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Business

Bachelor's Degree Specialization in Accounting

Boost Your Accounting and Business Skills

Looking for a business accounting degree that can help you get on the path toward your professional goals? Our Bachelor’s Degree Specialization in Accounting might be a great fit for you. This specialization can be completed 100% online or in a hybrid1 format as part of our Business Administration, Management or Technical Management Bachelor’s Degree programs. You’ll have the opportunity to explore accounting tools, strategies and laws as you learn to navigate a wide range of business environments within the private sector, government and nonprofits.

Get to Know Our Accounting Degree Specialization

When you pursue your Accounting Specialization here at DeVry, you’ll explore real-world accounting scenarios engaged by today’s leading organizations and gain industry insights from knowledgeable, dedicated professors. You’ll also have the opportunity to practice accounting and management skills including managing billing functions and communicating financial data.

Classes Start Every 8 Weeks
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  • 01 Knowledge & Skills
  • 02 Career
  • 03 Program Courses
  • 04 Catalog Download
Knowledge & Skills

What You'll Learn

Our Accounting Degree Specialization here at DeVry University covers the following:

  • Information Technology Administration & Management
    Understand business and management principles involved in IT infrastructure, information security, cyber-security, strategic planning and resource allocation.
  • Financial Accounting
    Understand financial foundations, including asset recognition and measurement, reporting, accounting for income taxes, pensions and other post-retirement benefits, shareholders’ equity, share-based compensation, earnings per share, accounting changes, error correction and cash flow.
  • Auditing
    Examine the principles, practices and procedures used by public accountants for certifying corporate financial statements.
  • Accounting Information Systems
    Learn to design, install, operate and manage an integrated, automated accounting system, including ledgers, transaction process cycles, application controls, information security requirements and business information systems integration.
  • Federal Income Taxation
    Understand business models such as sole proprietorships and limited partnerships, as well as the federal taxation concepts that apply to them. These include income inclusions and exclusions, property transactions, capital gains and losses and tax credits.
  • Financial Advising
    Advise clients in areas such as the design of accounting or data processing systems, as well as long-range tax or estate planning.
  • Critical Thinking
    Learn how to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Mathematical Reasoning
    Use mathematical formulas to solve problems or project outcomes.
  • Judgment and Decision Making
    Consider the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to make the most appropriate choice.

An Industry Advantage

Our Bachelor's Degree program with an Accounting Specialization integrates elements of Becker Professional Education's industry-leading content so you can gain exposure to today's relevant accounting principles.

becker
becker

Accreditation and Recognition Matter

DeVry is proud to be accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), www.hlcommission.org.

Our Bachelor’s Degree Specialization in Accounting is accredited2 by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)  www.acbsp.org.

Accreditation
Accreditation
Student Achievement
At-a-Glance
Career

Career Opportunities with an Accounting Specialization

Business and accounting degrees can help you prepare to pursue a wide range of occupations and career paths. Graduates of our Bachelor’s Degree Accounting Specialization may consider careers including, but not limited to:

  • Accountant

  • Budget Analyst

  • Financial Consultant

  • Financial Analyst

  • Cost Accountant

  • General Ledger Accountant

  • Internal Auditor

  • Payroll Manager

  • Accounting Manager

  • Tax Accountant

Learn more about
Careers in Accounting
As you prepare to pursue your career goals, keep in mind that job titles and responsibilities vary by employer. Be sure to research the roles that interest you to determine any additional qualifications that may be required, such as years of relevant experience.
Program Courses

Option 1: Business Administration

Program-Specific Courses
Accounting
ACCT303
Intermediate Accounting I
ACCT306
Intermediate Accounting II
ACCT313
Intermediate Accounting III
ACCT326
Federal Tax Accounting I
ACCT406
Advanced Accounting
ACCT426
Federal Tax Accounting II
ACCT436
Advanced Cost Management
ACCT446
Auditing
ACCT454
Accounting Information Systems
Core Degree Courses
Business Core4
ACCT212
Financial Accounting
BIS155
Data Analysis with Spreadsheets with Lab
BUSN115
Introduction to Business and Technology
BUSN319
Marketing
COMP100
Computer Applications for Business with Lab
MGMT303
Principles of Management

4Students enrolled at a New Jersey location must also take the following to fulfill this requirement: BUSN369; BUSN412; GSCM206.

