The Accounting degree program helps students prepare for careers in auditing and public accounting, industrial and managerial accounting, and in governmental and not-for-profit accounting. The 120-hour program at Penn State Berks is AACSB-accredited, and offers a wide variety of opportunities in accounting, business, finance, and data analytics. Courses cover topics such as financial accounting, managerial accounting, advanced financial accounting theory, auditing, and taxation principles.
Students who complete the prescribed courses and earn a Bachelor of Science degree will satisfy the academic requirements to sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) examination. Graduates may also elect to pursue other professional certifications, including Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), and Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM).
Courses are offered days and evenings to meet the needs of both traditional and adult learners.
Skills for the Real World
Accountants develop and interpret financial data required for decision-making by managers, investors, regulators, and other stakeholders. To perform their functions, accountants must work with both numerical information and concepts, and they must be able to function effectively as individuals and in teams. Accountants work with people in their own specialized departments, and with users of financial information throughout their organization. Because of this close association with other parts of the organization, the accountant is in a unique position to develop a broad business perspective.
Students are prepared to pursue professional certifications such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), as well as continuing their education through graduate studies.
* Students intending on attaining the CPA designation should discuss the 150 credit hour requirement with their academic advisor or program coordinator. There are several ways to attain the credit requirement including course overloads, a fifth year of undergraduate studies, or admission to the Penn State Great Valley’s Master of Professional Accounting or MBA program. Depending on undergraduate preparation, some students may find the Fast- Track MBA program allows them to meet their remaining 150-hour requirements and be a better fit for their career goals.
Concentrations or Academic Tracks
Learn more about the Academic Tracks, or view the Suggested Academic Plan.
- Corporate Control & Financial Management
- Internal Auditing & Assessment
- Public Accounting
Internship Opportunities
Accounting degree students may choose to participate in one or more of the various internship opportunities afforded at Berks. These professional work experiences allow students to apply their education in a real-world setting and perform research in their field of interest. Many students attain internships with local accounting firms, companies, or governmental agencies, while others pursue internships either outside the local area or abroad.
Research Opportunities
Graduates from this degree program have conducted research in:
- Advanced Accounting Theory
- Financial Principles
Double Majors
Students can pair the following programs with this degree program for a double major:
Minors
After Graduation
Our graduates have moved on to careers with CPA firms, accounting work within private business enterprise, and governmental entities. Graduates have also attained roles as controllers, vice presidents of accounting and finance, chief financial officers, partners with CPA firms, and entrepreneurs. Additional work opportunities for graduates include work in the fields of financial analytics, actuarial studies and analysis, and economics.
Graduates from this degree program have gotten jobs at:
- Ernst & Young
- PWC
- Vanguard
- Fidelity Investments
Graduates from this degree program have gone on to graduate school at:
- Penn State University
- Saint Joseph's University
- La Salle University
- Temple University
Smeal Conditional Early Acceptance Program
Are you interested in partnering with the Penn State Smeal College of Business to pursue a master's degree in Accounting or Taxation?
Smeal's Conditional Early Acceptance (CEA) program is a two-year pathway to earning an accounting-related graduate degree immediately following your post-baccalaureate studies. The program does not require a deposit and is open to Penn State undergraduates who are currently in their junior year and are majoring in accounting at University Park or another Penn State campus.
