St. John's University

What you'll study

This programme builds on fundamental accounting principles and advances into specialised areas to prepare graduates for professional practice and licensure. Core topics typically include advanced financial accounting and reporting, auditing and assurance services, federal taxation, and accounting information systems. Students also study managerial and cost accounting, ethics and professional responsibility in accounting, and financial statement analysis.

The curriculum is commonly delivered through a mix of required core courses and elective options that allow specialisation. Elective subjects may cover forensic and investigative accounting, taxation of entities, advanced auditing topics, international accounting, and data analytics for accountants. Many cohorts complete a capstone project or practicum that integrates technical knowledge with real-world problems, such as audit simulations, tax research projects, or consulting-style engagements with organisational clients.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree, preferably in accounting, finance or a closely related field. Candidates without an accounting undergraduate degree are typically admitted conditionally and may be required to complete prerequisite undergraduate courses in fundamental accounting and business subjects before or during the programme.

Typical supporting documents include official transcripts, a current CV or résumé, and a personal statement outlining career goals and reasons for pursuing the degree. Many applicants submit letters of recommendation; some may be asked to provide professional references. Standardised test requirements (GMAT/GRE) may be flexible or waived in certain circumstances based on prior academic performance or professional experience. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised tests unless exempt.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a wide range of accounting and finance roles across public practice, industry, government and not-for-profit sectors. Common positions include auditor, tax specialist, financial accountant, management accountant, and forensic accountant. The programme also supports career paths in financial reporting, internal audit, compliance, and accounting information systems.

Because the curriculum aligns with professional competencies, many students use the degree to satisfy educational requirements for CPA licensure and to enhance prospects with national and regional accounting firms, corporate finance departments, consulting firms and government agencies. The emphasis on applied projects, internships and employer engagement helps graduates transition to mid-level professional roles or further professional study.

Why study at St. John's University

St. John’s University is located in the New York metropolitan area, offering direct access to a broad range of accounting employers, large public accounting firms and financial services organisations for internships and recruitment. The university’s business faculty combine academic credentials with professional experience, delivering instruction that reflects current practice and regulatory developments.

Students benefit from dedicated career services, employer networking events and an active alumni community in accounting and finance. The programme’s practical orientation — through applied projects, case work and opportunities for experiential learning — is designed to prepare graduates for immediate contribution in professional accounting roles and for meeting credentialing requirements such as the CPA.