Accounting

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA)

Availability: Hattiesburg or Online

An accounting degree from Southern Miss opens doors to high-demand careers across every industry.

Career Options

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Forensic Accountant or Fraud Examiner
Auditor (internal or external)
Tax Specialist or Consultant
Financial Analyst or Controller
Government or Nonprofit Accountant
Staff Accountant
Payroll Accountant
Budget Analyst
Chief Financial Officer

Continue Your Education

The BSBA in accounting provides an excellent foundation for graduate study, including USM鈥檚 Master of Professional Accountancy (MPA) or MBA programs, and satisfies the prerequisites for professional certifications such as the CPA, CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner), and CMA (Certified Management Accountant).

Top reasons
to choose
Southern Miss

Our accounting program offers countless professional development opportunities with industry contacts. You'll enter the workforce with confidence.

Flexible ways to earn your degree

Hattiesburg campus or fully online
Part-time and full-time enrollment

Connections that open doors

Paid internship opportunities with regional and national firms, giving you a path to full-time offers before graduation
A strong employer network built on decades of USM accounting alumni working in public accounting, industry, and government throughout the Gulf South and beyond
One of only two Mississippi universities to partner with the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners

Put accounting to work
Coursework built around practical, real-world application, including case studies, data analytics tools, and problem sets drawn from current professional practice

Accreditation that sets us apart
AACSB accreditation in business and accounting鈥攁n achievement earned by only 1% of business schools worldwide

Experiences and skills that will shape your future

Center for the Public Trust (CPT)
The CPT student chapter gives accounting students a competitive edge by allowing them to build ethical leadership, professional credibility, and decision-making skills. You will gain experience through workshops, service projects, and networking opportunities with industry professionals.

Bring accounting principles to life

Case-based learning in fraud investigation, cost and managerial accounting, and taxation
Projects analyzing real-world financial data
Guest lectures from practicing fraud examiners and auditors

Build your network
You can even get involved with organizations such as Beta Alpha Psi, the national honor society for accounting students!

Get personalized next steps and invitations to campus events.

VISIT

The best way to experience Southern Miss is to see for yourself.

APPLY

Submit your application to enroll at Southern Miss.

What our students have to say

What Our Graduates Are Doing

Ashton Williams

Chief Financial Officer - Codaray Construction

Kimberly Fontan

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer - Entergy

Josh Spivey

Tax Manager - Ernst & Young

The brick walkway on campus with Southern Miss banners on the light poles.

Ranked among the most affordable accounting programs

The School of Accountancy is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the gold standard in business education.

Accounting students benefit from technology labs and collaborative learning spaces in Scianna Hall, with access to leading accounting software and data analytics tools.

FEATURED COURSES

Auditing and Assurance Services
Financial Accounting
Accounting Information Systems
Federal Income Taxation
Managerial/Cost Accounting
Accounting Analytics
Government and Not-for-Profit Accounting

Accounting Certificate Programs

Certificate: Foundations in Accounting (12 credit hours)
Jump-start your accounting knowledge without pursuing another degree. Perfect for current business majors or anyone with a bachelor's who is seeking foundational accounting skills to enhance their career potential.

Certificate: Professional Accountancy (24 credit hours)
Designed for professionals who have already earned a bachelor's degree and need to meet CPA licensure requirements, this targeted program provides the precise accounting coursework needed to bridge the gap between your current degree and becoming a certified public accountant.

Learn more about our certificate programs

Pursuing CPA Licensure

Thinking about becoming a CPA? Southern Miss will help you get there.

CPA licensure requirements:

A master鈥檚 degree with one year of experience working for a CPA, or a bachelor鈥檚 degree with additional hours of education for a total of 150 or more semester hours with one year of experience working for a CPA.
A bachelor鈥檚 degree in accounting with two years of experience working for a CPA.
Requirements vary by state鈥攃heck with your state's Board of Public Accountancy for specifics. provides a complete list of state licensing boards.

Questions about CPA licensure? Contact Dr. Matthew Sargent.