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Sponsored by the Office of the Provost
Major map compass icon
2023-2024

Accounting

School of Business

 
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. Public accountants are generally employed by firms and serve as an independent third party to review, attest to other organizations' or individuals' financial documents, and may gain experience working with a variety of industries. Private or corporate accountants are employed by a company and typically develop management accounting expertise in their individual companies and industries. 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 in the Bulletin here.

Bachelor-level job titles
  • Accounting Technician
  • Audit Accountant
  • Audit Associate
  • Auditor
  • Cost Accountant
  • Financial Analyst
  • Junior Accountant
  • Staff Accountant
  • Tax Accountant
  • Tax Associate
Graduate and professional level job titles
  • Data Analyst
  • Financial Analyst
Professional associations and resources
Degree requirements in Bulletin
Plan of study in Bulletin
Requirements
Highest level of math required
  • MATH 200 or BUSN 212
  • SCMA 301
Science required
  • Natural Sciences requirement only
Foreign language requirements
  • No
Additional tuition/fees
  • Yes
GPA requirements (to progress/graduate in the major)
  • 2.5+ cumulative GPA to declare, 2.0+ cumulative GPA to graduate, 2.0+ major GPA 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
  • Enroll in a student success course to connect with campus advisors and build community around your interests and goals.
  • Map out a 4-year course plan in the DegreeWorks Student Educational Planner.
  • Meet with a writing consultant to hone your writing skills.
  • Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to review your CSI self-report, start goal planning, and choose electives.
  • Sharpen your study skills in supplemental instruction sessions at the Campus Learning Center.
  • Become a mentee in the Business Mentoring program and hone in on your personal and professional goal as well as interpersonal skills through 1:1 mentoring with an industry professional.
  • Take the math placement assessment and register for math classes each semester until you complete BUSN 212 or MATH 200.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
  • Apply to live in a program-in-residence or a living learning community.
  • Consider applying to the Honors College.
  • Get involved, meet people, and develop your interests by joining one of VCU's 50 student clubs and organizations.
  • If living on campus, connect with your Resident Assistant, attend hall events, and participate in Community Council.
  • Participate in RAM CAMP to get a jump start on learning about VCU’s campus community.
  • Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond’s many museums and parks.
  • Attend BOSS days to get to know our business-specific student organizations and resources, stop by at least 3 tables, and familiarize yourself with 1-2 organizations.
  • Create a profile on RamsConnect to explore all the student organizations available for you to join.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
  • Check out the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs and follow @vcuomsa.
  • Connect with the Global Education Office to explore leadership and intercultural communication skill-building programs like the Peace Corps Prep Certificate.
  • Join RAMmalogues to talk with peers about social identities in the context of acceptance, belonging, and inclusion in life at VCU.
  • Review Global Learning's Major Advising Sheets to explore studying abroad opportunities and other global learning opportunities.
  • Visit a study abroad fair and complete Rams Abroad 101.
  • Create a profile on RamsConnect to explore all the global student organizations available for you to join.
  • Stop by the Office of Student Engagement in the Snead Hall atrium to take the True Colors assessment, learn more about yourself and working with others, and to debrief with a trusted mentor.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Activate your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists.
  • Apply to be a Division of Student Affairs peer leader.
  • Consider applying for a federal work-study job on- or off-campus in Handshake.
  • Seek research opportunities by applying for research funding through the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program.
  • Set up a profile in the Student Opportunity Center to explore REAL opportunities.
  • Excel in BUSN 225 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 resume and LinkedIn profile with help from VCU Career Services, make at least 10 connections, and check out the VCU alumni career programs page.
  • Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers in your field of study.
  • Join Students Today Alumni Tomorrow to connect with VCU traditions and alumni networking opportunities.
  • Make a 4-year affordability plan with your financial counselor.
  • Join VCU Bizconnect to schedule informational interviews with VCU business alumni and other professionals to learn more about your major and career options.
  • Practice independent living skills such as money and time management, self-care, and personal responsibility.

Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Explore innovation and business/non-profit creation classes with the da Vinci Center.
  • Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide.
  • Schedule an appointment with your advisor to explore minors, certificates, and plan your required REAL experience.
  • Talk to professors about your research interests, electives, and strategies for success in your classes.
  • Be prepared for a challenging year of accounting, economics, and math classes and use SI sessions and tutoring at the Campus Learning Center to get ahead.
  • Make a career exploration appointment with Business Career Services
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
  • Discuss personal and professional interests with faculty.
  • If living on campus, join the Residence Hall Association.
  • Learn about the Sophomore Year Experience in Cary & Belvedere.
  • Take a service-learning class to get involved with local organizations while earning credit.
  • Volunteer to address a social issue and check out Hands on Greater Richmond for opportunities.
  • Attend service events with Beta Alpha Psi (BAP) or the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA).
  • Take ACCT 291 in spring as an open elective.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
  • Apply for the Critical Languages Scholarship.
  • Explore social issues, develop cultural competency skills, and engage with faculty through iExcel pop-up courses.
  • Investigate globally-focused courses in your major by pursuing language coursework or setting language proficiency goals with advisors and faculty.
  • Make friends with diverse perspectives and join a cultural or identity-related student organization.
  • Consider studying abroad with the International Consulting Program (ICP).
  • Get to know other VCU students and meet new friends from all over the world at a monthly Global Café.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Attend career and internship fairs and other professional development events.
  • Complete a gap analysis with your career advisor to identify key skills required for your professional field.
  • Explore global career options with a career advisor to set goals for getting your dream job.
  • Organize examples of your academic and professional experiences, accomplishments, and reflections in an ePortfolio.
  • Pursue a digital badge to highlight the knowledge, skills, and experiences employers and graduate schools value.
  • Seek out practical experience through independent skill-building, internships, shadowing, or part-time work.
  • Attend AICPA and IMA events to make professional contacts.
  • Take a free CliftonStrengths assessment with the Office of Student Engagement and capitalize on your best traits.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Ask a faculty or staff member to be your academic and professional mentor and to provide future letters of recommendation.
  • Build a resume and LinkedIn profile with help from VCU Career Services, make at least 10 connections, and check out the VCU alumni career programs page.
  • Conduct informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of professional interest.
  • Connect with alumni on VCULink for career advice, industry contacts, and meaningful professional relationships.
  • Meet with a coach in the Financial Success Center to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans.
  • Accounting internships recruit heavily in the fall of your junior year so have your resume reviewed by Business Career Services before you leave for the summer.
  • Conduct 3 informational interviews on VCU Bizconnect to expand your network and gain more knowledge into potential career paths.
  • Participate in the BAP Leadership Summit and Meet the Firms.

Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Enhance your business, software, technology, and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning.
  • See your academic and career advisors to discuss graduation progress and career planning.
  • Take a virtual library tour to learn about library spaces, services, and research help.
  • Master your Microsoft Excel skills.
  • Take ACCT 303 and remember an accounting student must earn a C or higher in all upper level ACCT courses.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
  • Build language proficiency and cultural competence by carrying out your plans for study abroad, internships, and service-learning.
  • Explore new cultures at one of Richmond’s wide array of festivals.
  • Get required REAL experience and effect community change by using iExcel’s Active Citizen’s Toolkit to vote and volunteer.
  • Prepare for future work on multidisciplinary and multicultural teams by showcasing your interpersonal skills on your resume.
  • Expand your network by joining cultural groups on LinkedIn connected to your future career.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience.
  • Get expert advice from VCU Alumni ranging from graduate school to your career simply by asking a question through Ask A Ram.
  • Take advantage of mock interview opportunities through InterviewStream or meeting with a career advisor.
  • Attend alumni panel events like Black in Business, First 100 Days, or Women in Business to hear from business professionals who were once in your shoes.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Make a plan with your academic, career, and faculty advisors for applying to graduate school or land a micro-internship.
  • Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility.
  • Study for and complete any standardized exams required for graduate school the summer before senior year. 
  • Sign-up for the Business Mentoring program on VCU Bizconnect and get matched 1:1 with a mentor for the academic year.
  • Talk to Business Career Services about pursuing professional certifications such as CMA, CISA, CIA, CGFM, CFA, CPA, and CFE depending on career goals.

Excel
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Choose REAL electives to diversify your skillset and round out your degree.
  • Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor the semester before you graduate to ensure that all graduation requirements will be met.
  • Be aware of the prerequisites for MGMT 434 to complete this capstone in your final semester.
  • Complete BUSN 499 Business Knowledge Exam.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
  • Carry out globally-oriented research projects with multilingual faculty and international partners.
  • Master your answers to interview questions about your experience working with diverse populations.
  • Plan for how you will grow your cultural agility after graduation.
  • Read scholarly articles about diversity in your field.
  • Research social entrepreneurship and corporate social responsibility.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Consider becoming an educator through programs like RTR, which prepare graduates from a variety of majors to become teachers in high-need schools.
  • Meet with your academic or professional mentor and identify examples of your experiential learning to share with employers.
  • Publish your original research in Auctus: The Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creativity.
  • Attend Meet the Firms (accounting fair) in September to explore internship options.
  • Develop your leadership skills by recruiting, educating, and training your fellow School of Business majors as a mentoring liaison.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Connect with the Office of VCU Alumni Relations at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and the VCULink Industry Network or alumni chapter.
  • Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed by Career Services. 
  • Prepare for graduation by making a plan to complete licensing exams, applications, and self-marketing activities.
  • Single out prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.
  • Attend the School of Business career fair in fall and spring.
  • Sit for as many sections of the CPA exam as possible in the summer after your fourth year.
Visit majormaps.vcu.edu for the online version with links.
Sponsored by the Office of the Provost
Major map compass icon
2023-2024

