Prepare for Accounting Success

The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) in Accounting at the University of Dayton prepares you to go beyond numbers to analyze financial data, solve complex business problems and communicate strategic insights. Through the School of Business Administration, you'll benefit from an experiential learning curriculum, small classes and mentorship from industry-expert faculty from day one. Premier networking events like Meet the Firms help you connect directly with regional and global employers, securing clear pathways to internships, career opportunities and professional growth.

Fast Facts

97% of accounting

majors complete full-time, paid internships prior to graduation


About the Accounting (BSBA) Program

Why study accounting at UD?

At the University of Dayton, accounting students gain more than technical skills. You'll build confidence, professional experience and meaningful connections that prepare you to stand out in today's competitive business world.

Personalized Support: Faculty who Know your Name

Small class sizes and faculty with real accounting industry experience create a supportive learning environment where you're known by name, mentored personally and challenged to grow.

Real-World Experience: On Campus and Across the World

You'll apply classroom learning through hands-on opportunities like Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), business projects with real-world impact, such as Flyer Enterprises, Flyer Consulting, and more, and study abroad experiences such as Accounting in Paris.

Career Connections: Starting as Early as Your First Year

Biannual networking events like Meet the Firms, hosted by the Accounting Club and Beta Alpha Psi, connect accounting students of all experience levels directly with local, regional and national accounting firms, creating clear pathways to internships and career opportunities.

AACSB Dual-Accredited

The University of Dayton School of Business Administration is dual-accredited by AACSB International — the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business — with additional specialized accreditation for our accounting program. Fewer than 2% of business schools worldwide hold this prestigious dual-accreditation of accounting and business.

Want to Learn More?

Read the accounting program FAQ for information on careers, student involvement, skills gained and more.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Explore admission options or schedule an academic visit to learn more about accounting at UD.

How do I apply to the accounting program?

At the University of Dayton, applying is free and test scores are optional. When you apply, you'll automatically be considered for a merit scholarship.

Learn about our admission process, then apply using UD's application or the Common App.

What is the tuition cost and is financial aid available?

Rooted in our Catholic, Marianist traditions, the University of Dayton is dedicated to being transparent and ensuring student success. And with high graduation and success rates, UD is an excellent value.

To help you cover your costs, a variety of scholarships, grants, loans and part-time work study are available. The University also accepts transfer credits and credit by exam for undergraduates, giving you more flexibility to add a double major or minor or participate in a transformational experience like study abroad or internships.


Degree Requirements and Curriculum

Accounting (BSBA) Degree Requirements and Information

Requirements

The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Accounting degree requires a total of at least 120 credit hours. This degree also includes requirements from our flexible undergraduate curriculum, known as the Common Academic Program (CAP).

About the Degree

To meet the growing demands of the accounting field, our program encompasses a wide range of curricular and extracurricular components, emphasizing the demands of a complex professional environment. The curriculum focuses on integrating technology, globalization and ethics, preparing you for success in a global economy.

Read our FAQ to learn more about this program.

Sample Plan of Study

This is a sample plan of study for students starting at UD in the 2025-26 academic year. This is a recommended course sequence, but your schedule may vary depending on previously earned college credits, course availability, advisor recommendations, and your personal goals and interests. Please contact your holistic advisor if you have any questions.

Semester 1
  • BIZ 101 – Launching Your Business Career: Foundations for Student Success
    1
  • BIZ 201 – Business Cases and Communications
    3
  • ECO 203 – Principles of Microeconomics
    3
  • HUM 101 – Chaminade Seminar: Reading and Responding to the Signs of the Times
    3
  • MTH 129 – Calculus for Business
    3
  • CAP Arts Study
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 16
Semester 2
  • BIZ 103 – Develop Your Vocation and Career Flight Plan
    1
  • ECO 204 – Principles of Macroeconomics
    3
  • HUM 102 – Marie Thérèse Seminar: Human Dignity and the Common Good
    3
  • MGT 101 – Entrepreneurial, Innovative, and Creative Mindsets
    3
  • MGT 201 – Legal and Ethical Environment of Business
    3
  • CAP Natural Science and Lab
    4
  • Total Credit Hours 17
Semester 3
  • ACC 201 – Accounting Information for Business Decisions I
    3
  • BAN 210 – Statistics for Business Analytics I
    3
  • BIZ 202 – Career Flight Takeoff
    1
  • ENG 200 – Writing Seminar II
    3
  • MIS 301 – Information Systems in Organizations
    3
  • CAP Faith Traditions
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 16
Semester 4
  • ACC 202 – Accounting Information for Business Decisions II
    3
  • BAN 211 – Statistics for Business Analytics 2
    3
  • FIN 301 – Introduction to Financial Management
    3
  • MKT 301 – Principles of Marketing
    3
  • CAP Diversity and Social Justice
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 5
  • ACC 303 – Managerial Accounting
    3
  • ACC 305 – Intermediate Financial Accounting I
    3
  • OPS 301 – Survey of Operations and Supply Management
    3
  • CAP Advanced Religious Studies
    3
  • Open Elective
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 6
  • ACC 306 – Intermediate Financial Accounting II
    3
  • ACC 341 – Accounting Systems and Data Analytics
    3
  • BIZ 301 – Successfully Navigating Your Career Flight Plan
    1
  • MGT 301 – Organizational Behavior
    3
  • CAP Advanced Philosophical Studies
    3
  • Open Elective
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 16
Semester 7
  • ACC 401 – Auditing Principles
    3
  • ACC 408 – Advanced Financial Accounting
    3
  • MGT 490 – Strategic Management
    3
  • Open Elective
    4
  • Total Credit Hours 13
Semester 8
  • ACC 420 – Federal Income Taxation
    3
  • ACC Elective
    3
  • CAP Advanced Historical Studies
    3
  • Open Elective
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 12

Transfer and Exam Credits

Wondering how college credits you've already earned (e.g., transfer credit, CCP, AP/IB/CLEP exams) will apply to your undergraduate degree? Use our online Transfer Credit Evaluation tool to find out.


