Why choose accounting as a major?
What is accounting?
What career opportunities are available?
What are the program requirements?
What are some special features and programs?
What department awards are available to students?
How can I learn more?

Why choose accounting as a major?
By enrolling in the Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting, you will be preparing for a career that is both exciting and challenging and one that offers unlimited opportunities and rewards. Join thousands of other Cal State students who have achieved major leadership positions in business, education and politics after earning their bachelor’s degree with a concentration in Accounting.

What is accounting?
It is true that accounting is the language of business. Traditionally, the accounting process involves record keeping – recording, classifying, reporting, and interpreting economic events. But accounting today is so much more. Now, the accountant is an even more valuable member of the corporate strategic team with involvement in the corporation’s planning, evaluating, and forecasting of the future. Broadening areas of accounting include consulting in information systems design and management advisory services which are leading fields of expansion.

What career opportunities are available?
A major in accounting provides students with a variety of career choices. The primary areas of employment include positions in public accounting, corporate accounting, government accounting and education. Within each of these principal categories, there are many unique opportunities. For example, public accounting includes audit and tax work, consulting, advising and planning. The management accountant in the corporate organization could specialize in cost accounting, internal auditing or tax planning, as well as service in management and advisement positions. Every governmental agency and subdivision needs accountants. The work in this area is as varied as the number of division. Government accountants prepare financial reports, serve as both internal and external auditors and are crucial in the budgeting process. Courses in accounting also meet the requirements for the Single Subject Waiver program for secondary teachers in California. In addition, the undergraduate degree in accounting is a stepping stone to a master’s degree that would allow one to teach at the community college level and also as an instructor at a university.

What are the program requirements?
Please consult this page for Undergraduate requirements.

Please consult this page for Graduate requirements.

What are some special features and programs?
First, we have an accredited program. That makes us uniquely special in Orange County and most of Southern California.

Next, our focus is on students! Our number one objective is the development of our students. We are constantly seeking to answer question such as what is the best curriculum for students? What can we offer that will enhance the educational experience of students. How can we help students ho need financial support? How can we help students with job placement?

In order to meet the needs of our student body, we are revising our curriculum to offer more specialized training. We plan to provide students an option for a transition into a five-year program when it is mandated by the state. We offer an enhanced learning experience through internships, independent study and student group activities. Furthermore, a number of scholarships and awards are available each semester for deserving students. In addition, most internships are paid positions. Each year the student groups sponsor a "Meet the Firms Night" and an "Industry Night" to enable students to meet various prospective employers. Public accounting firms in the area also formally recruit on the campus. Our goal is to have all graduating seniors employed in acceptable positions as soon as practical after completing the program.

What department awards are available to students?
There are number of awards and scholarships available to accounting students that are offered by the Accounting Advisory Association (an alumni group), California Society of Certified Public Accountants, American Association of Women Accountants, Association of Government Accountants, Institute of Internal Auditors, and several CPA review companies as well as several individuals. Each spring and fall, the student organizations sponsor an awards banquet to announce the names of the recipients of the awards.

How can I learn more?
For additional information on careers or specific questions about courses in the Accounting program, you may contact one of our faculty career path advisers. Office hours, telephone numbers and email addresses for the faculty members are available from the Accounting Department office at (714) 278-2225.