Accounting

School of Business

Concentration(s):
No concentration
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
  • Enroll in a student success course to connect with campus advisors and build community around your interests and goals.
  • Map out a 4-year course plan in the DegreeWorks Student Educational Planner.
  • Meet with a writing consultant to hone your writing skills.
  • Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to review your CSI self-report, start goal planning, and choose electives.
  • Sharpen your study skills in supplemental instruction sessions at the Campus Learning Center.
  • Become a mentee in the Business Mentoring program and hone in on your personal and professional goal as well as interpersonal skills through 1:1 mentoring with an industry professional.
  • Take the math placement assessment and register for math classes each semester until you complete BUSN 212 or MATH 200.
  • Apply to live in a program-in-residence or a living learning community.
  • Consider applying to the Honors College.
  • Get involved, meet people, and develop your interests by joining one of VCU's 50 student clubs and organizations.
  • If living on campus, connect with your Resident Assistant, attend hall events, and participate in Community Council.
  • Participate in RAM CAMP to get a jump start on learning about VCU’s campus community.
  • Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond’s many museums and parks.
  • Attend BOSS days to get to know our business-specific student organizations and resources, stop by at least 3 tables, and familiarize yourself with 1-2 organizations.
  • Create a profile on RamsConnect to explore all the student organizations available for you to join.
  • Check out the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs and follow @vcuomsa.
  • Connect with the Global Education Office to explore leadership and intercultural communication skill-building programs like the Peace Corps Prep Certificate.
  • Join RAMmalogues to talk with peers about social identities in the context of acceptance, belonging, and inclusion in life at VCU.
  • Review Global Learning's Major Advising Sheets to explore studying abroad opportunities and other global learning opportunities.
  • Visit a study abroad fair and complete Rams Abroad 101.
  • Create a profile on RamsConnect to explore all the global student organizations available for you to join.
  • Stop by the Office of Student Engagement in the Snead Hall atrium to take the True Colors assessment, learn more about yourself and working with others, and to debrief with a trusted mentor.
  • Activate your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists.
  • Apply to be a Division of Student Affairs peer leader.
  • Consider applying for a federal work-study job on- or off-campus in Handshake.
  • Seek research opportunities by applying for research funding through the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program.
  • Set up a profile in the Student Opportunity Center to explore REAL opportunities.
  • Excel in BUSN 225 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 resume and LinkedIn profile with help from VCU Career Services, make at least 10 connections, and check out the VCU alumni career programs page.
  • Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers in your field of study.
  • Join Students Today Alumni Tomorrow to connect with VCU traditions and alumni networking opportunities.
  • Make a 4-year affordability plan with your financial counselor.
  • Join VCU Bizconnect to schedule informational interviews with VCU business alumni and other professionals to learn more about your major and career options.
  • Practice independent living skills such as money and time management, self-care, and personal responsibility.
Experience Year 2
  • Explore innovation and business/non-profit creation classes with the da Vinci Center.
  • Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide.
  • Schedule an appointment with your advisor to explore minors, certificates, and plan your required REAL experience.
  • Talk to professors about your research interests, electives, and strategies for success in your classes.
  • Be prepared for a challenging year of accounting, economics, and math classes and use SI sessions and tutoring at the Campus Learning Center to get ahead.
  • Make a career exploration appointment with Business Career Services
  • Discuss personal and professional interests with faculty.
  • If living on campus, join the Residence Hall Association.
  • Learn about the Sophomore Year Experience in Cary & Belvedere.
  • Take a service-learning class to get involved with local organizations while earning credit.
  • Volunteer to address a social issue and check out Hands on Greater Richmond for opportunities.
  • Attend service events with Beta Alpha Psi (BAP) or the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA).
  • Take ACCT 291 in spring as an open elective.
  • Apply for the Critical Languages Scholarship.
  • Explore social issues, develop cultural competency skills, and engage with faculty through iExcel pop-up courses.
  • Investigate globally-focused courses in your major by pursuing language coursework or setting language proficiency goals with advisors and faculty.
  • Make friends with diverse perspectives and join a cultural or identity-related student organization.
  • Consider studying abroad with the International Consulting Program (ICP).
  • Get to know other VCU students and meet new friends from all over the world at a monthly Global Café.
  • Attend career and internship fairs and other professional development events.
