Why Study Accounting?
Accounting professionals work with organizations large and small across a variety of sectors and industries. There is a strong demand for general accountants, as well as financial and business analysts and specialized accountants in such areas as payroll, billing and other support functions. Employment of accountants and auditors is projected to grow 11 percent from 2014 to 2024, faster than the average for all occupations.
Why Study Accounting at Eastern?
Eastern’s Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting provides introductory and advanced courses in financial and managerial accounting, auditing, taxation and accounting information technology and business solutions. As one of the top accounting programs in Connecticut, Eastern has one of the top CPA Exam pass rates in the state. Experience a paid internship at top Connecticut CPA firms. In addition the Accounting Major and Accounting Minor, graduates can also earn their master’s degree in Accounting with only one additional year of study at Eastern.
Salary Potential
Annual mean wage for accountants and tax preparers
Range of wages for accountants/auditors
* U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Hands-on Learning
Accounting Internship Program
The Accounting Internship Program provides Eastern students opportunities for intensive fieldwork experience. Hands-on training builds upon the theoretical foundations of accounting, with students assigned to private, non-profit or public institutions to apply their classroom learning in real-world accounting experiences.
Eastern Accounting Society
The Accounting Society encourages the professional and personal development of accounting students by enhancing their communication and organizational skills, as well as helping them develop a sense of ethical, social and public responsibility. Events include an annual Accounting Fair and the yearly Accounting Banquet.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
Each spring, accounting students gain practical experience through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program by assisting local low-income residents in filling out their tax returns.
Career Options
Students who pursue undergraduate degrees in Accounting can have rewarding and successful careers in a variety of professional fields, including:
- Staff Accountant
- Tax Accountant
- Certified Public Accountant
- Forensic Accountant
- Auditor
- Financial Analyst
- Consultant
- Financial Planner
- Budget Analyst
- Tax Examiner
Successful Alumni
Recent Eastern students who earned a bachelor’s degree or a minor in Accounting are at the following companies:
- CliftonLarsonAllen accounting firm
- Deloitte accounting firm
- PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) accounting firm
- KPMG accounting firm
- Connecticut Department of Revenue Services
- Defense Contract Audit Agency
- Travelers
- Cigna
- CohnReznick accounting firm
In the News
Accounting Fair draws praise and crowds
October 02, 2024
The accounting program at Eastern hosted its annual Accounting Fair on Sept. 19, drawing a strong turnout from both firms and students alike. The event, which has been a staple at Eastern for more than 20 years, featured representatives from 25 different firms, with 54 professionals in attendance — many of whom are Eastern alumni.
4 advanced graduate programs move fully online this spring
December 06, 2023
Four accelerated online graduate programs designed to meet the needs of working professionals will begin at Eastern Connecticut State University in the Spring 2024 semester, with master’s degrees offered in Accounting, Management, Special Education and Applied Data Science.
Alumni Testimonials
Posters on the Hill
Tyler Wright ’22
Tyler was one of 60 undergraduate students nationwide selected to present at the prestigious Posters on the Hill conference. To an audience of congresspeople, Wright presented on hospital length of stay (LOS) and readmission rates. “While I am not sure how this conference will impact my career going forward, I hope it could potentially lead to some job opportunities.”
Tax Accountant
Ying Chen ’15
Accounting major Ying Chen is a tax accountant at Fiondella, Milone and Lasaracina LLP. “The accounting program at Eastern covered a broad range of accounting studies — taxation, informational accounting, governmental and non-profit accounting and so on. My educational experience at Eastern prepared me well to become a tax accountant in an accounting firm.”
Audit Manager
Katherine McNair ’10
Accounting major Katherine McNair is the audit manager at PKF O’Connor Davies. “Eastern’s accounting professors taught me the skills I would need to pass the Certified Public Accounting exam and the background knowledge I would need to start a career in public accounting.”
Tax Accountant
Chris Gardella ’15
Accounting major Chris Gardella is a tax accountant at KPMG. “The technical knowledge I obtained to become a Certified Public Accounting is not the only contributing factor to my success. The development of soft skills such as critical thinking, problem solving and collaboration are crucial in the field of accounting.”