Get real-world experience in our AACSB accredited accounting program

The accounting major at UMSL prepares you to succeed on the CPA exam and in your career. You’ll build expertise in auditing, business analysis and reporting, as well as tax compliance and planning — learning from faculty who have extensive real-world experience in public and private practice.

Participate in accounting internships with CPA firms and corporations in the St. Louis area. Take specialized coursework in data analytics or information systems controls to set yourself apart in the job market. Pursue your accounting degree on a full- or part-time basis during the day or evening.

UMSL is known for graduating outstanding CPAs and financial professionals and our track record speaks for itself: 100% of our Bachelor of Science in Accounting graduates are employed or pursuing advanced degrees within six months of graduation.

If you are interested in learning beyond the undergraduate level, we also offer an accelerated accounting master’s degree program.

Gain a competitive edge as an accounting major at UMSL

Our internationally recognized College of Business Administration is ranked among the top two percent of business schools in the world thanks to dual AACSB accreditation in both business and accounting. In addition, UMSL accounting students pass the four CPA exam parts at rates far above national averages.

 

Program type:

Major, BSAcc

Format:

On-Campus

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Why major in accounting at UMSL?

With 100% job placement and exceptional CPA exam pass rates, the accounting degree at UMSL provides the skills and hands-on training you need to succeed.

  • Get real-world experience before you graduate. UMSL accounting majors engage in paid internships at CPA firms, nonprofits, government agencies and other organizations. Many also work with the Voluntary Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program to earn academic credit while serving the community.
  • Learn from experienced professionals. Our courses are taught by dedicated full-time faculty members who hold PhDs and have worked at top CPA firms and corporations. CPAs and other business professionals from the local region also frequently join our classes and student events.
  • Save on tuition and college costs. The Accounting Department at UMSL awards several merit-based scholarships each year to outstanding accounting majors. Learn more about accounting scholarships at UMSL.

What can you do with an accounting degree?

Earn your bachelor’s in accounting and open the door to high salaries, reliable job security and excellent growth potential. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of accountants will grow steadily over the next decade — adding an average of 135,00 jobs each year. For accounting majors from AACSB accredited schools that means thousands of opportunities to lead in this versatile, dynamic field.  

From entry-level accounting jobs with local companies to leadership positions at international financial organizations, UMSL accounting degree graduates do it all. Our accounting majors have gone on to be partners at CPA firms, Chief Executive Officers, Chief Financial Officers and Chief Operating Officers at companies across the nation. They include successful professionals at leading companies such as Anders, Bayer, Deloitte, Enterprise, KPMG, RSM and Wells Fargo.

The median annual salary for accountants and auditors is $77,250, according to wage and employment data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

 

77,250

Median annual salary

7

Employment growth by 2029

Career Opportunities

  • Certified Financial Manager
  • Certified Managerial Accountant (CMA)
  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
  • Corporate Controller
  • External Auditor
  • Forensic Accountant
  • Financial Accountant
  • Financial Analyst
  • Information & Technology Consultant
  • Internal Auditor
  • Managerial Accountant
  • Tax Professional

 

Plan of study

All business majors must meet the general education requirements of the university in addition to completing degree-specific curriculum requirements.

Review Full Degree Requirements  Review Sample Four-Year Plan  Download 4-Year Academic Map

Non-Missouri Residents: Prospective students are responsible for reviewing the NC-SARA state authorizations page to see if this program is offered in their state throughout their program and to review the licensure or certification requirements for the state in which they reside.

Student organizations

Make new friends and learn new skills by joining one of our Recognized Student Organizations. Here are several opportunities you may be interested in as an accounting major:

Internship opportunities and undergraduate research

The Career and Internship Program at the UMSL College of Business Administration will help prepare you with the real-world experience to hit the ground running when you get a job. We also encourage majors in accounting to participate in Undergraduate Research and Scholarship to innovate and collaborate with leaders in your field.

Honors College

The UMSL Honors College is a certificate program that can be paired with any major without adding extra classes or extending time to graduate. Classes in the Honors College are seminar-style, meaning that they are based in reading, writing, discussion, and critical thinking. This unique class format fosters an intellectual climate centered around democracy, diversity, civility and academic excellence.