Point Park University

What you'll study

The programme combines foundational business courses with a focused accounting curriculum. Core topics include financial accounting, managerial accounting, taxation, auditing, accounting information systems, cost and managerial analysis, business law, and ethics. Students also take supporting subjects such as corporate finance, economics, statistics, and spreadsheet/database tools for business.

• Introductory accounting sequence: principles of financial accounting and managerial accounting, recording and reporting financial information.
• Intermediate and advanced accounting: deeper study of financial reporting, consolidated statements, and accounting standards.
• Taxation: individual and business tax principles and tax compliance issues.
• Auditing and assurance: audit processes, internal controls and professional standards.
• Accounting information systems: systems design, database fundamentals and IT controls relevant to accounting.
• Cost accounting and managerial decision making: costing methods, budgeting, variance analysis and performance measurement.
• Electives and experiential learning: forensic accounting, nonprofit accounting, financial modelling, internships, and applied capstone projects.

The degree is typically structured around general education requirements, a business core, major-specific courses and opportunities for internships or cooperative placements. Many students take advantage of practicum placements with regional firms and organisations in Pittsburgh to apply classroom learning to real-world accounting tasks.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requires a high school diploma or equivalent with a satisfactory academic record. Applicants are normally expected to demonstrate competence in mathematics and English; courses such as algebra, precalculus or business mathematics are advantageous. Admissions may consider GPA, academic references and a personal statement outlining interest in accounting.

• Recommended academic background: high-school mathematics, English and introductory business or economics where available.
• Test scores: standardised test requirements vary; check the university’s admissions guidance for current policy on SAT/ACT.
• International applicants: proof of English proficiency through recognised tests (or equivalent evidence) is required if English is not the applicant's first language.
• Transfer students: transfer credit for prior college coursework in accounting or business may be accepted subject to evaluation.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a range of roles across public accounting, corporate finance and government. Common first destinations include staff accountant, tax associate, audit associate, accounts payable/receivable specialist and financial analyst. With experience, graduates progress to senior accounting, auditing manager, tax consultant, financial controller or chief financial officer positions.

The programme also provides a foundation for specialised careers such as forensic accounting, internal auditing, nonprofit accounting and financial planning. Students aiming for professional licensure should plan coursework to meet state requirements for the CPA or consider a subsequent master’s degree to achieve the typical 150 credit hours required for CPA eligibility.

Why study at Point Park University

Point Park’s downtown Pittsburgh location gives students direct access to a diverse business community, including public accounting firms, corporate headquarters, banks and government agencies—making internships and employer networking more accessible. The university emphasises small class sizes and faculty who combine academic expertise with professional experience, which supports personalised instruction and mentoring.

Students benefit from career services, connections through the university’s business school, and opportunities for applied learning such as internships, cooperative education placements and capstone projects that link classroom theory to practical accounting work. For those pursuing licensure or advanced study, advisors help map out pathways to meet professional credential requirements.