Success After Graduation

Get more than your foot in the door — get ready for success. At our School of Business Administration, you will have the opportunity to combine the classroom and business world together in a way that allows you to further sharpen your skills. It’s a key reason why employers love hiring our students — they can hit the ground running.


Your Academic Path: The UD Accounting Experience

Double Major

Choose a second or even third major! You can personalize your academic path to support your goals and interests. You may choose more than one business major or even a business major with a complementary non-business major, as long as you meet the specific requirements to enter the major.

Academic and Career Advising

Want to pursue a double major or a minor? To use your business skills for humanitarian purposes? To gain real-world experience through an internship or cooperative education? Your holistic advisor will help you develop — and complete — your plan.

Clubs and Organizations

Our opportunities and activities prepare tomorrow's business leaders. You'll gain valuable business insights, experience the spirit of service, develop priceless personal connections and have fun, too.

BWISE

To really excel as a business professional, you'll need to gain additional business wisdom outside the classroom. That's where BWISE (Business Wisdom through Intercultural, Service and Experiential Education) comes in.


Walk. Run. Fly. Soar.

Success is a Journey

At the University of Dayton, you'll have a supportive community dedicated to fueling your success. Through guaranteed, real-world experience, you'll build the skills and confidence needed to be workforce ready.



Accounting (B.S.B.A.) Frequently Asked Questions

What type of jobs are UD accounting students getting after graduation?

Accounting graduates pursue careers in public accounting (auditing, tax, consulting), corporate finance, internal audit, government, nonprofit organizations and more. Many students begin in roles such as audit or tax associate, staff accountant, financial analyst or internal auditor, while others go into advisory, risk management or specialized areas like sustainability reporting and analytics.

Who hires UD accounting students and where are they placed?

UD accounting students pursue opportunities with public accounting firms, corporations, banks, government agencies, nonprofits and consulting organizations. Employers connected with UD recruiting and internship opportunities have included Deloitte, EY, KPMG, PwC, RSM, Plante Moran, Fifth Third Bank and others, along with regional employers throughout Ohio and beyond.

What are some typical ways accounting students get involved?

Accounting students can participate in organizations such as the Accounting Club, Beta Alpha Psi and Flyers for Financial Literacy.

They can also attend events such Meet the Firms (a networking event designed specifically to connect students with employers and internship opportunities early in their college experience), The Accounting Ethics Speaker series and the Accounting Banquet.

Additionally, there are many other student organizations, mentorship programs, campus jobs and School of Business Administration activities. Getting involved early helps students build confidence, professional skills and industry connections.

What skills do accounting students gain through UD?

Accounting students develop much more than technical accounting knowledge. They build skills in critical thinking, data analysis, communication, teamwork, ethical decision-making and problem-solving — all abilities employers consistently seek.

How is AI changing the accounting profession? What does the SBA and Accounting Department do to prepare students for AI in the professional world?

AI is changing accounting by increasing the ability to streamline repetitive tasks involving nuance, improving data analysis and helping professionals identify trends, risks and insights more quickly. As technology takes over more routine work, accountants increasingly spend less time on manual processes and more time interpreting results, solving problems and advising decision-makers. This shift may also create opportunities for young professionals to exercise judgment and contribute strategically earlier in their careers.

The School of Business Administration and the Accounting Department emphasize analytical thinking, ethical decision-making, communication skills and adaptability alongside technical knowledge so that graduates are prepared to work alongside evolving AI tools rather than compete against them.

How do UD Accounting students prepare for the CPA exam?

The accounting curriculum introduces students to many of the core concepts covered on the CPA exam, including financial accounting, auditing, taxation, internal controls and other business topics. Coursework helps build a strong foundation, although additional review and preparation are typically utilized before taking the exam.

Students interested in CPA licensure often work with faculty and advisors to understand educational requirements, timing and next steps after graduation.

How and when do accounting students complete internships?

Recruiting for accounting internships starts earlier than many students expect — often as early as the sophomore or even freshman year. Students are encouraged to attend networking events like Meet the Firms (held twice a year), meet employers and begin exploring career paths well before applying for internships and jobs.

Many accounting students complete internships during their junior or senior year, and it's common for students to complete more than one internship before graduation. These experiences help students test different career interests, build professional networks and often lead to full-time job offers.

Do accounting students study abroad?

Yes, accounting students can study abroad, and many choose programs that fit alongside business coursework and graduation requirements. UD offers short term as well as longer term programs. For example, the Accounting in Paris trip takes place over spring break, allowing students to go overseas with a class without interrupting the normal course schedule. Studying abroad gives students a broader understanding of global business, economics and cultural perspectives — skills that are increasingly valuable in today's interconnected economy.

Students work with advisors to identify opportunities that align with their academic plans and career goals so they can gain international experience while staying on track to graduate.