San Jose University

What you'll study

The programme provides a foundation in financial and managerial accounting, then progresses to specialised subjects that prepare you for professional practice and certification. Core topics typically include:

• Financial Accounting: principles and standards for the preparation and analysis of financial statements for business entities.
• Managerial and Cost Accounting: costing methods, budgeting, performance measurement and decision support for managers.
• Auditing: audit theory and procedures, internal control, risk assessment and professional standards.
• Taxation: fundamentals of federal income tax for individuals and businesses, tax research and compliance issues.
• Accounting Information Systems and Data Analytics: accounting systems, enterprise resource planning concepts, spreadsheet modelling and introductory data analysis techniques used in practice.
• Advanced Accounting Topics: topics such as consolidation, international accounting issues and specialised reporting situations.
• Business Law and Ethics: legal environment of business, corporate governance and ethical responsibilities for accountants.
• Quantitative and Business Core: economics, statistics, finance, and communications courses that support analytical and professional skills.
• Professional Development: case studies, internships, capstone projects or practicum experiences that connect classroom learning to real employers.

The programme structure is sequential: lower-division courses build foundational knowledge, while upper-division courses focus on advanced technical topics and professional skills. Many students complement accounting coursework with electives in information systems, finance or law to reflect career interests.

Entry requirements

Admission to the bachelor’s programme normally requires a high school diploma or equivalent and completion of college-preparatory subjects. Typical expectations include:

• A strong academic record in secondary education with particular strength in mathematics and English.
• Completion of preparatory subjects such as algebra, precalculus or calculus, and introductory economics where applicable.
• Evidence of effective written and oral communication skills; some applicants submit personal statements or reference letters as part of the application process.
• For transfer applicants, satisfactory performance in previous college-level coursework including introductory accounting, statistics or business courses may be required; specific unit thresholds apply.

Applicants whose first language is not English will usually need to demonstrate English proficiency through recognised tests or prior study in English. Because entry standards and admission processes can vary, prospective students should consult the university’s admissions pages for precise criteria and any programme-specific requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a wide range of accounting and finance roles. Common career paths include:

• Public Accounting: audit and assurance, tax advisory, and consulting roles with national and regional accounting firms.
• Corporate Accounting and Finance: roles such as financial accountant, management accountant, financial analyst, and controller within industry.
• Government and Not-for-Profit: accounting, compliance and budgeting positions in public sector and non-profit organisations.
• Specialist Areas: forensic accounting, internal audit, risk management, and accounting information systems.
• Professional Certification and Further Study: many graduates pursue the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licence or other professional qualifications; some continue to postgraduate study in accounting, taxation or business.

The programme emphasises practical skills sought by employers—technical competence, ethical awareness, communication and IT literacy—while the university’s location offers proximity to a broad employer base for internships and graduate recruitment.

Why study at San Jose University

• Industry connections: located in the heart of the Bay Area, the university maintains relationships with a wide range of accounting firms, technology companies and corporate finance departments, which supports internships and employer engagement.
• Professionally focused curriculum: coursework is designed to align with the knowledge and skill expectations of accounting employers and professional licensing bodies.
• Experienced faculty and support services: accounting faculty bring practical and academic experience; students also benefit from career services, accounting clubs and mentorship programmes that help with job placement.
• Pathways to certification: the degree prepares students for further study or additional units needed for professional licences such as the CPA, and the university offers advising to help plan those pathways.
• Practical learning opportunities: capstone projects, practicum courses and local internship opportunities enable students to apply classroom learning to real-world accounting problems.