Accounting

About the accounting major

Accounting teaches you to track and measure business transaction process information, prepare reports, and communicate results to decision makers. You'll study the methods of recording, reporting, and examining the financial information and economic outlook of a business.

In addition to the concentration, you'll complete a broad base of general business courses and complete coursework needed to take the CPA certification exam. You have the option of adding an accounting specialization to your major.

Skill and abilities this major develops: analysis, critical thinking, strategic planning, and research.

Engaged learning experiences

Regardless of your major or future career, engaged learning is vital to your present and future. It makes you more marketable for jobs and professional schools upon graduation, it enables you to build deeper connections with faculty and staff in your field of study, and it makes your learning personal by connecting your interests and values with the curriculum from your classes. Check out the three ideas below for places to get started, or learn more at IUPUI’s Institute for Engaged Learning website.

Student organizations

Connect with other students and future employers, build leadership and teamwork skills, and have a great time doing it!

Professional work experience

Grow your skills through internships, part-time jobs, or co-op programs. Connect with the Kelley career services team to make an appointment.

Study abroad

“Business without Borders”—Kelley Indianapolis has programs available in London, Paris, Vienna, Prague, and Italy. Opportunities are also available through Kelley Bloomington’s study abroad program.

Opportunities after graduation

Employment of accountants and auditors is projected to grow 6% from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 136,400 openings for accountants and auditors are projected, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as retirement (Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2022).

According to the IUPUI First Destination Survey in 2021, the average salary for business graduates was $50,939, and the median was $52,000.

The national median annual salary for accountants and auditors was $77,250 in 2021 (Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2022).

(This section is intended for informational purposes, not prediction of actual salary.)

In addition to CPA coursework, many accountants climb a career ladder that includes management, directorship, or chief financial officer. There are various specializations, such as certified management accountant, certified internal auditor, and certified information systems auditor, which require experience and additional examinations.

Quick facts

Sample coursework

Auditing
Cost accounting
Economics
Ethics and leadership
Internal auditing
Financial accounting
Taxation

Possible careers

Actuary
Bank officer
Financial analyst
Investment banker
IRS investigator
Underwriter

Where could I work?

Accounting firms
Ernst & Young
JP Morgan Chase
Nonprofit organizations
Self-employment
Small businesses

Complementing interests

CConventional

EEnterprising

IInvestigative

Get your interest code

Where to get more information

Kelley School of Business

American Institute of CPAs

Kelley Indianapolis Career Services

(BS 2010)

Enterprise, Policy, and Planning Cluster

This major is part of the Enterprise, Policy, and Planning (EPP) cluster. The EPP cluster is the academic home of University College students pursuing or interested in business; economics; labor studies; organizational leadership; public and environmental affairs; sport management; and tourism, conventions, and event management.

Learn about the EPP cluster

Learn about other clusters

Meet with an advisor or career consultant

Schedule an appointment