Accounting (B.S.)

Accountants provide investors and regulators with information essential for markets to operate smoothly. They’re more than auditors, they’re problem solvers, strategic thinkers and trusted advisors.

Lerner’s accounting major combines technical knowledge and critical thinking. It equips future accountants to navigate cutting-edge information systems while providing a broad foundation in all business disciplines. It provides preparation for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA) and other certifications.

Lerner’s program offers students opportunities to sharpen their skills and knowledge beyond the classroom. Students can gain practical experience through internships and externships, participate in the Accounting Student Association or engage in community outreach with programs like the Lerner Tax Clinic and Community Audits.

Program Highlights

Leadership and Engagement Opportunities

Gain practical experience through clubs and organizations, including:

• Accounting Students Association
• Blue Hen Investment Club
• Lerner College Trading Center

Accounting Certification Preparation

The accounting program provides foundational preparation for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA) and other certifications.

The UD accounting degree provides you with 123 credit hours and prepares you to take the CPA exam in almost all states. Requirements for sitting for the exam vary by state, and our faculty advisors will help guide you towards meeting specific state requirements. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants requires 150 hours for becoming a Certified Public Accountant. The Department of Accounting & MIS offers the opportunity to complete 150 credit hours through the accelerated bachelor’s and master’s in accounting degree, completing a dual major or through taking additional courses.

Honors in Accounting

The honors program at UD offers a scholarly and enriching community that extends well beyond graduation. You’ll enjoy smaller, more challenging classes and the opportunity to engage in research and assume leadership roles.

The honors degree requires:

1. All courses and requirements for the B.S. in accounting
2. All of the UD requirements for the honors baccalaureate degree

An ACCT course taken at the 600-level will count for honors credit.

Program Requirements

Suggested Course Sequence

All courses are 3 credits unless stated otherwise.

Career Opportunities

Within 6 months of graduating, for the class of 2023, 100% of Lerner’s accounting graduates are employed (earning a mean starting salary of $72,167) or pursuing further education. For more information on career resources please visit the Lerner Career Services Center.

Top Employers

Some of the top employers of Lerner’s accounting graduates include:

• KPMG
• EY
• PwC
• Deloitte
• JPMorgan Chase & Co.
• RSM

Top Jobs

Job titles of recent graduates with an accounting degree include:

• Staff Accountant
• Staff Auditor
• Federal Tax Associate
• Corporate Accountant
• Financial Analyst
• Tax Advisor

Visit Career Outcomes of Lerner accounting students to see more top employers, job titles, salaries and locations.

Mission

The Accounting Program’s mission is to promote scholarship in accounting, to offer distinctive and innovative educational opportunities that contribute to professional success, and to advance ethical leadership in a rapidly changing business environment.

To that end, the AMIS department is committed to fostering a community that:

• Attracts, retains and cultivates excellent teachers and forward-thinking academic leaders.
• Challenges students with educational experiences and leading-edge technology to develop their passion for life-long learning.
• Empowers students to identify and understand ethical dilemmas and uphold their professional responsibilities.
• Collaborates to solve problems effectively and creatively with respect and understanding, promoting a transparent platform for diverse opinions and cultural perspectives.
• Promotes programs and opportunities designed for students to positively impact their organizations and communities, locally and globally.
• Partners with business entities and professional firms to explore emerging topics to enrich student experiences and strengthen the relevance of faculty scholarship.

News

• Lerner Students Volunteer to Provide Free Tax Help - Thirty-two students are participating in the program this year, providing an important service to the community while reaping benefits of their own as well.
• Lerner College Instructor Karen McDougal Lists Tax Tips for 2025 - As tax deadline day approaches, McDougal offers six tips to help the process run smoothly.
• UD Lerner Students Selected As Public Company Accounting Oversight Board Scholars - Three UD accounting students were recognized as PCAOB Scholars by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board for the 2024-25 academic year.
• Lifelong Lerner: Gabrielle Shannon - A native of Newark, Delaware, Gabrielle Shannon graduated from Lerner College as an accounting major.
• Lifelong Lerner: Storme Buckle - As a member of the Lerer College Class of 2024, Storme Buckle, finance and accounting double major from Johannesburg, South Africa has thoroughly demonstrated her excellence and determination during her time at UD.

Admissions Information

Learn more about undergraduate admissions requirements, deadlines, tuition and financial aid available to you.