Finance and Management
ACCT360
Managerial Accounting
BIAM110
Introduction to Business Analytics
BUSN379
Finance
ECON312
Principles of Economics


+ Choose one below:

MGMT404
Project Management
PROJ404
Project Management for the Profession
Senior Project
BUSN460
Senior Project
Electives5


+ Choose two below:

BUSN350
Business Analysis
CEIS110
Introduction to Programming
LEAD150
Leadership and Facilitating Change
LEAD200
Communication for a Diverse Workplace
MGMT408
Management of Technology Resources


+ Choose one below:

BUSN278
Budgeting and Forecasting
LEAD335
Cross-Cultural Leadership
SEC310
Leadership and Facilitating Change

5Students selecting the Accounting concentration who are interested in sitting for the CPA exam in Texas completing ACCT434, ACCT404 and MGMT330 as elective course options. Successful completion of topics presented in these courses in required to sit for the CPA exam in Texas. Additional requirements also apply to students wishing to sit for the CPA exam; students should check with the Texas Board of Public Accountancy for details.

General Degree Courses
Communication Skills
ENGL1126
Composition
ENGL135
Advanced Composition
ENGL216
Technical Writing


+ Choose one below:

SPCH275
Public Speaking
SPCH276
Intercultural Communication

6Students enrolled at a New Jersey location take ENGL108 in lieu of this course.

Humanities
LAS432
Technology, Society, and Culture


+ Choose one below:

ETHC334
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace
ETHC445
Principles of Ethics


+ Choose one below:

HUMN303
Introduction to the Humanities
HUMN304
Multi-Ethnic Humanities
Social Sciences
LAWS3107
The Legal Environment
SOCS185
Culture and Society


+ Choose one below:

SOCS325
Environmental Sociology
SOCS350
Cultural Diversity in the Professions

7Students enrolled at a Nevada location must take POLI332 in lieu of this requirement.

Mathematics and Natural Sciences5
MATH114
Algebra for College Students
SCI228
Nutrition, Health and Wellness with Lab


+ Choose one below:

MATH 200
Quantitative Reasoning
MATH 221
Statistics of Decision-Making
Personal and Professional Development
CARD405
Career Development
COLL148
Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
Program Courses

Option 2: Management

Program-Specific Courses
Accounting
ACCT303
Intermediate Accounting I
ACCT306
Intermediate Accounting II
ACCT313
Intermediate Accounting III
ACCT326
Federal Tax Accounting I
ACCT406
Advanced Accounting
ACCT426
Federal Tax Accounting II
ACCT436
Advanced Cost Management
ACCT446
Auditing
ACCT454
Accounting Information Systems
Core Degree Courses
Business Core
ACCT212
Financial Accounting
BIS155
Data Analysis with Spreadsheets with Lab
BUSN115
Introduction to Business and Technology
BUSN319
Marketing
COMP100
Computer Applications for Business with Lab
MGMT303
Principles of Management
Management and Leadership
BIAM110
Introduction to Business Analytic
BUSN278
Budgeting and Forecasting
BUSN369
International Business
LEAD335
Cross-Cultural Leadership
MGMT410
Human Resource Management


+ Choose one below:

MGMT404
Project Management
PROJ404
Project Management for the Profession
Senior Project
BUSN460
Senior Project
Analytics5
ACCT346
Managerial Accounting
BIAM300
Managerial Applications of Business Analytics
BUSN379
Finance

5Students selecting the Accounting concentration who are interested in sitting for the CPA exam in Texas completing ACCT434, ACCT404 and MGMT330 as elective course options. Successful completion of topics presented in these courses in required to sit for the CPA exam in Texas. Additional requirements also apply to students wishing to sit for the CPA exam; students should check with the Texas Board of Public Accountancy for details.

