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Sponsored by the Office of the Provost
Major map compass icon
2020-2021

Accounting

School of Business

Concentration(s):
General Accounting; Data Analytics
Program description

The major in accounting is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in accounting. This program will qualify graduates to sit for the Uniform Certified Public Accountant Examination in Virginia. However, certification requires 150 hours of college credits. Most public accounting firms give hiring preference to applicants who have completed the full 150 hours prior to starting work.

Career opportunities

Accountants examine and prepare financial records.  They are responsible for confirming accuracy, ensuring the records comply with local, state, and federal laws, and typically are called upon to make recommendations based on that financial data.  There are several types of accountants: 

1. Public accountants are generally employed by firms and serve as an independent third party to review and attest to other organizations' or individuals' financial documents.  Public accountants often gain experience working with a variety of industries.   

2. Private or Corporate accountants are employed by a company and typically develop management accounting expertise in their individual companies and industries.  

3. Government accountants examine and prepare the financial records of various government agencies.

Change of major requirements

Students are eligible for admission into the advanced business program with a major in the School of Business upon meeting the minimum cumulative GPA requirement and successful completion of the Business Foundation coursework, as outlined here: http://bulletin.vcu.edu/undergraduate/business/undergraduate-information/shared-curriculum/

Bachelor-level job titles
  • Accounting Representative
  • Business Analyst
  • Cost Accountant
  • CPA
  • Data Analyst
  • Equity Research Analyst
  • Financial Auditor
  • Fund Accountant
  • Internal Auditor
  • Planning Analyst
  • Project Accountant
  • Securities Analyst
Graduate and professional level job titles
  • Audit Manager
  • Audit Partner
  • Auditor-in-Charge
  • Chief Audit Executive
  • Chief Financial Officer
  • Comptroller
  • Director of Finance
  • Finance Vice President
  • Internal Audit Director
  • Portfolio Manager
  • Securities Analyst
  • Staff Accountant
Professional associations and resources
Degree requirements in Bulletin
Plan of study in Bulletin
Requirements
Highest level of math required
  • MATH 200 or SCMA 212 or BUSN 212
  • STAT 210 or SCMA 301
Science required
  • Core only
Foreign language requirements
  • No
Additional tuition/fees
  • Yes
GPA requirements (to progress/graduate in the major)
  • 2.5 to declare major/2.5 in 300-400 ACCT classes to graduate
Transfer Maps

Contact information

Department name:
Accounting
Building/room location:
301 West Main Street, Snead Hall #B3117, Richmond, VA 23284
Phone:
(804) 828-1608
Email:
usib@vcu.edu
https://business.vcu.edu/academics/accounting/
Campus (where 75% of courses are taken):
Monroe Park
Major map compass icon
Major map

Explore
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Attend Ready, Set, Go – Sophomore Transition Experience.  
  • Map out a 4-year course plan in Degree Works' Student Educational Planner.
  • Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to review your CSI self-report, start goal planning, and to discuss tutoring, electives, & degree progression.
  • Take a tour to learn about library spaces, services, & how to get research help.
  • Discuss your goals as it related to accounting with your Advisor and plan out your 150 credit education if you hope to attain a CPA.
  • Take Math Placement and register for math classes each semester until you complete SCMA 301.
  • Earn at least a 2.5 semester GPA and 15 credits a semester to declare your major at the end of year 2 & graduate in 4 years.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Complete your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists.
  • Consider applying for a federal work-study (FWS) job on- or off-campus through Handshake.
  • Explore innovation and business/non-profit creation with the da Vinci Center.
  • Create a draft resume, submit it to VMock for initial feedback, and meet with a Career Coach in Business Career Services to discuss it.
  • Plan to complete at least 2 internships before the start of your 4th year.
  • Take Winning Presentations to develop the public speaking and communication skills employers want.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Access your free credit report and begin making responsible credit choices to prepare for your future.
  • Build a LinkedIn profile, connect to at least 10 people, and check out the VCU alumni page.
  • Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers in your field of study.
  • Join Students Today Alumni Tomorrow (STAT) to connect to VCU traditions, networking opportunities, and fellow Rams.
  • Practice independent living skills such as money and time management, self-care, and personal responsibility.

Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide. Ask questions about how to use the library.
  • Schedule an appointment with your advisor and explore minors, certificates, and skills-based value added courses.  
  • Talk to your professors about research interests, picking future classes, and strategies for success in your program.
  • Review with your advisor the differences between the General Accounting and Data Analytics concentrations.
  • Be prepared for a challenging year of ACCT, ECON and math classes. Use SI Sessions and tutoring at the Campus Learning Center to get ahead.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
  • Explore peer leadership opportunities or apply for the New Leaders Retreat or Alternative Spring Break.
  • Find opportunities and organizations through SOC that can help you make a difference and make your mark.
  • Meet with a faculty member to discuss your personal and professional interests.
  • Take a service-learning class or volunteer to address a social issue (Hands on Greater Richmond).
  • Take ACCT 291 in spring as an open elective.
  • Attend service events with BAP or NABA
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
  • Consider short-term, semester and year-long Study Abroad opportunities.
  • Get to know other VCU students and meet new friends from all over the world at a monthly Global Café.
  • Join a cultural or identity-related organization.
  • Consider studying abroad with The International Consulting Program.
  • Consider learning a language; open doors to international organizations & future study.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Attend Career & Internship Fairs and other professional development events. 
  • Complete a “Gap Analysis” Strategic Plan with your academic or career advisor.
  • Create an ePortfolio to document academic/professional experiences, accomplishments, and reflections.
  • Gain practical experience related to career goals through internships, shadowing, part-time work, or independent skill building.
  • Attend Meet the Firms in September to apply for internships with Acct Companies.
  • Consider joining Business Student Organizations (NABA, Beta Alpha Psi, or Financial Management, Association).
  • Have your business resume reviewed by Business Career Services, as your internship recruitment season is fall of your Junior Year.
  • SECURE an internship for the summer after the sophomore year.
  • Participate in BAP Leadership Summit and Meet the Firms.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Conduct an informational interview or shadow someone in a field of career interest.
  • Consider who you would ask to serve as professional and academic references for future letters of recommendation.   
  • Get plugged into VCULink to connect with students and alumni.
  • Meet with a coach at The Money Spot to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans.
  • Attend 100 first days event hosted by OSE.
  • Participate in Explore Informational Interviews and Connect Mentoring Program.

Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Deepen your expertise at finding information in your discipline by working with your subject expert librarian & using research guides.
  • Enhance your business, software, technology and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning.
  • See your academic and career advisors regularly to discuss your progress towards graduation and career planning.
  • Master your EXCEL skills.
  • Take ACCT 303 and earn at least 2.5 GPA in all 300-400 level ACCT class to meet graduation requirements.
  • Take summer or winter intersession classes to make up credits, if needed.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
  • Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood associations, city council, or state legislative sessions.
  • Continue to find opportunities and organizations through SOC that can help you make a difference and make your mark.
  • Create a community-engaged research project.
  • Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore post-graduate scholarship and fellowship opportunities, such as the Fulbright Student Scholarship.
  • Apply for ALL accounting scholarships.
  • Join the AICPA or IMA as a student member (it's free or very inexpensive) to meet and interact with professionals.
  • Apply for a scholarship with the Controllers Executive Roundtable (CERT) or Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) to meet leading members of accounting community.
  • Become a tutor in the Campus Learning Center.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience.
  • Update your ePortfolio.
  • Seek research opportunities and apply for funding through VCU Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program.
  • Apply to get a professional mentor through connect mentoring.
  • Attend career and internship fairs AND SECURE an internship for the summer after junior year.
  • Attend panels presented by OSE consisting of alumni and/or Richmond business partners.
  • Conduct independent undergraduate research.
  • GET INVOLVED in BAP or NABA and participate in all meetings.
  • Have your business resume reviewed by Business Career Services.
  • Participate in BAP Leadership Summit and Meet the Firms.
  • Receive Training and Volunteer for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility.
  • Research graduate/professional schools at least 1 year in advance of deadlines. Study for and complete any exams the summer before senior year. 
  • Update your business resume to include new experiences you have gained and skills you have developed. Submit to VMock and/or meet with a Career Coach in Business Career Services to update.
  • Talk to advisors, faculty, and Business Career Services about graduate school versus a job.
  • Explore CPA certification and whether to earn 150 credits for CPA eligibility.
  • Talk to faculty about pursuing professional certifications such as CMA, CISA, CIA, CGFM, CFA, and CFE depending on career goals.

