Accounting Degree

Bachelor of Science in Accounting

Offered on campus and fully online

Accounting – A Career with Limitless Possibilities

From global banking companies and small businesses to sports teams and the FBI, job opportunities available in the accounting profession are diverse, dynamic and vast. One in four CEOs are accountants, and accounting is one of the most common degrees among top-earning CFOs. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 4 percent growth in the accounting field between 2022 and 2032, with 126,500 job openings each year. The median pay is $78,000.

Point Park University offers a Bachelor of Science degree program and a post-baccalaureate program in accounting — on campus or fully online — providing you flexibility in choosing the path that best suits your needs and career goals.

You will learn from industry-focused faculty who will connect you to valuable networking and career opportunities. Point Park's small class sizes allow for individualized instruction, and coursework focuses on real-world scenarios and relevant case studies. You'll graduate ready for the CPA exam and equipped to build a successful career.

Through Point Park's accounting program, you will earn six credits toward our MBA degree program, making it possible to graduate in five years with an MBA and the 150 credits generally required for CPA licensure.

Courses & Topics

Bachelor's Degree Requirements Post-Baccalaureate Degree Requirements Minor in Accounting

Our average class size of 15-20 students allows for personalized learning. You will receive a well-rounded education through our core curriculum and various courses in the accounting major, taught by industry-experience faculty.

Courses include:

Accounting Internship I & II
Financial Accounting
Auditing
Business Analytics
Managerial Accounting
Tax Accounting
Accounting Information Systems

On-Campus Degree Program

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Point Park's on-campus accounting degree program immerses you in the heart of Downtown Pittsburgh, a gateway to a variety of career connections, with Fortune 500 companies and Big Four firms steps away from campus.

Our industry-focused faculty are actively engaged in the field and leverage their professional connections to benefit their students, from taking classes on tours of local firms to bringing guest speakers to campus.

Outside of the classroom, you'll have access to a variety of accounting-focused activities on campus and in the Pittsburgh community:

Our Student Accounting Association is an on-campus club that enhances students' knowledge and awareness of topics and practices within accounting while promoting career opportunities for all members.
Through our Accounting Career Awareness Program, a summer program for high school students, you can volunteer as a counselor to gain valuable leadership experience, connect with local professionals and explore downtown firms.
Our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance course will engage you with the community while growing your skill set.
You will gain real-world experience through internships and co-ops throughout the Pittsburgh region and beyond, most of which are paid, with students often making upwards of $20 per hour.

Point Park's vibrant urban campus will connect you to a wealth of opportunities in accounting. Apply online today!

Fully Online Degree Program

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Point Park's online programs are presented in a flexible format at an affordable cost. Online courses are eight weeks long and are always offered asynchronously for your convenience.

Online students have access to the same great benefits as on-campus students including:

Point Park faculty with real-world experience.
Small online class sizes for individualized attention.
A full spectrum of University resources.
A student success advisor offering support from application to graduation, who will guide you to successfully complete your degree.

Cohorts begin every eight weeks. Apply online today!

Fast-Track Bachelor’s to Master’s Program

Our accounting program allows students to earn six credits toward our MBA degree program, making it possible to graduate in five years with an MBA and the 150 credits generally required for CPA licensure.

Additionally, you may enroll in the Rowland School of Business Fast-Track Bachelor’s to Master’s Program to obtain six more credits toward your MBA or another master's program in the Rowland School of Business. Learn more about our Fast-Track Bachelor’s to Master’s Program.

Meet Our Faculty

Jayne Olshanski, MBA, CPA, associate professor of accounting

Professor Olshanski brings more than 25 years of Big Four CPA, foreign multinational and multi-industry business experience to the classroom.

Faculty Bio

Cheryl Clark, MBA, CPA, professor of accounting and chair of the Department of Business Analytics and Technology

Professor Clark has more than 15 years of experience working in public accounting, consulting and the healthcare industry, accounting for both an institutional pharmacy and a not-for-profit healthcare organization.

Faculty Bio

Amy Cesario, MBA, CPA, lecturer of accounting

Professor Cesario has worked in public accounting for RLO & Company, Ernst & Young and PNC Financial Services Group.

Faculty Bio

Scholarships for Accounting Students

Point Park's Rowland School of Business offers several donor-supported scholarships for students majoring in accounting:

Deloitte Academic Enhancement Fund

Purpose: to provide two deserving students each with an equal one-time award to offset academic expenses above and beyond tuition, room and board.

Eligibility:

Full- or part-time first or second-year student
Majoring in accounting
Demonstrated financial need
3.2 GPA or higher
Recipient to receive a form of campus credit to purchase books or other supplies needed at the University Bookstore or through University purchasing.
First-year recipients (awarded as high school seniors) are eligible to receive this award for a second consecutive year as long as they continue to meet the eligibility criteria.

Froehlich/Roteman Scholarship

Purpose: to assist deserving students in accounting at Point Park who have demonstrated academic excellence, personal maturity, and career motivation exemplified by Mr. Froehlich.

Thomas J. Froehlich, a representative of Touche Ross and Company, was a member of the audit team which performed the required audits for the federal financial aid programs at Point Park College. This scholarship has been established in recognition of Mr. Froehlich's contributions to the professional community in general and to Point Park in particular.

