Accounting, BS

Degree: Bachelor of Science (BS)
Major: Accounting

Program Overview

The accounting profession demands a high degree of technical training, similar to the professions of architecture, law, engineering and medicine, and a broad knowledge of the fundamentals of economics and business with a commitment to public well-being. The undergraduate program in accounting is designed to enhance critical thinking, quantitative analysis and decision making skills in accounting as well as in the related fields of banking and finance, economics, marketing, organizational behavior and operations.

Career opportunities in accounting include the public, corporate, government, nonprofit and healthcare sectors. The undergraduate program in accounting prepares students for entrance into these careers and provides a foundation for the examination to become a CPA or other professional certifications. Each state Board of Accountancy has its own eligibility requirements for taking the CPA exam. Students pursuing a BS in Accounting should consult the Board of Accountancy website for the state in which they plan to sit for the CPA examination in order to determine specific course requirements.

For more information, see the undergraduate accounting program website. For questions, contact Tiffany Schwendeman, Assistant Dean of Undergraduate and Integrated Study programs, 216.368.2058.

Learning Outcomes

  • Students possess information literacy regarding accounting principles, techniques, tools and analysis.
  • Students comprehend accountancy as a learned profession.
  • Students communicate clearly.

Practicum Program

The practicum program is a planned, structured, supervised workplace experience at an approved "site" organization. The practicum is an experiential learning arrangement between the student, the employer and the practicum adviser in conjunction with the Career Center. The primary goal of this active learning experience is the intellectual, personal and professional growth of the student in an area related to the student's academic goals. Students may participate in up to two practicums and all practicums must be taken for transcript notation, otherwise the student will not have the benefits of full-time student status. Additionally, students must have a faculty member serve as a practicum advisor. 

Undergraduate Policies

For undergraduate policies and procedures, please review the Undergraduate Academics section of the General Bulletin.

Accelerated Master's Programs

Undergraduate students may participate in accelerated programs toward graduate or professional degrees. For more information and details of the policies and procedures related to accelerated studies, please visit the Undergraduate Academics section of the General Bulletin.

Early Admission to the Integrated Study Program in Accountancy

Each year, approximately 10 to 15 exceptionally well-qualified high school seniors who plan to pursue careers in accountancy will be offered Early Admission to the Integrated Study Program in Accountancy at Case Western Reserve University. Early admits receive a conditional commitment of admission to the Weatherhead School of Management Master of Accountancy program and a scholarship package covering a minimum of 50% of an academic year’s tuition cost to be honored when students formally enroll as a graduate student. Students are required to maintain a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.2 overall and in accountancy courses. Those who achieve higher grade point averages may be eligible for greater scholarship amounts.