General Degree Courses
Communication skills
ENGL112
Composition
ENGL135
Advanced Composition
ENGL216
Technical Writing
Humanities
LAS432
Technology, Society, and Culture


+ Choose one below:

ETHC334
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace
ETHC445
Principles of Ethics
Social Sciences
ECON312
Principles of Economics
SOCS1857
Culture and Society

7Students enrolled at a Nevada location must take POLI332 in lieu of this requirement.

Mathematics and Natural Sciences
MATH114
Algebra for College Students
SCI2288
Nutrition, Health and Wellness with Lab


+ Choose one below:

MATH 200
Quantitative Reasoning
MATH 221
Statistics of Decision-Making

8Ohio residents enrolled as online students, and students enrolled at an Ohio location, must take an additional natural sciences course from those with designators BIOS, PHYS or SCI as part of this requirement.

Additional General Education Selection


+ Choose one below:

SPCH275
Public Speaking
SPCH276
Intercultural Communication
Personal and Professional Development
CARD40
Career Development
COLL14
Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
Program Courses

Option 3: Technical Management

Program-Specific Courses
Accounting
ACCT303
Intermediate Accounting I
ACCT306
Intermediate Accounting II
ACCT313
Intermediate Accounting III
ACCT326
Federal Tax Accounting I
ACCT406
Advanced Accounting
ACCT42
Federal Tax Accounting II
ACCT436
Advanced Cost Management
ACCT446
Auditing
ACCT454
Accounting Information Systems
Core Degree Courses
Business Core
ACCT212
Financial Accounting
BIS155
Data Analysis with Spreadsheets with Lab
BUSN319
Marketing
BUSN115
Introduction to Business and Technology
COMP100
Computer Applications for Business with Lab
MGMT303
Principles of Management
Management and Technology


+ Choose one below

BIS245
Database Essentials for Business with Lab
SEC310
Principles and Theory of Security Management


+ Choose one below:

MGMT404
Project Management
PROJ404
Project Management for the Profession
Senior Project
BUSN460
Senior Project
Electives5,9


+ Choose two below:

ACCT360
Managerial Accounting
BIAM110
Introduction to Business Analytics
BUSN379
Finance
LEAD150
Leadership and Facilitating Change
LEAD200
Communication for a Diverse Workplace
MGMT408
Management of Technology Resources


+ Choose five below:

BUSN278
Budgeting and Forecasting
BUSN369
International Business
BUSN412
Business Policy
GSCM206
Managing Across the Supply Chain
LEAD335
Cross-Cultural Leadership
MGMT410
Human Resource Management

5Students selecting the Accounting concentration who are interested in sitting for the CPA exam in Texas completing ACCT434, ACCT404 and MGMT330 as elective course options. Successful completion of topics presented in these courses in required to sit for the CPA exam in Texas. Additional requirements also apply to students wishing to sit for the CPA exam; students should check with the Texas Board of Public Accountancy for details.
9Students enrolled at a New Jersey location must take 55 semester-credit hours of general education coursework. Fifteen semester-credit hours of general education coursework may be applied to the Electives course area.

General Degree Courses
Communication Skills
ENGL1126
Composition
ENGL135
Advanced Composition

6Students enrolled at a New Jersey location take ENGL108 in lieu of this course.

Humanities
LAS432
Technology, Society, and Culture


+ Choose one below:

ETHC334
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace
ETHC445
Principles of Ethics
Social Sciences
ECON312
Principles of Economics
SOCS18510
Culture and Society

10Students enrolled at a Nevada location must take POLI332 as part of this requirement, the Additional General Education Selection or the Electives.

