Accounting Degrees
EARN YOUR ACCOUNTING DEGREE AND BECOME INDISPENSABLE
Our Accounting Degree is designed to instill in you the expertise needed for a successful career in financial and managerial accounting, auditing, federal income taxation, or computer applications. At Saint Mary’s, our Accounting program is led by a renowned faculty of supportive teachers who instruct small, discussion-based classes in the liberal arts tradition.
As a first-year Accounting major, you’ll begin building up your skills and strategies right away. With guidance and encouragement from professors and peers alike, you’ll get comfortable tackling accounting problems and ethical issues, performing in-depth investigation and analysis, and communicating effectively in the workplace - allowing you to play a critical role in the operations of top Bay Area accounting firms, or any other organization.
BA vs. BS Degree
Saint Mary's offers two undergraduate degrees in Accounting: a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and a Bachelor of Science (BS). Explore which degree aligns best with your future career goals.
Bachelor of Arts [BA]
The Corporate Accounting, BA degree offers a concise yet comprehensive curriculum, providing students with essential accounting training tailored for corporate environments. The lighter course load in the Corporate Accounting, BA program allows students to complement their accounting foundation with a second major in another field. The education you receive through this BA degree prepares you for roles such as Financial Analyst, Management Accountant, Internal Auditor and more.
Bachelor of Science [BS]
The Public Accounting, BS is a good fit for students who want extensive training in accounting principles and practices. Advanced accounting courses cover intermediate accounting, tax accounting, accounting analytics, auditing, ethics, nonprofit accounting, and accounting information systems. This robust curriculum equips students with the knowledge and skills needed for roles such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Auditor, Tax Advisor, Financial Analyst, and more.
EXCEL WITH AN ACCOUNTING DEGREE
Prepare to master the world of Accounting - from finances and management to business investigation and analysis, including tax compliance and software - as you hone the relevant tools for navigating this highly competitive field. The connections and concepts you develop here will put you in a strong position for entering the job market, or for completing the 150-hour requirement for CPA licensure as part of our MS Accounting program.
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MEET THE FIRMS
Over 100 students participate annually in this signature job and internship recruiting event - which is held exclusively for Accounting majors and attended by representatives from KPMG, Deloitte, Moss Adams, Armanino, Johnston Gremaux & Rossi, Sensiba San Filippo, and more than 25 other public, private, government, and forensic firms. Along with a Saint Mary's career specialist, reps from these top accounting firms network with students to help them build their resumes and advance their careers.
The Joseph Lupino Accounting Excellence Award
In 2023, the Accounting Department established the Joseph Lupino Accounting Excellence Award, named in honor of Joseph Lupino, a retired Emeriti Professor of Accounting who played a pivotal role in founding the department over forty years ago alongside Stanford "Stan" White. In partnership with the faculty, this award and scholarship is presented to individuals who demonstrate outstanding achievement and dedication in the field of accounting. Recipients embody the values and commitment to excellence that Joe Lupino himself exemplified throughout his tenure. This prestigious accolade honors those who exhibit exceptional skill, integrity, and leadership within the accounting discipline.
Accounting Degree Testimonial
“The Accounting program has shown me the experience and level of care with which Saint Mary’s faculty operates. Their coaching helped me gain the knowledge and professionalism to secure a job after graduation. I am grateful for the mentorship that I have received.”
Ryan Bandacarri ‘19 Senior Accountant Aurora Solar
In the United States for highest earning potential
