Business Cluster Requirements.

The following are some of the required courses:

  • ACCT 3040 – Financial Accounting and Reporting I
  • ACCT 3050 - Financial Accounting and Reporting II
  • ACCT 3100 - Managerial Accounting
  • ACCT 3400 - Introduction to Federal Income Tax Planning
  • ACCT 4200 - Assurance Services and Internal Controls
  • ACCT 4400 - Single-entity Accounting and Tax Planning
  • ACCT 4500 - Accounting for Non-Business Entities and Contemporary Professional Issues
  • ACCT 4600 - Multiple-Entity Accounting and Tax Planning
  • ACCT 4700 - Data Analytics for Accounting
  • BUSL 3570 - Law of Corporate Governance, Commerce & Related Topics

Career Spotlight

Diane Smullen, vice president of finance for Cameron Mitchell Restaurants

Diane Smullen

Vice President of Finance for Cameron Mitchell Restaurants

Diane graduated with a degree in Accounting and Finance from Ohio University. She previously served as controller of Herberts Powder Coatings, Inc., a $50 million multi-national organization located in Hilliard, Ohio. She was also an accountant with Deloitte & Touche, LLP, in Columbus, Ohio, where she performed auditing services for hospitality, manufacturing and distribution companies.

Diane joined Cameron Mitchell Restaurants in 1997 as the Chief Financial Officer. Because she grew up in the restaurant business and has significant hospitality finance experience, Diane has proven to be an extremely valuable asset to the Cameron Mitchell Restaurants team. She oversees the company's auditing and information technology departments and manages the company's banking relationships and business insurance.

Student Activities

Since we know that hands-on experience is the best way to learn, our students are encouraged to participate outside of the classroom in a variety of activities.

  • SOX 404 Fellows Program


    The SOX 404 Fellows Program is a selective, unique opportunity to participate in auditing the Ohio University Foundation’s $450 million accounts. If selected, you would work under the supervision of Ohio University’s auditing firm to provide information on how well the Foundation maintains general accounting standards and whether there are adequate management controls in place over business and financial information.

  • VITA Tax Preparation


    Did you know that all international students who were in the U.S. over the last year must file and submit their taxes – even if they received no income? Filing taxes isn’t easy for most people, but it can be especially challenging for international students navigating the complex U.S. tax system. Every year, students from the accounting department help international students file their taxes through the Volunteer International Tax Assistance program.

Student Organizations

Beta Alpha Psi – Alpha Kappa

Beta Alpha Psi is the National Honors Organization for financial information professionals. It was established in 1919 to encourage and recognize scholastic and professional excellence in the field of accounting. Through the years, the fraternity has grown to include finance and information systems students. The Alpha Kappa Chapter was founded at Ohio University in 1952 and since has become one of the most actively involved organizations in the Athens community.

Accounting Club

The Accounting Club is for accounting majors not yet eligible for Beta Alpha Psi. Members attend Beta Alpha Psi functions and meetings.

Alpha Kappa Psi

Alpha Kappa Psi is the oldest fraternity in the nation. Its members are offered the opportunity for brotherhood, leadership, unity and education. Alpha Kappa Psi is open to all business majors and minors interested in professional development as well as the social aspects of a fraternity. There is a ten-week pledge program required before full membership can be obtained. Dues are $115 each fall and winter quarter. Attendance at weekly meetings is required.

Women in Business

OHIO Women in Business (OWIB) provides outstanding support, development, and sense of community to women interested in pursuing careers in business. The organization focuses on attracting, developing, and launching highly talented women into the business world. OWIB develops members through monthly guest speakers and educational workshops. For more information on how to get involved, contact: Liz Doyle at ed962710@ohio.edu.

Graduate Program

We also prepare students for exceptional graduate programs, like OHIO’s Master of Accountancy and Analytics. Students have the option to begin work on their graduate degree as an undergraduate student and complete their master's degree in three semesters.

Accreditation

In 1995, OHIO's School of Accountancy received separate accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. AACSB accreditation is the benchmark of quality for business education and gives you the assurance that you’re getting a quality education, recognized by employers, recruiters, and graduate schools as the best in business education worldwide.

“As soon as I stepped foot on College Green, I knew this was the school for me. The campus is breathtaking and everyone is so nice and friendly. It truly is a Bobcat family, with everyone wanting to meet and help one another. The College of Business is well-ranked and respected. I liked that the [accounting] program was focused on application rather than theory. I knew that by choosing OHIO, I would be well prepared for my career and have fun in the process." —Paige Fitzwater

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