Mathematics and Natural Sciences
MATH114
Algebra for College Students
SCI22811
Nutrition, Health and Wellness with Lab


+ Choose one below:

MATH 200
Quantitative Reasoning
MATH 221
Statistics of Decision-Making

11Students enrolled at a New Jersey location must take PHYS204 to fulfill this requirement.

Additional General Education Selection


+ Choose one below:

SPCH275
Public Speaking
SPCH276
Intercultural Communication
Personal and Professional Development
CARD405
Career Development
COLL148
Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving

Accounting Specialization Job Types

Within the field of accounting, there are several careers you might consider. Here are 5 areas of focus that someone pursuing a business degree with an Accounting Specialization may be interested in:

  • Public Accountant

    Public accountants have a wide range of responsibilities and are capable of working in several different capacities. Professionals in public accounting are the generalists of the accounting profession, working with large and small businesses and individuals on everything from tax documents to financial records. They often pursue certification and licensure as Certified Public Accountants (CPAs).3

  • Government Accountant

    Government accountants work at all levels of government, managing budgets and expenses and ensuring that records are being properly maintained. They may also be involved in auditing companies and individuals to ensure that they are compliant with tax laws.

  • Management Accountant

    Management accountants use financial records in order to help guide the decisions of a company. They tend to work in a more analytical role than other types of accountants who typically focus on financial record keeping.

  • External Auditor

    External auditors are called in by companies to ensure that they are compliant with all the rules and regulations of where they operate. In some cases, they may be hired by entities who wish to perform an audit of another company.

  • Internal Auditor

    Internal auditors work for a single company and frequently audit their employer to ensure that they are remaining compliant with local and federal financial regulations.

Regardless of your area of interest, it’s important to remember that job requirements will vary by employer, and some roles may require years of relevant experience. 

accounting specialization
accounting specialization

FAQs

What degree is best for accounting?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or a related field is typically the minimum education requirement for accountants and auditors to enter the occupation.12 If you’re looking for a business accounting degree to help you pursue this career path, our Bachelor’s Specialization in Accounting or our Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, which focuses more specifically on accounting principles and applications, can help you get started.

What Types of degrees are there for accounting?

Degrees and certificates in accounting can be earned at the undergraduate and graduate level, in programs with a variety of different emphases. At DeVry, we offer a broad variety of academic programs in accounting to fit the professional and personal goals of busy working adults like you who want to enter or prepare to pursue advancement in this occupation. These include bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees (including a Master of Business Administration, or MBA, degree) and graduate and undergraduate certificates.

Is business accounting a hard major?

The level of difficulty will vary by individual, but if you apply yourself and exercise good study and time management habits, you should find this major no more difficult than others of the same academic level.

Is a business degree in accounting worth it?

We think so! Whether you choose an Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or a Bachelor’s Degree Specialization in Accounting, you may consider career paths in accountancy, auditing, management, advising or other aspects of business. When you consider the potential for earnings, career advancement and job satisfaction, an accounting degree can certainly be worth it.

Should I major in accounting or business administration?

Consider the career path you’d like to take. If you want to prepare to pursue a career in accounting as a public accountant, management accountant or auditor, an accounting-specific degree program might be the right choice for you.

If you want to pursue opportunities in a broader business management landscape, or your professional goals aren’t quite fully formed, a degree in management, technical management or business administration might be the best choice.

Information about careers, job growth, earnings and education requirements can be found by visiting the BLS at bls.gov.

Is an accounting degree specialization different from an accounting degree?

Yes, an accounting degree specialization is different from an accounting degree, but both can help you pursue similar goals. The main difference between the two is the coursework that you take.

When you earn a Bachelor's with an Accounting Specialization here at DeVry, you'll be earning a Bachelor's in Business (such as Management, Technical Management or Business Administration) which will take a more general business-focused approach to your coursework. This will include courses about business as well as accounting and marketing.

A Bachelor's in Accounting, however, will be more in-depth and focused on accounting, and will include fewer classes about other business disciplines.

