Program Overview
The Bachelor of Science in Accounting at The Ohio State University's Fisher College of Business equips students with a comprehensive understanding of accounting principles and prepares them for careers in accounting and related fields. The program emphasizes problem-solving, communication skills, and ethical decision-making, and offers opportunities for specialization in various areas of accounting. Graduates are eligible to sit for the CPA certification and have a wide range of career opportunities in various industries and organizations.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
The Bachelor of Science in Accounting at The Ohio State University's Fisher College of Business provides students with a comprehensive understanding of accounting principles, concepts, and methods, preparing them for careers in accounting and related fields.
Objectives:
Graduates of the Fisher College of Business' accounting program will:
- Possess a working knowledge of accounting theories, concepts, and methods and be able to explain how accounting is done and why.
- Be able to solve problems by applying fundamental principles to various issues.
- Exhibit the oral and written communication skills needed by successful accounting professionals.
- Be able to research issues and business decision problems by finding, analyzing, and interpreting accounting, tax, and other financial data.
- Recognize ethical dimensions in accounting issues and practice to become responsible professionals and citizens.
Program Description:
The accounting program at The Ohio State University is highly ranked, with its undergraduate program recently ranked 10th in the nation by U.S. News & World Report (2020). The program provides students with a solid foundation in accounting principles, as well as opportunities for specialization in various areas of accounting, such as auditing, tax accounting, and financial accounting. Students admitted to the Columbus campus are also admitted directly to the Fisher major program and the accounting specialization. The program consists of a combination of core courses, required major courses, and electives, totaling a minimum of 121 credit hours.
Core Courses:
- Business Skills and Environment
- Business Law
- International Business
- Finance
- Management Sciences
- Management and Human Resources
- Marketing
- Economics
- Logistics
- Strategic Management
Required Major Courses:
- Financial Accounting I and II
- Cost Accounting
- Tax Accounting
- Introduction to Accounting Information Systems
- Advanced Accounting
- Auditing Principles and Procedures
- Selected Topics in Accounting
Electives:
Additional electives are required to total a minimum of 121 credit hours for graduation. Oral and written communication courses and additional computer science are recommended.
Eligibility for CPA Certification:
Eligibility to sit for the CPA certification in Ohio and several other states requires a minimum of 150 semester hours.
Careers:
Potential Career Paths:
Graduates of the accounting program at The Ohio State University have a wide range of career opportunities in various industries and organizations. These include:
- Accountants in CPA firms that audit corporations, banks, governments, charities, and other economic entities
- Accountants in federal, state, and local governments
- Accountants in businesses as treasurers, controllers, financial vice presidents, internal auditors, budget analysts, cost accountants, systems designers, and staff accountants
Opportunities and Outcomes:
The starting salaries for accountants with a bachelor's degree vary depending on the industry or organization involved. However, among undergraduate business program graduates placed in public accounting firms in 2018-19, the starting salary averaged $55,197. Many graduates also receive offers of full-time employment from their internship employers.
