Accounting

In today’s fast-paced economy, accountants are critical in guiding organizations through complex financial landscapes. With advancements in technology, automation, and data analytics, Accounting has evolved into a dynamic field that provides real-time insights, helping businesses manage risk, allocate resources effectively, and remain compliant with regulatory standards. 

Why Study Accounting at the Palumbo-Donahue School of Business? 

Our Accounting major prepares you for successful careers in corporate, government, nonprofit, and public accounting. Beyond technical knowledge, we emphasize critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and professional communication.

Discover Duquesne’s Distinctive Educational Experience 

As an Accounting major, you will learn analytical and problem-solving skills, communicate financial information to stakeholders, work within interdisciplinary teams, and take on ethical and professional responsibility. The School prides itself on offering more than just a top-tier education; as a Duquesne student, you will have access to:

  • State-of-the-Art Technology: Accounting majors have access to Oracle NetSuite, AI MindBridge, and other industry-standard accounting and financial software.
  • Networking: Participate in our annual Accounting Connect networking event, where you meet face-to-face with hiring managers from top firms for internship and job placement.
  • Industry Engagement: Interact with professionals through speaker series, competitions, conferences, case studies, and corporate visits.
  • Beyond the Classroom: Join Beta Alpha Psi and the Student Accounting Association. These student-led organizations host guest speakers, networking events, and career workshops.
  • Accounting Mentoring Program: Our mentors help you set goals, build networks, and gain valuable insight into career paths, certifications, and employer expectations. With 100% of participants recommending the program, it’s a proven launchpad for internships, graduate school, and full-time roles in the field. 
  • IIA-Endorsed Program: The Palumbo-Donahue School of Business is endorsed by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). We are one of two IIA-endorsed accounting programs in Pennsylvania and one of only 58 worldwide.

B.S.B.A.-to-M.S. in Accountancy (MAcc)

The B.S.B.A.-to-MAcc program, is our accelerated pathway to CPA licensure while earning a MAcc degree. Perks include:

  • Paid Co-Op Experience: Spring semester in your senior year
  • One year of graduate work: Earn your B.S.B.A. and MAcc degrees in only 5 years (while only paying 4.5 years of tuition)
  • CPA Licensure: Upon completion of the B.S.B.A to MAcc program, you will have completed PA’s 150-credit-hour requirement, allowing you to sit for the CPA exam.

Program Information

IIA-endorsed Accounting program that prepares undergraduates for a successful career. The program helps students to become experts in data analysis, strategic thinking, and forecasting.

Program Type

Major, Minor

Degree

Bachelor's

School

Palumbo-Donahue School of Business

Duration

4-year

Required Credit Hours

Students must complete a minimum of 120 credits.

From Our Alumni

Claire Stoner

"I'm grateful to my professors for believing in my potential. Thanks to their support and guidance, I’ve had the opportunity to co-author several published academic papers, complete four internships, and receive multiple job offers."

Claire Stoner B'23, MAcc'25

Career Opportunities

Job Placement: Invest in Your Future

Graduates with an accounting degree pursue careers in public accounting at top firms or Fortune 500 companies. Many also find rewarding careers in the nonprofit sector and government agencies.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the  employment of accountants and auditors is projected to  grow by 6% from 2023 to 2033. Many of our Accounting  majors secure job offers by the first semester of their final year, with nearly all having positions lined up by graduation. 

Recent Duquesne Accounting Graduates

Recent Duquesne Accounting graduates have found positions in a variety of major corporations, including:

Alcoa
Amazon
BDO
BNY
Deloitte
EY
Grossman Yanek & Ford LLP
KPMG
PNC
PwC
Schneider Downs
UPMC

Scholarships and Awards

Each year, merit-based scholarships are awarded to enrolled Accounting students who demonstrate exceptional academic  performance, leadership, and a commitment to community service. Thanks to the generous support of alumni, top accounting firms,  major corporations, and professional organizations, the School distributes over $65,000 annually in scholarships. 

Accounting as a Second Major or Minor


Combining Accounting as a double major or minor with another business major gives students a competitive advantage in the job market.

Curriculum

View the Course Descriptions
To complete a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, students must complete a minimum of 120 credits. Accounting majors are required to take: 
  • Bridges Requirements: 19 credits of University-wide courses taken by all students
  • Business Core Required Courses: 51 credits plus 3 additional credits of required courses taken by business students
  • Accounting Major Required Courses: 24 credits
  • Major Specific Electives: 3 credits
  • Open Electives: 20 credits
  • Graduation Requirements: Students must earn a minimum overall 2.0 GPA.

Students who complete our undergraduate program can enroll in the M.S. in Accountancy to earn the additional 30 credits needed to reach the 150 credits required to sit for the CPA exam.
  • ACCT 214 Financial Accounting (3 credits—Business Core)
  • ACCT 215 Managerial Accounting (3 credits—Business Core)
  • ACCT 310 Accounting Information Systems (3 credits)
  • ACCT 311 Intermediate Financial Accounting I (3 credits)
  • ACCT 312 Intermediate Financial Accounting II (3 credits)
  • ACCT 315 Financial Planning and Cost Management (3 credits)
  • ACCT 410 Advanced Financial Accounting (3 credits)
  • ACCT 411W Auditing (3 credits)
  • ACCT 412W Intro to Income Tax Accounting (3 credits)
  • ACCT 414 Corporate and Partnership Tax (3 credits)
Accounting majors need 3 credits of electives.

(3 credits/ea.)
  • BLAW 354 Commercial Transactions*
  • BLAW 355W Law of Business Organizations
  • FINC 333 Financial Management
  • FINC 334 Investments
  • ISYS 381W Systems Analysis and Design
  • MKTG 372 Emotional Intelligence

* Students taking the CPA exam are strongly encouraged to take BLAW 354 as an elective.

(1-6 credits)
  • BUAD 401 Business Administration Internship
Minor in Accounting by taking: 
  • ACCT 214 Financial Accounting 
  • ACCT 215 Managerial Accounting
  • ACCT 310 Accounting Information Systems or ACCT 315 Financial Planning and Cost Management 
  • ACCT 311 Intermediate Financial Accounting I 
  • ACCT 312 Intermediate Financial Accounting II 
  • ACCT 410 Advanced Financial Accounting 

Students are encouraged to meet with their Student Success Coach for more information.
By earning your Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (B.S.B.A.), you will achieve five key Learning Outcomes: Business Functional Knowledge, Analytical & Critical Business Thinking, Cultural Intelligence, Ethical & Moral Compass, and Influence & Collaboration.