Learn the Language of Business with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Ohio University!

Every industry has its own language. For business, that language is accounting. Accounting is a discipline that requires solving unique puzzles, telling stories with numbers and interpreting vast amounts of data to provide real value to corporate and individual clients alike.

With a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Accounting from Ohio University, you’ll become a true financial wizard, gain skills and expertise that are valuable anywhere in the world, and empower yourself to make a big difference in a variety of industries. Read on to learn:

Careers in Accounting

Many accounting majors indeed become Certified Public Accountants or "CPAs." But that's just the tip of the iceberg in terms of career potential! You can pursue many other accounting jobs and careers, many of which come with lucrative salaries, like:

• Tax planning analyst
• Managerial accountant/controller
• Assurance services specialist
• Financial manager
• Chief financial officer (CFO) or even chief executive officer (CEO)

Career and Internship Support

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, Weekly Accounting Nights, Annual Awards Banquet and Golf Outing provide you with opportunities to meet recruiters, interact with hiring managers, learn about company cultures and cultivate great networking relationships. 

Additionally, our Business Academic Advising & Career Services center is onsite in Copeland Hall, ready to help you understand how to use good career marketing strategies, from your first year as a student. We’re ready to help you find the perfect internship or job. In addition to career fairs, you’ll have access to Handshake, a web-based system where employers post positions, review resumes and connect with candidates. Plus, participate in workshops, seminars, and even one-on-one coaching to make sure you’re presenting yourself the right way and achieving your career goals.

Post-Grad Opportunities for Accounting

The quality of OHIO’s accounting program is so well-known that many of our students have job offers before graduating. Post-graduation, you might find offer letters waiting in your email inbox.

Most of our graduates go into the workforce after gaining their degrees, finding employment in major organizations including all of the "Big Four" accounting firms in the United States (Deloitte, EY, KPMG and PwC), many national (BDO, Crowe, Cohen, Schneider Downs, Plante Moran and RSM) and regional firms, and corporate and governmental organizations.

If you want to earn your CPA or continue your education, you can also jump straight into our Master of Accountancy program, which is available in person and online. An accelerated variant of this program can be completed in just one year. Whatever you choose to do, a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting prepares you to excel!

Why Choose an Accounting Degree?

You don’t need to enjoy calculus to enjoy accounting, and that’s a big reason why computers won’t make accountants obsolete in the next ten years. Computers and programs might handle a lot of the number crunching, but keen human minds will be needed to make judgment calls, discover whether balance sheets are accurate and much more.

Accounting, in fact, is much more about determining what numbers mean. Seeing how money is spent, whether it goes to the right people or whether an organization is using money legally are just a few examples of how you can use accounting to make a real difference in the legal system, for nonprofit organizations and for small businesses trying to make the most of every dollar they earn.

With a bachelor’s degree in accounting, you’ll have the experience and impressive skills to secure a job practically anywhere you can imagine. After all, every industry and type of organization needs an accountant! 

Student Support Resources for Accounting Majors

Accounting students will find lots of support resources waiting for them at Ohio University, many of which come from faculty members.

Most of the faculty who teach accounting degree courses are trained CPAs, so they know the ins and outs of the industry better than anyone. Beyond providing stellar classroom instruction, they act as professional mentors and advisors for all of our students. Want to know how to dress for an interview for an accounting job or how you should “speak the lingo” for your first position? Our faculty members can answer these questions for you and more.

First-gen students may face additional challenges, so our faculty is committed to providing them with extensive assistance. But our university collectively recognizes the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion as well. That's why all accounting majors complete courses dedicated to cultural perspectives and diversity to graduate.

The OHIO Experience for Accounting Majors

At Ohio University, accounting majors will get the chance to practice classroom skills and accounting theories starting their first year. Thanks to this, you’ll gain the confidence and practical experience you need to thrive in this competitive industry — and you’ll never feel daunted when looking at a balance sheet or stack of tax records ever again!

Meanwhile, you’ll enjoy unforgettable experiences with your peers and professors. Whether you decide to travel abroad, help local businesses or individuals with their taxes or participate in other internship opportunities, your time at OHIO won’t be marked by unending hours in the classroom. You’ll be out exploring and practicing throughout your program!

Accreditation

In 1995, OHIO's School of Accountancy received supplemental accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Only 1 percent of business schools hold both the AACSB accreditation and Accounting Accreditation! 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.