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  1. Home
  2. Academics
  3. Bachelor's Degrees
Accounting stock photography. Philip Steury - stock.adobe.com

Accounting

Why major in Accounting?

Penn State Altoona's bachelor of science degree in Accounting prepares students for a variety of careers, including the following:

  • auditing and public accounting
  • industrial and managerial accounting
  • governmental and not-for-profit accounting

The degree also provides a sound background for students planning to pursue graduate studies in accounting or related fields.

Request Information about the Accounting Major

Students who complete the prescribed courses and earn a bachelor of science degree will satisfy the academic requirements to sit for the Certified Public Accountant examination. Graduates may pursue other professional designations, including Certified Management Accountant, Certified Internal Auditor, Certified Fraud Examiner, and Certified Government Financial Manager.

Practical application of classroom knowledge is an essential aspect of this degree program. With the strong business and economic climate in the Altoona area and proximity to Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., and New York City, our students have many opportunities for internships, real-world learning opportunities, and excellent career prospects after they graduate.

Degree Requirements

A minimum of 120 credits is required to complete the bachelor of science degree in Accounting. Students wishing to pursue the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation in Pennsylvania must complete thirty additional credit hours, including credit hours in accounting.

Degree Requirements for the Accounting Major

Many U.S. states and territories require professional licensure/certification to be employed.

Smeal Conditional Early Acceptance Program

Are you interested in partnering with the Penn State Smeal College of Business to pursue a master's degree in Accounting, or Taxation?

Smeal's Conditional Early Acceptance (CEA) program is a two-year pathway to earning an accounting-related graduate degree immediately following your post-baccalaureate studies. The program does not require a deposit and is open to Penn State undergraduates who are currently in their junior year and are majoring in accounting at University Park or another Penn State campus.

Learn More About The Conditional Early Acceptance Program


Accounting Contacts

Contact Daniel Kerch, the Accounting Degree Program Coordinator, or reach out to any of our Accounting faculty and staff.

Request Admissions Information

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Accounting

  • Accounting Curriculum
  • Entry to Major Requirements
  • Accounting Program Objectives
  • Related Minor and Certificate Programs
  • Accounting Faculty and Staff

Suggested Academic Plan

Suggested Academic Plans (SAPs) are sample semester-by-semester guides you can use to meet degree requirements.

Accounting SAP for Prospective Students

View the SAP for the B.S. in Accounting.

Accounting SAP for Current Students

To access previous years' suggested academic plans, please visit the archive to view the appropriate Undergraduate Bulletin edition.

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The Help Tool
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Student Success Center

Located in room 125 on the lower level of the Eiche Library, the Student Success Center supports two main functions:

  • To GET HELP for those students who need academic and non-academic assistance, and
  • To GET AHEAD for those students ready to take the next steps in their education.
Learn more about the Student Success Center

Out-of-Class Learning

Out-of-classroom academic experiences that complement in-class learning, including:

  • Study Away Programs
  • Academic Internships
  • Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry
Learn more about Out-of-class Learning
Pennsylvania map showing Penn State's campuses with Penn State Altoona highlighted

Penn State Altoona

A full-service, four-year, residential campus located less than 45 miles from the research campus at University Park. Offering 21 four-year degrees and the first two years of over 275 Penn State majors.
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Give Visit Apply
  • This is Penn State Altoona
    • Welcome from the Chancellor
    • Penn State Altoona At a Glance
    • Mission, Vision, and Values
    • College Leadership
    • Our History
    • Campus Map
    • Current Weather Conditions
    • Livestream
  • Academics
    • Majors
    • Academic Calendar
    • Out-of-Class Learning
    • Eiche Library
    • Registrar
    • Academic Advising
    • Honors Program
    • Campus Closures
  • Admissions
    • Visit Us
    • Information for First-Year Students
    • How to Apply
    • Accepted Students
    • Find Your Admissions Counselor
    • Experience Altoona
    • Virtual Tour
  • Tuition & Financial Aid
    • Scholarships and Awards
    • Grants
    • Loans
    • Work-study
    • Financial Aid Basics
    • Tuition and Costs
    • Financial Aid Information
  • Student Success
    • Student Success Center
    • The Help Tool
    • Tutoring
    • Student Affairs
    • Student and Civic Engagement
    • Health and Wellness Center
    • Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
    • Safety at Penn State Altoona
    • Career Services
    • Eiche Library
  • Research & Engagement
    • Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry
    • Faculty Research Resources
    • Internships
    • Study Abroad/Study Away
    • Internal Grants and Awards
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