Program Overview

University of Pittsburgh School of Business

The University of Pittsburgh School of Business offers a comprehensive range of academic programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as certificate programs.

Academics

The school provides a variety of academic programs, including:

• Accounting
• Business Analytics
• Business Information Systems
• Finance
• Global Management
• Human Resources Management
• Marketing
• Supply Chain Management
  • Certificates:
    • Certificate in Foundations of AI for Business
    • Certificate Program in Innovation and Entrepreneurship
    • Certificate Program in Leadership and Ethics
    • Certificate Program in Sports Management
    • Certificate in Supply Chain Management
    • Area-Studies Certificates:
      • Sustainable Development Certificate in Global Studies
      • Conflict/Conflict Resolution Certificate in Global Studies
      • Global Economy and Global Governance Certificate in Global Studies
• Honors Program:
  • Guaranteed Graduate Admission
  • University Honors College
• Business Minor:
  • Business Minor Admissions
  • Course Planning for the Business Minor
• Double Degree Programs
• Accelerated Degrees:
  • BSBA/MAcc
  • BSBA/JD
• Arts & Sciences Requirements:
  • Arts & Sciences Requirements Beginning January 2023 or later
  • Arts & Sciences Requirements Prior to January 2023
• Core Courses
• Student Advising:
  • Pitt Business Summer Course Transfer Process
  • New Transfer Student Information
• Standards and Policies
• Student Success and Tutoring
• Pitt Business Graduation

Accounting Major

The major in accounting provides students with the general business and accounting knowledge necessary to succeed in professional accounting roles. Students will develop strong communication, technical, and interpersonal skills necessary to solve complex problems in dynamic, unstructured settings.

Requirements

• Earn a minimum of 120 Academic Credits and fulfill all BSBA degree requirements
• Complete two BSBA core courses in accounting as well as six required accounting major courses (18 credits)
• Fulfill All:
  • Arts and Sciences Foundation Requirements
  • BSBA Core Curriculum Requirements
• Cumulative GPA of 2.25 (C+) in all courses applied toward an Accounting major
• Grade of C- or better must be earned in each course applied toward an Accounting major

Courses

• Pitt Business Core Courses:
  • BUSACC 0030 Financial Accounting
  • BUSACC 0040 Managerial Accounting
• Required Major Courses:
  • BUSACC 1204 Intermediate Financial Reporting 1
  • BUSACC 1205 Intermediate Financial Reporting 2
• Major Electives:
  • Select four of the following courses:
    • BUSACC 1210 Financial Statement Analysis
    • BUSACC 1216 Advanced Financial Accounting
    • BUSACC 1221 Strategic Cost Management
    • BUSACC 1236 Accounting Information Systems
    • BUSACC 1238 Auditing
    • BUSACC 1242 Taxes and Decision Making
    • BUSACC 1252 Taxation for Entities
    • BUSACC 1270 Personal Tax Planning and Wealth Management
• Accounting Electives not counted toward Accounting Major:
  • BUSACC 1245 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (permission required)
  • BUSACC 1296 Accounting Internship
  • BUSENV 1760 Business Law

Recommended Public Accounting Certificate

This recommended add-on for accounting majors seeking to pursue CPA licensure can be declared by talking with your academic advisor.

Required Courses

• BUSACC 1238 Auditing (prereq: BUSACC 1205; coreq: BUSACC 1236)
• BUSACC 1252 Taxation for Entities (prereqs: BUSACC 1242)
• BUSACC 1216 Advanced Financial Acct (prereq: BUSACC 1205)
• BUSACC 1221 Strategic Cost Management (prereq: BUSACC 0030 and 0040)

Certificate Electives (pick 1)

• BUSENV 1760 Business Law
• BUSACC 1210 Financial Statement Analysis (coreq: BUSACC 1205)
• BUSACC 1270 Personal Tax Planning and Wealth Management (prereq: BUSACC 0030)

Careers

The accounting major is an excellent complement to other business majors, enhancing the value of each major.

Skills Needed

• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills
• A high GPA is expected to be competitive in the market
• Excellent communication skills are needed, in addition to working well in a team environment
• Strong technical skills; many positions require using specialized accounting software

Types of Jobs

• Budget Analysis
• Financial
• Management Accounting
• Tax
• Auditing

Types of Industries

• Public Accounting
• Corporate Accounting
• Government
• Education
• Non-profit
• Self-employed CPA

Minors

• Economics
• Additional Minors Available

CPA Exam Prep

In Pennsylvania and most other states, a CPA license will be granted only to individuals who have earned 150 or more university credits. The Master of Science in Accounting Program (MAcc) at the University of Pittsburgh Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business is the recommended way to earn the additional 30 credit hours after the BSBA and prepare for the CPA exam.