Bachelor of Science in Accounting

Accountants prepare and analyze financial information essential to the management, control, and evaluation of business enterprises, government agencies, and not-for-profit entities. Accounting is the language of business. Accountants interact on a constant basis with chief executive officers, financial executives, lawyers, bankers, and government agencies. Study accounting for countless career opportunities in the financial world.

The Accounting program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), a benchmark for business school quality. As an accounting major, you will also take a strong core of courses that emphasizes writing skills, logic, and a breadth of knowledge about the human experience.

There are four tracks you can choose to pursue including a BS in Accounting or Professional Accounting; a BS/MBA in Accounting; or a BA/MBA in Professional Accounting. Courses are taught by full-time faculty members who bring real-world knowledge to the classroom through their experiences as accounting or tax professionals.

Distinctions

The Canisius BS in accounting is the only Western New York program and one of only two programs in New York State to be ranked in US News & World Report's 2021 list of Best Undergraduate Business Programs. The peer ranking placed Canisius in the top 7% of all institutions to be ranked nationally.

Canisius accounting graduates are also top performers on the New York State CPA exam. During the 2019 exam cycle, Canisius students scored first overall in New York among medium-sized accounting programs. Students in our accounting program benefit from the support of a dedicated team of faculty and a large group of accounting and financial professionals (The Accountancy Council) that provide scholarships, mentoring, and career placement assistance. Job placement for Canisius accounting majors is consistently at or near 100%.

Canisius University is a supportive community of people from all walks of life, engaged in conscientious academic, personal, and spiritual inquiry. Griffs learn how to think more deeply, create more boldly, dare more courageously, and live more compassionately, developing the skills and confidence to take the lead in their chosen field, career, and community.

Who We Are

We take the best in every student – and make it that much greater. We believe that greatness is in everyone, and as each individual flourishes, the world benefits. Our rigorous curriculum, vibrant and inclusive campus environment, and professional and community connections create a transformative educational experience that goes deeper than imparting necessary skills and knowledge. Griffs know how to think and how to lead, making them not only well-positioned to succeed in an ever-changing job market but also well-equipped to change the world.

Canisius at a Glance

• Founded: 1870 in Buffalo, NY
• Affiliation: Jesuit
• Students: 2,492
• Accredited schools and colleges: 3
• Majors, minors, and degree programs: 100+
• Student-faculty ratio: 11:1
• Percent of classes taught by faculty: 100%
• NCAA Division-I teams: 20
• Student-run clubs and organizations: 60+
• Alumni: 50,000+ worldwide

What We Stand For

• We are sensitive to the challenges that the world faces. As a university, we have the power to address injustice by expanding access to our transformative education, advancing equity, and producing new knowledge that advances humanity. And when our students graduate, they go on to meaningfully impact the areas that call out to them.
• Our community is respectful, creative, and tightly knit. Here, we cherish and challenge the individual, making space and providing support for everyone to discover their passions, articulate their purpose and become the greatest version of themselves.
• We are determined to make a difference. We understand that doing things the way that they have always been done only perpetuates the status quo and that there is no progress without action. Motivated by a vision of what could and should be, we move forward fearlessly.
• We see and respect every individual as a whole person. Every Griff, whether they’re a faculty member, staff person, or a student, plays a role in every other Griff’s development. When we lift each other up, we all reach even greater heights.