Accounting

Innovation in accounting education and critical research

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The Bachelor of Science in Accounting at USC’s Leventhal School of Accounting offers students a robust education that combines foundational accounting principles with practical skills essential for diverse career paths. The program prepares students for professional roles by focusing on key areas such as critical decision-making, problem-solving, and research skills while learning to navigate ethical dilemmas and stakeholder conflicts common in accounting practice. 

Graduates are well-equipped to enter various fields, including public accounting, corporate finance, government, and non-profit sectors, with the ability to tackle real-world financial challenges confidently. 

This degree requires at least 128 units including USC’s General Education requirements.

A cumulative grade point average of C (2.0) is required for all courses taken at USC as well as all upper-division courses applied toward the major, regardless of the department in which the courses are taken.

ACCT Sample Course Plan

The course plan below is a sample of how undergraduate students may complete their academic programs of study. To create a personalized course plan that meets your goals and interests, please contact your Leventhal academic advisor.  Leventhal majors can find the name of their current advisor on Advise USC.

Recommended Coursework

Required Accounting Courses

  • ACCT 370 External Financial Reporting Issues Units: 4
  • ACCT 371 Introduction to Accounting Systems Units: 4
  • ACCT 430 Accounting Ethics Units: 4 (Spring only)
  • ACCT 451 Tax Analysis with Data Analytics Units: 4
  • ACCT 456 Auditing with Data Analytics Units: 4

Elective Courses

Complete at least 8 units of upper-division elective courses from the following:

  • ACCT 405 Introduction to Sustainability Reporting Units: 4 (Spring only)
  • ACCT 416 Financial Statement Analysis Units: 4
  • ACCT 470 Advanced External Financial Reporting Issues Units: 4
  • ACCT 493 Leventhal Honors Research Seminar Units: 2
  • ACCT 494 Leventhal Honors Research and Thesis Units: 2
  • ACCT 499  Special Topics; Units: 1,2, 3, or 4
     

California CPA Requirements

Leventhal's Bachelor of Science in Accounting can satisfy the educational requirements for the California State Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license. For licensure in other states or territories, please review the specific requirements for that jurisdiction.

 

FAQs

 

Which courses can help students determine if this major is right for them?

Courses that can help determine if this major is a good fit are:

  • BUAD 280: Introduction to Financial Accounting
  • BUAD 281: Introduction to Managerial Accounting
  • BUAD 305: Abridged Core Concepts of Accounting Information (if eligible/applicable)
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What other resources/experiences can help students determine if this major is the right fit?
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Why would students choose this major?

A Bachelor of Science in Accounting opens doors to opportunities across various industries, including accounting, finance, consulting, and more.

With a degree in Accounting, you can benefit from:

  • Career Flexibility
  • Entrepreneurship Opportunities
  • Job Security
  • Progress toward meeting California CPA eligibility and requirements

 

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Are there any scholarship opportunities?

Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Accounting are eligible to apply for scholarships through both the Leventhal School of Accounting and the Marshall School of Business.

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For International Students

This major is a STEM program.

This major has been approved by the university to be STEM-eligible. This allows students who have completed this degree to apply for the STEM OPT Extension. Please note that this extension is not guaranteed but is approved by federal departments beyond the university’s purview. We strongly advise students to carefully read the Office of International Services instructions (here and here) which explain the STEM OPT extension eligibility and proceed accordingly.