UMass Boston

Accounting BS

Build a future you can count on.

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About the Program

Think like an accountant from day one with UMass Boston’s Accounting BS. Built around the skills employers value most, this undergraduate accounting program combines technical mastery with hands-on experience in financial reporting, auditing, tax planning, analytics, and business advising. You’ll develop core accounting skills through practical learning, guided by faculty with industry experience and supported by case studies, internships, and strong connections to Boston’s business community. This affordable, high-value accounting major will prepare you for in-demand careers, a clear professional path, and certifications like the CPA and CMA, supported by advising every step of the way.

Here’s your chance to:

  • Connect with employers and build your network through career fairs, networking events, and internship opportunities in Boston.
  • Build expertise in accounting, taxation, and auditing while developing analytical skills to make informed business decisions.
  • Apply your knowledge through case studies, simulations, and real-world projects.
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companies that visit campus every semester for career fairs & networking
University Survey, 2025
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starting salary for accountants with a bachelor’s degree
Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024
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annual mean salary for accountants in the Boston-Cambridge metro area
University Survey, 2025

student in formal business attire giving presentation

Career Possibilities

An accounting bachelor’s degree from UMass Boston prepares you for CPA licensure and careers in financial reporting, auditing, tax planning, and more. You’ll receive support every step of the way, with personalized academic advising, hands-on experiences, career services for résumé and interview preparation, and guidance from peer mentors.

Here’s where this degree can take you:

  • Staff Accountant
  • Auditor
  • Tax Associate
  • Corporate Accountant
  • Analyst: Financial, Budget, or Compliance
  • Controller
  • Nonprofit Finance/Accounting Roles
Example Employers of Program Graduates
UMass Boston Accounting BS alumni launch careers at top accounting firms in Boston and across the country, including:
Price Waterhouse Logo
Fidelity Investments logo
State Street Global Advisors
Bank of America logo
John Hancock logo
Santander bank logo
Liberty Mutual logo

Student Stories

Ciro Castaldi, Jr
Sharing classes with students from all different backgrounds and walks of life was incredibly valuable—especially as I entered the public accounting industry. The energy on campus made the experience even more meaningful, and the professors in the College of Management truly care about their students. A few of them inspired me so much that I went on to become an adjunct professor myself, a role I’ve held for the past two years at Stonehill College.
Ciro C. ‘17
Mary Thistle
My life would have been very different had UMass Boston not been there for me. The College of Management prepared me incredibly well for an amazing professional journey by providing me with an affordable option at a location where I could work in my chosen field in finance. This provided me with a huge advantage when I graduated. I passed the CPA exam at 1st sitting while still a student, which speaks to the quality of the course content.
Mary T. ‘83

Plan Your Education

How to Apply

First Year Student Deadlines: Fall

  • Early Action I: November 1
  • Early Action II: January 1
  • Regular Decision: February 15

Transfer Student Deadlines:

  • Fall Semester (Domestic): June 15
  • Spring Semester: December 15

Please review the first-year and transfer apply pages for important information about application requirements, deadlines, and application status check.

Financing Your Education

Become a Beacon and pursue your passion in UMass Boston’s diverse, supportive environment. Many students across our 200+ undergraduate and graduate programs receive financial aid—providing access to an education that’s exceptional and affordable. For additional information regarding tuition and fees, please visit the Bursar’s Office or send an email to Bursar@umb.edu.

Program Details

Curriculum

Required Business Foundation Courses (36 Credits)

  • AF 210 - Financial Accounting 3 Credit(s)
  • AF 211 - Managerial Accounting 3 Credit(s)
  • AF 301 - Introduction to Financial Management 3 Credit(s)
  • BC 290 - Professional Written Communication & Critical Analysis 3 Credit(s)
  • MGT 303 - Managing Organizations 3 Credit(s)
  • MGT 330 - Business Environments and Public Policy 3 Credit(s)
  • MGT 331 - Managerial Ethics and Social Issues 3 Credit(s)
  • MKT 301 - Principles of Marketing 3 Credit(s)
  • MSIS 110 - Introduction to Computers and Information Systems 3 Credit(s)
  • MSIS 111L - Managerial Statistics 3 Credit(s)
    or
  • IT 111L - Managerial Statistics 3 Credit(s)
    or
  • MATH 125 - Introductory Statistics 3 Credit(s)
    or
  • MATH 134 - Managerial Calculus 3 Credit(s)
    or
  • ECON 205 - Statistical Methods 3 Credit(s)
    or
  • PSYCH 370 - Statistics 3 Credit(s)
    or
  • SOCIOL 350 - Social Statistics 3 Credit(s)
  • MSIS 212 - Managerial Decision Making 3 Credit(s)
  • MSIS 301 - Operations Management 3 Credit(s)

Accounting Required Courses (18 Credits)

Complete all six courses from the list below.

  • AF 450 - Federal Taxation I 3 Credit(s)
  • AF 470 - Financial Auditing 3 Credit(s)
  • AF 363 - Cost Accounting 3 Credit(s)
  • AF 310 - Intermediate Accounting I 3 Credit(s)
  • AF 311 - Intermediate Accounting II 3 Credit(s)
  • AF 315 - Accounting Information Systems 3 Credit(s)

Accounting Elective Courses (3 Credits)
 
Complete one course from the list below.

  • AF 488 - Independent Study 1-3 Credit(s)
  • AF 451 - Federal Taxation II 3 Credit(s
  • AF 478 - Special Topics in Finance 3 Credit(s)
  • AF 480 - Accounting Internship 3 Credit(s)
  • AF 330 - Business Law 3 Credit(s)

Business Capstone (3 credits)

Complete the Capstone Course requirement.

  • MGT 490 - Strategic Management 3 Credit(s)

 

 

Learning Outcomes

  • Demonstrate proficiency in oral and written communication skills.
  • Develop critical thinking and quantitative reasoning skills.
  • Demonstrate sound ethical reasoning skills.
  • Integrate understanding of issues concerning diversity and globalization in business management.

Graduation Criteria

Degree Requirements

If this is the student’s primary major, all degree requirements below must be completed for graduation. See graduation requirements for more information.

MAP Requirement: Students must complete the Management Achievement Program (MAP) as part of their graduation requirements. See your major advisor for details.

Declare a Major

Students must declare a major in either Accounting, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Information Systems and Business Analytics, Interdisciplinary Business, International Management, Management and Leadership, Marketing, Sport Business, or Supply Chain Management. Students may choose more than one major.
 
Major Requirements

Complete the Business Core, the Accounting Required courses, the Accouting Elective courses, and the Capstone course. 

Residency: At least five courses in the Business Core and, in addition the Capstone course, must be completed in residence at UMass Boston.

Transfer: A maximum of two courses combined in your Accounting Required courses and Accounting Elective courses can be completed with transfer credit. 

Pass/fail: No courses taken Pass/Fail may be used in the major requirements.
 

Contact

Contact the College of Management Undergraduate Programs

McCormack Hall, 5th Floor, Room 610
617.287.7760

Email Accounting & Finance

Accreditation

involvement fair

Accounting & Finance Career Fair

Each semester, connect, network, and explore opportunities with employers ranging from small businesses to global corporations at UMass Boston career fairs.

Over 35 employers come to campus - employers include:

  • Federal Reserve Bank of Boston
  • Liberty Mutual Insurance
  • Roessel Joy
  • USI Insurance Services
  • Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast
  • Staples, Inc.
  • Eversource Energy
  • Eastern Bank
  • AEW Capital Management
  • Looms, Sayles and Company

Program Faculty

college of management students conferring casual setting

Academic Community

Explore the department and college that supports your journey in Accounting.