Mission
Within the mission of the university and the College of Business, the Accounting Program of the School of Accountancy and Information Systems has its own unique mission.

The primary objective of the Accounting program is to provide quality undergraduate and master's level accounting education. The program strives to produce technically competent and broadly educated accounting graduates. The program is also committed to providing quality accounting education to other students to complement their chosen curriculums.

Therefore, as its first priority, the program emphasizes excellent teaching in an environment of continuous curriculum development. To maintain the currency of its faculty and curriculum, the program encourages scholarly, professional, and pedagogical research as well as professional service.

Undergraduate Program
The undergraduate program in accounting is designed to prepare students for a variety of entry-level positions in public accounting, industry, and government. The program is intended to prepare students for professional careers in which depth and breadth of business and accounting knowledge are required.

As the knowledge required to practice accounting is expanding rapidly, many students are finding it desirable to pursue a fifth year of study leading to a Master of Professional Accountancy (MPA). The accounting major is integrated with the MPA program. Students who aspire to obtain professional certification should pursue this program. See the Graduate Bulletin for admission and curriculum requirements. A grade of “C” or better in all accounting courses is required for graduation.

Career Overview
The Southern Miss Accounting Program equips students with the skills they need for a career in accounting, currently listed as one of the top 10 jobs in Mississippi. As of 2002, accountants and auditors made up about 1.1 million jobs, according to the U.S. Department of Labor and Statistics. Most of these jobs were through private industry or government, while 1 of every 5 “worked for accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping, and payroll services firms. Further, approximately 1 out of 10 accountants or auditors were self-employed.” There are a variety of jobs for accounting majors, jobs ranging from careers in government to private accounting firms and, finally, to self-employment.

• Accounting (ACCTBSBA)

• Accounting