University of Tennessee

What you'll study

The programme combines advanced core accounting topics with applied electives to prepare students for professional practice and certification. Core subjects typically cover advanced financial accounting and reporting, auditing and assurance, tax research and planning, and accounting information systems. Students also study managerial accounting topics such as cost management and performance measurement, plus professional ethics and accounting regulation.

• Advanced Financial Reporting: complex consolidation and business combinations, international reporting considerations, and financial statement analysis.
• Auditing and Assurance: risk assessment, audit methodology, internal controls, and contemporary issues in assurance services.
• Taxation: federal taxation of individuals and business entities, tax planning and compliance, and tax research techniques.
• Accounting Information Systems and Analytics: ERP systems, data analytics for accounting, and the use of technology in audit and financial reporting.
• Managerial and Cost Accounting: budgeting, cost allocation, performance measurement and strategic decision support.
• Ethics and Professional Practice: ethical frameworks, regulation, and responsibilities of accounting professionals.

Elective options often allow specialisation in areas such as forensic accounting, governmental and non‑profit accounting, advanced taxation topics, or data analytics. The programme typically includes experiential learning elements—case studies, projects with local organisations, or internships—that connect classroom theory to practice.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree. Candidates with an undergraduate degree in accounting are directly competitive, while applicants from related disciplines may be admitted provided they have completed prerequisite accounting coursework (e.g. introductory financial and managerial accounting). Typical admissions materials include academic transcripts, a professional résumé, a personal statement outlining motivations and goals, and one or more letters of recommendation.

Some form of standardised test (GMAT or GRE) may be required or considered in admissions decisions, though waivers are commonly available for candidates with strong academic records or relevant professional experience. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through a recognised test unless exempt. Admission committees assess quantitative aptitude, prior accounting preparation, and fit with the programme.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a broad set of accounting and finance careers. Common pathways include:

• Public accounting — audit, tax, and advisory roles at national and regional firms (including pathways to the CPA).
• Corporate accounting — financial reporting, controllership, internal audit, and management accounting roles in industry.
• Specialist advisory — forensic accounting, valuation, transaction advisory and risk consulting.
• Government and not‑for‑profit accounting — financial management and compliance roles in public sector and NGOs.
• Further study and academia — preparation for research degrees or certification programmes such as the CMA, depending on interests.

The programme emphasises preparation for professional exams and practical skills (data analytics, communication, ethical judgment) that employers routinely seek, and students typically benefit from the university’s employer relationships and career services when pursuing internships and graduate roles.

Why study at University of Tennessee

The programme is housed within the Haslam College of Business, an AACSB‑accredited school with a long history of delivering accounting education in the region. Students benefit from experienced faculty engaged in applied research, a curriculum aligned with professional standards, and strong links to public accounting firms and corporate employers across Tennessee and beyond.

Key advantages include career services focused on accounting recruitment, opportunities for internships with regional and national firms, and an active alumni network that supports mentoring and job placement. The college also offers resources such as accounting research centres, student organisations, and workshops to help students prepare for professional certifications and transition into practice.