Eligibility:

Accounting majors who have demonstrated academic excellence, personal maturity and career motivation
Successfully completed two years in the accounting program
GPA 3.25 or higher
Demonstrated financial need

Milton A. Washington Scholarship

Dr. Nancy Washington, a former Point Park University trustee, and Mr. Milton Washington are community leaders who believe in the value of education. Nancy and Milt Washington seek to recruit students into accounting in hopes of building a diverse workforce pipeline for the accounting profession through this scholarship.

Eligibility:

Full-time rising sophomore
Accounting major
Demonstrated financial need
GPA of 3.0 or higher
Preference for minority student with exceptional financial need
Preference for a student with an interest in entrepreneurship and/or information technology

Scholarship applications for 2024-25 are closed. Applications will reopen at a later date for 2025-26.

Learn more about Point Park's donor-supported scholarships.

Accounting Internships and Co-ops

Students in our accounting program have completed internships and co-ops at a variety of places including:

PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers)
Schneider Downs
Dollar Bank
Deloitte
PNC
PPG
EY (Ernst & Young)

Career Options

Our accounting program prepares students for a variety of careers in the accounting field including:

Public Accounting Auditor
Corporate Controller
FBI Special Agent
Internal Revenue Service Agent
Financial Analyst
Internal Auditor

Internships, Co-Ops & Experiential Learning

Accounting Alumna and MBA Student Giulia Follador Launches Beyond Borders Podcast, International Student Club

Giulia Follador, a volleyball player from Turin, Italy, is driven to connect international students and build community.

Donovan Hindman '26 Reflects on Industry Conference and Benefits of Accounting Degree Program

"Point Park has helped me connect with experienced professionals and mentors who have taught me an extraordinary amount about the accounting profession."

At 2024 Accounting Career Awareness Program, High School Students Discover the Possibilities of an In-Demand Profession

"I would recommend ACAP because it's a unique experience. I don't think other camps or programs provide an opportunity to meet so many different professionals like Point Park does."

Students in Advanced Accounting Course Get an Inside Look at Investment Management with Field Trip to Federated Hermes

"My main takeaway from the trip to Federated Hermes was experiencing what it's like to be in a real-world, workplace environment with accounting professionals and taking in everything they had to say about their work, career paths and how they got to where they are."

Get Career-Ready with: David Keyser, Accounting Major and Co-Op Intern at SMS Group

"Point Park is an overall amazing school, from the classes and faculty to the beautiful city campus. It feels like a family here, and I couldn’t imagine my life anywhere else."

Accounting Major Giulia Follador Spends the Summer in NYC Interning with Big Four Firm Deloitte

"Point Park's Downtown Pittsburgh location and the people here really make the difference! It’s a small community where everyone knows each other, and everyone is always ready to help and advise you in the best way."

Students Explore Downtown Pittsburgh Firms and Network with Professionals at 2023 Accounting Career Awareness Program

“ACAP has shown me how diverse accounting can be. It's not just one set thing. It's an umbrella with multiple functions under it."

Student Q&A: Four Things to Know About Point Park University's Accounting Program

"I would recommend Point Park University to a prospective student because of its location and faculty. Being in Downtown Pittsburgh opens up opportunities that cannot be found in other locations."

Economics and Finance Senior Tanner Hoffer Receives FEI Scholarship, Reflects on Merrill Lynch Experience and New Role at PPG

"Point Park has prepared me in every way possible. I looked up to professors who showed me the best interview tactics and networking tools. Every class I've taken provided me with opportunities to learn more and more about my future, and I've loved it."

Junior Mikyla Slater Finds Success Balancing Studies and Accounting Administrator Role at Gunning Mechanical

"An accounting degree opens the door to so many career opportunities, and Point Park's program has taught me that my potential is honestly limitless."

Economics and Finance, Accounting Majors Network and Explore Career Options at IMA 2022 Student Leadership Conference

"At Point Park, I like that we have so many connections to things that will get us involved on campus and in our career field."

Advanced Accounting Class Tours U.S. Steel Headquarters in Downtown Pittsburgh

“We had the chance to speak with top executives to discuss a real-life, multimillion-dollar business acquisition. It confirmed to me that an accounting degree from Point Park brings students a lot closer to being an employee, like the executives in that very room."

Accounting Major Fredrick Schoenefeldt Gains Hands-On Experience Through Dollar Bank Internship

"All of my professors have helped shape my path for success, and I've enjoyed all of their classes."

Accounting Alumnus Steven Fisher '21 Lands Auditor Role at S.R. Snodgrass, P.C.

"The experienced professionals in the accounting program taught me all the skills I needed to succeed at being an auditor today."

Accounting Students Honored at 2022 FEI Pittsburgh Scholarship Night

"Point Park has aided me tremendously in all of my endeavors. I have amazing professors with whom I share a close connection, and they have introduced me to valuable opportunities."

Accounting Major Edwin De La Rosa Interns at Big Four Audit Firm Ernst & Young

"I would recommend Point Park to a prospective student because this is a University where you will have a positive relationship with your professors. You are not just a statistic here."

Accounting Alumnus Malaki Davis is an Internal Revenue Agent

"I really enjoyed the Point Park campus environment. I liked the small, interactive classes and learning from professors who have experience working in the industry. It is a great school filled with prestigious faculty and a talented student body. Point Park gives you opportunities."

Accounting Major Scores Summer Internship With Big Four Audit Firm Ernst & Young

"Point Park professors really care about their students because they get to know them on an individual level, which in turn helps students succeed in their chosen career path."