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)

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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.

Learn more about our certificate programs

Degree Plans and Catalog Resources

Accounting BSBA
Availability: Hattiesburg, Online 100%

Foundations in Accounting Certificate
Availability: Hattiesburg, Online 100%

Professional Accountancy Certificate
Availability: Hattiesburg, Online 100%