Excel
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor a semester before your anticipated graduation to ensure all graduation requirements will be met. 
  • Ensure prereqs are completed and take ACCT 406, ACCT 408, and MGMT 434.
  • Complete the BUSN 499 Business Knowledge Exam.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
  • Apply for a year-long service or fellowship opportunity after graduation through programs like Peace Corps, Fulbright Student Scholars, Literacy Lab, Richmond Teacher Residency, or AmeriCorps.
  • Attend professional conferences that offer student rates or scholarships (see professional organizations listed above).
  • Continue to find opportunities and organizations through SOC that can help you make a difference and make your mark.
  • Serve in a leadership role on campus or as a board member of a local community organization.
  • Consider jobs in the nonprofit sector, B Corps, or SCRs.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
  • Read scholarly articles about diversity in your field.
  • Reflect on your own cultural competency, and be prepared to answer interview questions that outline how you have worked with diverse populations.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Continue to engage in research to create more content for your ePortfolio.
  • Present your research at conference/meeting such as UROP Undergraduate Research Symposium or other conferences. 
  • Reflect on the experiential learning you have engaged in thus far, and discuss with current or potential mentors (peers, faculty, advisors, alumni, professionals).
  • Attend BAP Meet the Firms in September if you have not already secured full-time employment after graduation
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Complete exams, applications, or self-marketing activities for after graduation.
  • Consider training to become an educator through programs like RTR, which prepares graduates from a variety of majors to become effective teachers in high-need schools.
  • Engage with the VCU Alumni Association at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and by joining a VCULink Industry Network and alumni chapter as you prepare to graduate.
  • Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed and do a mock interview through InterviewStream or with a career advisor.
  • Research prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.
  • Update your business resume to include new experiences, skills, and high level academic projects. Submit to VMock and/or meet with a Career Coach in Business Career Services to update.
  • Sit for as many sections of the CPA exam as possible in the summer after the 4th year.
Visit majormaps.vcu.edu for the online version with links.
Sponsored by the Office of the Provost
Major map compass icon
2020-2021

