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Accounting
Availability: Hattiesburg and 100% Online
An accounting degree from Southern Miss opens doors to high-demand careers across every industry.
You'll be prepared for roles that combine analytical thinking, ethical leadership, and strategic problem-solving.
Career Options
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Forensic Accountant/Fraud Examiner
Tax Specialist
Auditor (Internal/External)
Financial Analyst or Controller
Staff Accountant
Payroll Accountant
Budget Analyst
Government Accountant
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Continue Your Education
The program provides an excellent foundation for graduate studies, including the Master of Professional Accountancy (MPA) and MBA programs. You’ll also be prepared to pursue professional certifications like the CPA, CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner), and CMA (Certified Management Accountant).
Top reasons to choose the accounting program at Southern Miss
Our curriculum focuses on real-world application and professional readiness. You'll enter the workforce with confidence.
AACSB-accredited accounting program
The USM College of Business and Economic Development holds dual AACSB accreditation
for both business and accounting. Only about 1% of business schools worldwide achieve
this distinction.
Flexible learning
• Available at our Hattiesburg campus and fully online
• In-person and online courses with part-time and full-time enrollment options
Internships that launch careers
Our students frequently land internships with accounting firms, corporations, and
government agencies, with many receiving full-time job offers from employers.
Experiences and skills that will shape your future
Case-based instruction using real-world scenarios: You'll analyze actual fraud cases using the ACFE's Fraud Examiners Manual, the same resource used by professional fraud examiners.
Projects with actual business data: Work with real financial statements and business data to develop practical skills.
Professional certifications that set you apart: Through our ACFE partnership, you can pursue the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) designation while completing your degree. You'll also be prepared to pursue other prestigious certifications like the CPA and CMA. These designations significantly enhance your career prospects and earning potential.
Student organizations that build your network
• Beta Alpha Psi
• Student Center for Public Trust (StudentCPT)
WE'RE READY WHEN YOU ARE!
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Featured courses
Auditing and Assurance Services
Forensic and Fraud Examination
Advanced Financial Accounting
Accounting Information Systems
Federal Income Taxation
Pursuing CPA licensure
Thinking about becoming a CPA? Southern Miss will help you get there.
CPA licensure requirements:
• 150 total credit hours
• Many states let you sit for the exam at 120 hours while completing the remaining
30
• Requirements vary by state—check with your state's Board of Public Accountancy for
specifics. NASBA provides a complete list of state licensing boards.
Questions about CPA licensure? Contact Ms.%20Amber%20Hatten.
Accounting Certificate Programs
Certificate: Foundations in Accounting (12 credit hours)
Jump-start your accounting knowledge without pursuing another degree. Perfect for
current business majors or anyone with a bachelor's who is seeking foundational accounting
skills to enhance their career potential.
Certificate: Professional Accountancy (24 credit hours)
Designed for professionals who have already earned a bachelor's degree and need to
meet CPA licensure requirements. This targeted program provides the precise accounting
coursework needed to bridge the gap between your current degree and becoming a certified
public accountant.
Catalog Information
| Degree Plan | Availability |
|---|---|
| Accounting BSBA | Hattiesburg, Online 100% |
| Foundations in Accounting Certificate | Hattiesburg, Online 100% |
| Professional Accountancy Certificate | Hattiesburg, Online 100% |