Accounting

About the Major

Accounting teaches you to track and measure business transaction process information, prepare reports, and communicate results to decision makers. You will study the methods of recording, reporting, and examining the financial information and economic outlook of a business. In addition to the concentration, you will 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 include: 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

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of accountants and auditors is expected to grow 11% from 2014 to 2024, which is faster than the average for all occupations. Accountants who earn a CPA certification should have the best prospects. Competition for jobs with prestigious accounting and business firms will be strong, and further graduate study will give candidates an edge in landing a position.

According to the IUPUI First Destination Survey in 2019, the average starting salary reported for accounting majors was 51,942, and the median was 52,750. The national median starting salary for accounting majors for the class of 2019 was $57,000, according to the National Association of College and Employers (NACE, 2020).

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

In addition to CPA coursework, many accountants will climb a career ladder that could include 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

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

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

801 W. Michigan Street

American Institute of CPAs

Kelley Indianapolis Career Services

Business Building, Room 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