University of Memphis

What you'll study

This programme combines the University of Memphis general education curriculum with a focused sequence of accounting and business courses. Early-year work establishes fundamentals in financial accounting, managerial accounting, micro- and macroeconomics, business statistics and business law. Core accounting topics covered in later years typically include:

• Financial Accounting: preparation and analysis of financial statements for external users.
• Managerial and Cost Accounting: costing systems, budgeting and decision-making for internal management.
• Auditing: audit planning, evidence, professional standards and reporting.
• Federal Taxation: individual and business tax fundamentals and tax research.
• Accounting Information Systems: databases, internal controls, ERP concepts and spreadsheet modelling for accounting.
• Advanced Accounting Topics: consolidations, governmental and nonprofit accounting, and specialized reporting issues.
• Ethics and Professional Responsibility: ethical frameworks, regulatory environment and professional conduct in accounting practice.

Students also take complementary business electives such as corporate finance, management, marketing and information systems to develop broader commercial awareness. Opportunities for experiential learning include internships with local firms, practicum projects, case competitions and participation in student organisations related to accounting and finance.

Entry requirements

Applicants need a secondary school qualification or recognised equivalent. Admissions assessors look for a record of academic achievement in a college-preparatory curriculum that includes mathematics and English. Typical preparation includes coursework in algebra and statistics; prior coursework in economics, business or accounting is advantageous but not required.

Transfer applicants should provide college transcripts; credit may be awarded for relevant completed coursework. Some students enter the business college broadly and declare the accounting major after completing prerequisite business foundation courses. International applicants must meet the university's English proficiency and credential evaluation requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for entry-level roles in public accounting firms, corporate accounting departments, government finance offices and nonprofit organisations. Common job titles include staff accountant, tax associate, internal auditor, accounts payable/receivable analyst and financial reporting specialist. With experience, graduates progress to senior accountant, audit manager, tax manager or finance manager roles.

For those pursuing the CPA, the programme provides many of the foundational courses required for professional licensure; candidates should review state board requirements, as most jurisdictions require additional semester hours or a graduate degree to meet the 150-credit-hour threshold. Other career paths include forensic accounting, management consulting, financial analysis and information systems roles that focus on accounting data.

Why study at University of Memphis

The University of Memphis offers accounting students access to the Fogelman College of Business & Economics, which holds AACSB accreditation for business and accounting programmes. The college maintains connections with the Memphis business community—commercial firms, regional accounting practices and nonprofit organisations—creating a network for internships and job placements.

Students benefit from experienced faculty who teach both foundational and applied accounting subjects, career services focused on recruiting and interview preparation, and active student groups such as accounting societies and honor organisations that provide professional development and networking. The university’s location in a major freight and commercial hub gives particular strengths in areas like corporate finance, logistics-related accounting and tax practice serving a diverse regional economy.