OVERVIEW
Organizations in nearly every industry require professionals with expertise in accounting. An accounting degree is versatile and prepares students for a variety of business settings. Many accounting graduates pursue careers in public accounting or private industry, ultimately advancing into management positions, such as CEO and CFO, or choosing to start their own businesses.
Students complete several core courses within the accounting major, including financial accounting and reporting, cost accounting, accounting information systems, federal income taxes and audit. In addition to completing these core accounting courses, students study in areas such as management, business analytics and marketing, which provides them with a well-rounded understanding of business.
World-class faculty members bring industry experience and research insights into the classroom. Members of the Accounting Professional Advisory Board, which comprises successful business leaders from across the nation, ensure that the curriculum remains cutting-edge and relevant to the complex and ever-changing business landscape.
To become licensed as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the state of Florida and most other jurisdictions, students must complete additional educational requirements beyond the bachelor’s degree. Completion of the Master of Accounting (MAcc) program satisfies these requirements and provides the best preparation for entrance into the accounting profession.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
To be certified to the major in order to take upper division coursework, a student must meet the admission requirements for the College of Business. To enroll in upper-level accounting courses, in addition to the college's general certification requirements, students must have earned a B or better in ACG 2021 and ACG 2071 and have passed the FSU Accounting Competency Exam. For students in the FSU ACG 2021 course, the Accounting Competency material is embedded in the course as a final exam. Students transferring ACG 2021 (or its acceptable equivalent) from another university must register for the FSU Accounting Competency Exam. Registration for the exam is included in the FSU Application process.
Upon completing all requirements for this major, the student will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Courses for the major are updated each academic year. Students must use the course requirements from the academic year they were certified into the College of Business. Typically, students are certified to the College of Business beginning their junior year, and the academic year runs fall through summer.
ACADEMIC MAPPING
Mapping is Florida State University’s academic advising and monitoring system that provides each student with a recommended eight semester map for completing their bachelor’s degree in four years. Summer semesters are not included in degree mapping, but the student may use summer terms to either get ahead or catch up in their degree program.
Students are not required to complete all the recommended classes on their map to remain on course; they simply must meet certain minimum requirements known as "milestones." Milestones include a minimum grade point average (GPA), completion of specific courses and minimum grades (typically “C-” or better, although there are some exceptions) in the milestone classes. Milestones are identified on each major map. All incoming freshmen are monitored for Semester 1 milestone criteria, regardless of the number of hours they previously accumulated through dual enrollment and/or credit by examination.
Students will be contacted if they are not making the appropriate progress. Students who do not satisfy the appropriate milestones at the end of any semester will be notified by the university. The first time a student is off course, a Hold will be placed on registration; and the student will be required to contact an adviser to have the registration Hold removed. The advisor will discuss: (1) what is necessary to get back on course; and/or (2) possible alternative majors. If the student is off course for two consecutive semesters, a Hold is placed on registration; and the student will be required to change their major to an area outside of business.
OPPORTUNITIES
Opportunities for students to learn outside the classroom are offered through our internship program and international programs, and numerous networking and leadership opportunities are available through student organizations, such as the Association of Latino Professionals for America, Beta Alpha Psi, National Association of Black Accountants and Women in Accounting. Events, such as our Meet the Firms and the Thomas Howell Ferguson Accounting Speaker Series, also enhance student learning. Generous scholarships help support students along the way.
Highly qualified FSU students enrolled in this major are able to pursue a combined bachelor’s/master’s pathway that gives them a jump-start on a master’s degree. Combined pathway students substitute specific graduate coursework for undergraduate classes and have up to nine credit hours of coursework count toward requirements for both degrees. To learn more, meet with an advisor in the Undergraduate Programs Office before registering for senior coursework. Learn more about combined pathway options and GPA criteria at business.fsu.edu/combined-pathways.