Accounting

School of Business

Concentration(s):
General Accounting; Data Analytics
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
Explore Year 1
  • Attend Ready, Set, Go – Sophomore Transition Experience.  
  • Map out a 4-year course plan in Degree Works' Student Educational Planner.
  • Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to review your CSI self-report, start goal planning, and to discuss tutoring, electives, & degree progression.
  • Take a tour to learn about library spaces, services, & how to get research help.
  • Discuss your goals as it related to accounting with your Advisor and plan out your 150 credit education if you hope to attain a CPA.
  • Take Math Placement and register for math classes each semester until you complete SCMA 301.
  • Earn at least a 2.5 semester GPA and 15 credits a semester to declare your major at the end of year 2 & graduate in 4 years.
  • Complete your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists.
  • Consider applying for a federal work-study (FWS) job on- or off-campus through Handshake.
  • Explore innovation and business/non-profit creation with the da Vinci Center.
  • Create a draft resume, submit it to VMock for initial feedback, and meet with a Career Coach in Business Career Services to discuss it.
  • Plan to complete at least 2 internships before the start of your 4th year.
  • Take Winning Presentations to develop the public speaking and communication skills employers want.
  • Access your free credit report and begin making responsible credit choices to prepare for your future.
  • Build a LinkedIn profile, connect to at least 10 people, and check out the VCU alumni page.
  • Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers in your field of study.
  • Join Students Today Alumni Tomorrow (STAT) to connect to VCU traditions, networking opportunities, and fellow Rams.
  • Practice independent living skills such as money and time management, self-care, and personal responsibility.
Experience Year 2
  • Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide. Ask questions about how to use the library.
  • Schedule an appointment with your advisor and explore minors, certificates, and skills-based value added courses.  
  • Talk to your professors about research interests, picking future classes, and strategies for success in your program.
  • Review with your advisor the differences between the General Accounting and Data Analytics concentrations.
  • Be prepared for a challenging year of ACCT, ECON and math classes. Use SI Sessions and tutoring at the Campus Learning Center to get ahead.
  • Explore peer leadership opportunities or apply for the New Leaders Retreat or Alternative Spring Break.
  • Find opportunities and organizations through SOC that can help you make a difference and make your mark.
  • Meet with a faculty member to discuss your personal and professional interests.
  • Take a service-learning class or volunteer to address a social issue (Hands on Greater Richmond).
  • Take ACCT 291 in spring as an open elective.
  • Attend service events with BAP or NABA
  • Consider short-term, semester and year-long Study Abroad opportunities.
  • Get to know other VCU students and meet new friends from all over the world at a monthly Global Café.
  • Join a cultural or identity-related organization.
  • Consider studying abroad with The International Consulting Program.
  • Consider learning a language; open doors to international organizations & future study.
  • Attend Career & Internship Fairs and other professional development events. 
  • Complete a “Gap Analysis” Strategic Plan with your academic or career advisor.
  • Create an ePortfolio to document academic/professional experiences, accomplishments, and reflections.
  • Gain practical experience related to career goals through internships, shadowing, part-time work, or independent skill building.
  • Attend Meet the Firms in September to apply for internships with Acct Companies.
  • Consider joining Business Student Organizations (NABA, Beta Alpha Psi, or Financial Management, Association).
  • Have your business resume reviewed by Business Career Services, as your internship recruitment season is fall of your Junior Year.
  • SECURE an internship for the summer after the sophomore year.
  • Participate in BAP Leadership Summit and Meet the Firms.
  • Conduct an informational interview or shadow someone in a field of career interest.
  • Consider who you would ask to serve as professional and academic references for future letters of recommendation.   
  • Get plugged into VCULink to connect with students and alumni.
  • Meet with a coach at The Money Spot to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans.
  • Attend 100 first days event hosted by OSE.
  • Participate in Explore Informational Interviews and Connect Mentoring Program.
Year 3
  • Deepen your expertise at finding information in your discipline by working with your subject expert librarian & using research guides.
  • Enhance your business, software, technology and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning.
  • See your academic and career advisors regularly to discuss your progress towards graduation and career planning.
  • Master your EXCEL skills.
  • Take ACCT 303 and earn at least 2.5 GPA in all 300-400 level ACCT class to meet graduation requirements.
  • Take summer or winter intersession classes to make up credits, if needed.
  • Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood associations, city council, or state legislative sessions.
  • Continue to find opportunities and organizations through SOC that can help you make a difference and make your mark.
  • Create a community-engaged research project.
  • Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore post-graduate scholarship and fellowship opportunities, such as the Fulbright Student Scholarship.
  • Apply for ALL accounting scholarships.
  • Join the AICPA or IMA as a student member (it's free or very inexpensive) to meet and interact with professionals.
  • Apply for a scholarship with the Controllers Executive Roundtable (CERT) or Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) to meet leading members of accounting community.
  • Become a tutor in the Campus Learning Center.
  • Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience.
  • Update your ePortfolio.
  • Seek research opportunities and apply for funding through VCU Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program.
  • Apply to get a professional mentor through connect mentoring.
  • Attend career and internship fairs AND SECURE an internship for the summer after junior year.
  • Attend panels presented by OSE consisting of alumni and/or Richmond business partners.
  • Conduct independent undergraduate research.
  • GET INVOLVED in BAP or NABA and participate in all meetings.
  • Have your business resume reviewed by Business Career Services.
  • Participate in BAP Leadership Summit and Meet the Firms.
  • Receive Training and Volunteer for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program.
  • Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility.
  • Research graduate/professional schools at least 1 year in advance of deadlines. Study for and complete any exams the summer before senior year. 
  • Update your business resume to include new experiences you have gained and skills you have developed. Submit to VMock and/or meet with a Career Coach in Business Career Services to update.
  • Talk to advisors, faculty, and Business Career Services about graduate school versus a job.
  • Explore CPA certification and whether to earn 150 credits for CPA eligibility.
  • Talk to faculty about pursuing professional certifications such as CMA, CISA, CIA, CGFM, CFA, and CFE depending on career goals.
Excel Year 4
  • Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor a semester before your anticipated graduation to ensure all graduation requirements will be met. 
  • Ensure prereqs are completed and take ACCT 406, ACCT 408, and MGMT 434.
  • Complete the BUSN 499 Business Knowledge Exam.
  • Apply for a year-long service or fellowship opportunity after graduation through programs like Peace Corps, Fulbright Student Scholars, Literacy Lab, Richmond Teacher Residency, or AmeriCorps.
  • Attend professional conferences that offer student rates or scholarships (see professional organizations listed above).
  • Continue to find opportunities and organizations through SOC that can help you make a difference and make your mark.
  • Serve in a leadership role on campus or as a board member of a local community organization.
  • Consider jobs in the nonprofit sector, B Corps, or SCRs.
  • Read scholarly articles about diversity in your field.
  • Reflect on your own cultural competency, and be prepared to answer interview questions that outline how you have worked with diverse populations.
  • Continue to engage in research to create more content for your ePortfolio.
  • Present your research at conference/meeting such as UROP Undergraduate Research Symposium or other conferences. 
  • Reflect on the experiential learning you have engaged in thus far, and discuss with current or potential mentors (peers, faculty, advisors, alumni, professionals).
  • Attend BAP Meet the Firms in September if you have not already secured full-time employment after graduation
  • Complete exams, applications, or self-marketing activities for after graduation.
  • Consider training to become an educator through programs like RTR, which prepares graduates from a variety of majors to become effective teachers in high-need schools.
  • Engage with the VCU Alumni Association at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and by joining a VCULink Industry Network and alumni chapter as you prepare to graduate.
  • Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed and do a mock interview through InterviewStream or with a career advisor.
  • Research prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.
  • Update your business resume to include new experiences, skills, and high level academic projects. Submit to VMock and/or meet with a Career Coach in Business Career Services to update.
  • Sit for as many sections of the CPA exam as possible in the summer after the 4th year.