Whether you choose to earn an online accounting degree, or an Accounting Specialization as part of a business-related bachelor’s degree, you may discover you’d like to continue your education. Here at DeVry, we offer a variety of graduate-level accounting courses and degree programs to choose from, including a Master's Degree in Accounting or an MBA with a Specialization in Accounting. Find out how we can help you find the right accounting program.

Pursuing a Specialization in Accounting

Earning a Bachelor’s Degree Specialization in Accounting is an opportunity to enhance your understanding of how accounting works within the broader scope of a business degree. If you’re enrolled in one of our Bachelor’s in Business degrees, you’ll get to choose a focus that best suits your interests and career goals.

Better yet, our 100% online learning options can help you balance your commitment to education with work, family and other aspects of your busy life. Ready to take the next step? Classes start soon. 

Academic Catalog
2023 - 2024 Academic Catalog
View Academic Catalog
Program Guides
Business Administration: Accounting
View Program Guides
Management: Accounting
View Program Guides
View Program Guides
View Program Guides

1Program, course, and extended classroom availability vary by location. In site-based programs, students will be required to take a substantial amount of coursework online to complete their program.
2Student Achievement At-a-Glance - Available for all of DeVry and Keller's ACBSP accredited programs. For a full list of DeVry University's business and accounting degree programs accredited by ACBSP, please see the Accreditation page.
3Credits and degrees earned from this institution do not automatically qualify the holder to participate in professional licensing exams to practice certain professions. Persons interested in practicing a regulated profession must contact the appropriate state regulatory agency for their field of interest. For instance, typically 150 credit hours or education are required to meet state regulatory agency education requirements for CPA licensure. Coursework may qualify for credit towards the State Board of Accountancy requirements. However, it is the student’s responsibility to contact the state board of accountancy for the jurisdiction in which they are applying to determine whether they have completed the appropriate credit hours and coursework to qualify to take the CPA exam. Employees of DeVry University and its Keller Graduate School of Management are not in a position to determine an individual’s eligibility to take the CPA exam or satisfy licensing.
4Students enrolled at a New Jersey location must also take the following to fulfill this requirement: BUSN369; BUSN412; GSCM206.
5Students selecting the Accounting concentration who are interested in sitting for the CPA exam in Texas completing ACCT434, ACCT404 and MGMT330 as elective course options. Successful completion of topics presented in these courses in required to sit for the CPA exam in Texas. Additional requirements also apply to students wishing to sit for the CPA exam; students should check with the Texas Board of Public Accountancy for details.
6Students enrolled at a New Jersey location take ENGL108 in lieu of this course.
7Students enrolled at a Nevada location must take POLI332 in lieu of this requirement.
8Ohio residents enrolled as online students, and students enrolled at an Ohio location, must take an additional natural sciences course from those with designators BIOS, PHYS or SCI as part of this requirement.
9Students enrolled at a New Jersey location must take 55 semester-credit hours of general education coursework. Fifteen semester-credit hours of general education coursework may be applied to the Electives course area.
10Students enrolled at a Nevada location must take POLI332 as part of this requirement, the Additional General Education Selection or the Electives.
11Students enrolled at a New Jersey location must take PHYS204 to fulfill this requirement.
12https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/accountants-and-auditors.htm

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DeVry University

In New York, DeVry University operates as DeVry College of New York. DeVry University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), www.hlcommission.org. The University’s Keller Graduate School of Management is included in this accreditation. DeVry is certified to operate by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. Arlington Campus: 1400 Crystal Dr., Ste. 120, Arlington, VA 22202. DeVry University is authorized for operation as a postsecondary educational institution by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, www.tn.gov/thec. Lisle Campus: 4225 Naperville Rd, Suite 400, Lisle, IL 60532. Unresolved complaints may be reported to the Illinois Board of Higher Education through the online complaint system https://complaints.ibhe.org/. View DeVry University’s complaint process https://www.devry.edu/compliance/student-complaint-procedure.html Program availability varies by location. In site-based programs, students will be required to take a substantial amount of coursework online to complete their program. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information.


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