Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting

Admissions & Aid School of Business
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Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting

What Will I Learn in the Accounting Major?

University of Portland’s (UP) bachelor of business administration (BBA) in accounting is your pathway to becoming a skilled business professional who leads with integrity. As an accounting major, you’ll prepare to analyze financial data, manage budgets, make strategic decisions, and guide organizations toward sustainable success. Through engaging in hands-on projects, collaborative learning, and internships with well-known organizations, you’ll gain the skills that employers value most.

And if you are an aspiring Certified Public Accountant (CPA), UP’s 4+1 BBA/MBA program provides a streamlined path to achieving your goals and getting you started on your career in just five years.

Accounting Courses

In UP’s accounting program, you’ll build a strong foundation in business through courses in leadership, marketing, public speaking, and innovation. These classes emphasize social responsibility and global perspectives.

As you continue on, your accounting coursework will cover essential areas such as auditing, taxation, fraud and forensics, and advanced accounting. If you’re aiming for professional certification, you can specialize in concentrations like CPA tax, CPA business analytics, or corporate accounting. If certification isn’t part of your plan, you can tailor your studies with elective courses that align with your career goals.

Degree Requirements

4+1 BBA/MBA Program

Looking to fast-track your career? University of Portland’s 4+1 program lets you earn both a BBA in accounting and an MBA in just five years. This integrated path meets the 150-credit-hour requirement for CPA certification in Oregon and most other states, all while helping you develop advanced leadership, strategy, and management skills. With this competitive edge, you’ll graduate ready for top roles in accounting, consulting, and beyond.

More About 4+1

University Core

University of Portland’s 40-credit-hour Core Curriculum ensures you graduate with a well-rounded education rooted in the Holy Cross tradition. From philosophy to communication, these courses broaden your perspective, complement your accounting major, and empower you to approach problems creatively and ethically.

The Core

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More than a Degree

Your BBA in accounting degree is just the beginning. Explore unique opportunities that set our program apart.

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UP Accounting Association

Attend networking events, participate in workshops, and prepare for internships alongside a community of peers who share your professional goals.

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Professional Preparation Program

UP’s Professional Preparation Program integrates professional development into your coursework, offering resume-building sessions, career coaching, and practical skills training.

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Holy Cross Tradition

Through the Holy Cross tradition, you develop a commitment to ethical leadership, which is crucial for roles like CPA, auditor, or tax consultant.

The UP Difference

At UP, you benefit from a learning environment designed for you.

A University of Portland student and Fr Gallagher talk in the Chapel of Christ the Teacher

Average Accounting Class Size

On-Campus Residence Halls

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Student-to-Faculty Ratio

Accounting Student Spotlight

“I believe strongly in UP’s liberal arts education. You develop the skills to work with others to solve the kinds of dilemmas you’ll face when you get into your career. It teaches you how to be a critical thinker, a critical problem-solver, and do the right things when faced with challenges. That’s been critical for my success as a tax accountant, COO, and CEO.”

Dan Watson '99, CEO of Neil Kelly

Careers and Outcomes

Prepare for a rewarding career in accounting or business strategy. UP’s industry connections and Portland location provide a strong network and limitless opportunities for internships and employment. The accounting degree program combines technical expertise, values-based training, and practical experience to give you the tools to succeed.

Jobs with a BBA in Accounting

A bachelor’s degree in accounting opens doors to careers such as:

  • Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
  • Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
  • Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
  • Certified Management Accountant (CMA)

Graduate Studies

A graduate degree, like an MBA, positions you for advanced career opportunities in public accounting, tax planning, auditing, and business consulting. Earning an MBA also helps you gain the knowledge to confidently take the CPA exam and meet the 150-credit-hour requirement, which is the goal for many students in the accounting degree program.

You can achieve all of this—and more—right here at University of Portland through our 4+1 program. This accelerated pathway lets you complete your graduate degree in just one additional year while saving time and money.

Alumni Employers

UP’s accounting graduates are in high demand. Our alumni have launched successful careers with governmental agencies, private corporations, and leading public accounting firms, including:

  • Deloitte
  • Ernst & Young
  • KPMG
  • PwC

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Calculate Your Success

Drive financial decision-making, strengthen businesses, and support communities with a bachelor of business administration in accounting degree from University of Portland.

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