  • Complete a gap analysis with your career advisor to identify key skills required for your professional field.
  • Explore global career options with a career advisor to set goals for getting your dream job.
  • Organize examples of your academic and professional experiences, accomplishments, and reflections in an ePortfolio.
  • Pursue a digital badge to highlight the knowledge, skills, and experiences employers and graduate schools value.
  • Seek out practical experience through independent skill-building, internships, shadowing, or part-time work.
  • Attend AICPA and IMA events to make professional contacts.
  • Take a free CliftonStrengths assessment with the Office of Student Engagement and capitalize on your best traits.
  • Ask a faculty or staff member to be your academic and professional mentor and to provide future letters of recommendation.
  • Build a resume and LinkedIn profile with help from VCU Career Services, make at least 10 connections, and check out the VCU alumni career programs page.
  • Conduct informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of professional interest.
  • Connect with alumni on VCULink for career advice, industry contacts, and meaningful professional relationships.
  • Meet with a coach in the Financial Success Center to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans.
  • Accounting internships recruit heavily in the fall of your junior year so have your resume reviewed by Business Career Services before you leave for the summer.
  • Conduct 3 informational interviews on VCU Bizconnect to expand your network and gain more knowledge into potential career paths.
  • Participate in the BAP Leadership Summit and Meet the Firms.
Year 3
  • Enhance your business, software, technology, and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning.
  • See your academic and career advisors to discuss graduation progress and career planning.
  • Take a virtual library tour to learn about library spaces, services, and research help.
  • Master your Microsoft Excel skills.
  • Take ACCT 303 and remember an accounting student must earn a C or higher in all upper level ACCT courses.
  • Build language proficiency and cultural competence by carrying out your plans for study abroad, internships, and service-learning.
  • Explore new cultures at one of Richmond’s wide array of festivals.
  • Get required REAL experience and effect community change by using iExcel’s Active Citizen’s Toolkit to vote and volunteer.
  • Prepare for future work on multidisciplinary and multicultural teams by showcasing your interpersonal skills on your resume.
  • Expand your network by joining cultural groups on LinkedIn connected to your future career.
  • Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience.
  • Get expert advice from VCU Alumni ranging from graduate school to your career simply by asking a question through Ask A Ram.
  • Take advantage of mock interview opportunities through InterviewStream or meeting with a career advisor.
  • Attend alumni panel events like Black in Business, First 100 Days, or Women in Business to hear from business professionals who were once in your shoes.
  • Make a plan with your academic, career, and faculty advisors for applying to graduate school or land a micro-internship.
  • Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility.
  • Study for and complete any standardized exams required for graduate school the summer before senior year. 
  • Sign-up for the Business Mentoring program on VCU Bizconnect and get matched 1:1 with a mentor for the academic year.
  • Talk to Business Career Services about pursuing professional certifications such as CMA, CISA, CIA, CGFM, CFA, CPA, and CFE depending on career goals.
Excel Year 4
  • Choose REAL electives to diversify your skillset and round out your degree.
  • Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor the semester before you graduate to ensure that all graduation requirements will be met.
  • Be aware of the prerequisites for MGMT 434 to complete this capstone in your final semester.
  • Complete BUSN 499 Business Knowledge Exam.
  • Carry out globally-oriented research projects with multilingual faculty and international partners.
  • Master your answers to interview questions about your experience working with diverse populations.
  • Plan for how you will grow your cultural agility after graduation.
  • Read scholarly articles about diversity in your field.
  • Research social entrepreneurship and corporate social responsibility.
  • Consider becoming an educator through programs like RTR, which prepare graduates from a variety of majors to become teachers in high-need schools.
  • Meet with your academic or professional mentor and identify examples of your experiential learning to share with employers.
  • Publish your original research in Auctus: The Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creativity.
  • Attend Meet the Firms (accounting fair) in September to explore internship options.
  • Develop your leadership skills by recruiting, educating, and training your fellow School of Business majors as a mentoring liaison.
  • Connect with the Office of VCU Alumni Relations at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and the VCULink Industry Network or alumni chapter.
  • Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed by Career Services. 
  • Prepare for graduation by making a plan to complete licensing exams, applications, and self-marketing activities.
  • Single out prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.
  • Attend the School of Business career fair in fall and spring.
  • Sit for as many sections of the CPA exam as possible in the summer after your fourth year.