Accounting is the universal language of business — essential for communicating the science of financial data among organizations and individuals. It is a language understood and applied by leaders around the world as a means for determining wealth, profitability, and liquidity. As such, accounting is instrumental within any organization for determining growth and stability.

The James Benjamin Department of Accounting aims to provide notable contributions to the university, public, and accounting profession. We’ve designed an environment that engenders creativity and innovation. Close relationships among students and faculty foster ingenuity through a sharing of interests and aspirations.

Recognition of Excellence

The accounting programs offered through our department are nationally recognized for their excellence. Our undergraduate and graduate programs both rank within the top ten in the nation.

  • 8th Nationally for “Best Masters in Accounting Degrees, 2016” by College Choice
  • Top ten (public) for undergraduate and graduate programs in annual survey of accounting professors, Public Accounting Report (2018)
  • 4th top public program in faculty research over the past 12 years (6th overall) in accounting program research rankings for all topical areas and methodologies, Brigham Young University (2015)

Programs

The accounting department oversees four distinct academic programs:

Our Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Accounting prepare students to become ethical leaders in a profession characterized by continuous change. Coursework helps students develop technological expertise, critical thinking and communication skills, and global awareness.

The majority Accounting majors pursue the Professional Program which lets students simultaneously earn a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and either a Master of Science in select business majors or a Master of Financial Management. During this five-year program, students attain the core knowledge necessary to compete globally in areas of audit, consulting, taxation, information systems and financial management. The Professional Program has an excellent career placement rate approaching 100% and students who pursue the CPA exam pass the exam at rates higher than the national average.

We also offer a Master of Science (MS) in Accounting program which allow students to focus coursework on either assurance or taxation in pursuit of their graduate degree. Many students who enroll in this program are seeking to complete coursework required for the CPA examination, regardless of their undergraduate discipline.

Our Ph.D. in Business Administration – Accounting Program combines rigorous, thought-provoking coursework with independent and guided research. The program nurtures accounting scholars who make significant contributions in research and education at leading universities.

Certificates

There are two certificate programs offered through the Department of Accounting:

What sets us apart?

Student Focused Culture

Small class sizes and a culture of faculty and staff which are focused on student learning and success make our programs distinctive. In addition to rigorous coursework designed to prepare students for their careers, students are given support by our department through advisors, faculty, and professional development coursework on what career options to pursue and what aligns with their skills and interests.

Faculty

Mays is internationally ranked by Financial Times for the quality of its faculty research and productivity. We have also been cited in Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, U.S. News and World Report and CPA Personnel Report for the quality and strength of our programs and classroom experiences. Our faculty are dedicated to the education and success of our students. They are leaders in their respected fields and actively contribute to the continued development of the accounting discipline.