Accounting

Earn Your Degree In Accounting

Accounting is known as "The Language of Business,” and at Southern Miss, you'll learn to speak it fluently. Our students don't just crunch numbers; they learn how to analyze, problem solve, and help organizations make smart decisions that drive success. 

Our students master financial reporting, assurance, taxation, analytics, and the systems that drive modern organizations across the world. They also learn how accountants create real value by improving operations, advising leaders, and shaping the direction of companies big and small. And because the School of Accountancy is accredited by AACSB, a distinction earned by fewer than 200 programs worldwide, you'll know your degree carries weight wherever your career takes you. 

Experiential learning is at the heart of what we do at Southern Miss. Many of our students complete internships with major firms like KPMG, PwC, Deloitte, Ernst & Young, Horne LLP, Haddox Reid, as well as companies such as Goldman Sachs, Cooperative Energy, and the Beau Rivage. Others take their learning to the next level through business study abroad programs in London, Italy, and Asia, combining travel with a global business perspective. 

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Why Choose Southern Miss Accounting?

• Format Flexibility: Students can choose between taking classes at the Hattiesburg campus or 100% online. 
• Growing Enrollment: Accounting has reported the largest enrollment growth in the College of Business and Economic Development over the last three years. 
• Financial Assistance: Scholarships funded by alumni, corporations, and professional organizations like the Mississippi Society of Certified Public Accountants, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, and the AICPA Legacy Scholarship help open doors for students who are in financial need. 
• Networking Opportunities: Students connect directly with employers at Meet the Firms, a signature recruiting event where top accounting firms and organizations visit campus to discus internships, full-time positions, and career paths in the profession. 
• Career-Readiness: Employers recruit from Southern Miss because our graduates are prepared for public accounting, corporate finance, government, and nonprofit roles. 
• Real-World Experience: We strongly encourage our students to pursue internship opportunities, many of which lead to full-time offers upon graduation. Recent placements include Horne LLP, KPMG, PwC, Deloitte, Ernst & Young, Riggs & Ingram, Haddox Reid, Postlethwaite & Netterville, TMH, GranthamPoole, and so many more. 
• Professional Development: High-achieving students are invited to join Beta Alpha Psi, an international honor society focused on leadership, service, and career growth. Members build strong connections with and gain firsthand insights from accounting professionals. Students can also join the Student Center for the Public Trust, a student organization that promotes ethical leadership and integrity in business. Together, these groups provide valuable opportunities to develop the skills employers value most. 

What You'll Learn

Students build a strong foundation in theory and hands-on problem solving across: 

• Financial Accounting
• Managerial Accounting
• Business Process & Information Systems
• Federal Taxation

• Governmental & Nonprofit Accounting
• Auditing
• Business Law for Accountants

CPA Pathway

Thinking about becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA)? At Southern Miss, we'll help you get there. A total of 150 total credit hours are required for CPA licensure, however many states allow you to sit for the exam once you've earned 120 hours and are in the process of completing the remaining 30 hours.

Licensure rules vary by state. Please refer to State Board of Public Accountancy website for the particular state you would be practicing in for more information. A list of state professional licensing boards is provided by the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy. 

Have further questions? Contact Ms. Amber Hatten at amber.hattenFREEMississippi.

Expert Faculty Who Are There to Help

Our faculty are more than your professors. They are mentors, industry experts, and champions for your success. They bring years of professional experience into the classroom, combining real world insight with hands-on learning to help you build the skills employers expect. If you're ready to put in the work, our faculty and staff are here to match your effort every step of the way, preparing you for a rewarding career in accounting. 

Meet Our Accounting Faculty

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