About the Program
Accountants help businesses and organizations solve problems and succeed in a rapidly changing, globally competitive environment. Accountants prepare and interpret financial information that is used in a variety of settings. Companies use accounting information in strategic planning and performance evaluation. Investors, lenders and venture capitalists use accounting information when deciding whether and where to invest their funds. Government regulators, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission and even the FBI, use accounting information to detect fraud.
With Krannert’s accounting degree, you can pursue a career in public, corporate, tax, non-profit or government accounting. Our graduates join a network of Purdue alumni who hold important positions in organizations around the world. For example, Beth Brooke-Marciniak, CPA and Global Vice Chair - Public Policy at EY, has been named to the Forbes List of 100 Most Powerful Women. Our graduates place nationally with Big 4 accounting firms, regional public accounting firms, Fortune 1000 companies, consulting firms, small corporations, not-for-profits and government agencies across the U.S. and internationally. A sample of recent jobs that our students have accepted.
You can also prepare for the highly valued Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accounting (CMA) professional certifications. The Accounting Area offers specialized courses in forensic and international accounting, two of the most important growth areas in accounting today.
In addition to your accounting classes, you will take courses in other management areas, such as operations management, finance, marketing and human resource management as you complete your accounting degree. As a result, you will leave Krannert with a solid understanding of both accounting and overall business operations.
Not majoring in Accounting? You can develop valuable accounting skills by concentrating or minoring in Accounting in conjunction with other majors by taking 12 credit hours of upper division accounting classes. For more information, please check with an undergraduate advisor.
Check out a story about how our accounting students helped Purdue to transition to its new procurement system: click here
While studying at Purdue, accounting students have ample opportunities for professional development and networking through student organizations sponsored by the Accounting Area. The Accounting Area is committed to Purdue’s mission of creating and disseminating knowledge. Over the last several years, our faculty members and recent Ph.D. graduates publish their research in top academic journals and present it conferences around the world. Check out our undergraduate accounting clubs (Beta Alpha Psi and the Purdue Accounting Association). There are lots of ways to get involved!
Three Outstanding Programs:
- Our undergraduate accounting major is a 120 credit hour program that provides students with the foundation for successful careers in accounting and business or for graduate study.
- Our Certificate of Advanced Accountancy program adds a 5th year to the undergraduate accounting major and puts students on an educationally sound path to the 150 credit hours needed to take the Uniform CPA exam in most states.
Our Masters of Science (Accounting) degree is a two-semester, 30 credit hour program that features a flexible curriculum with field consulting opportunities with start-ups and non-profits. Students tailor their coursework to their career goals while becoming CPA-exam ready.
