Bachelor of Science [B.S] [Accounting] From Kansas State University

The $249,500 grant K-State received was one of the largest grants awarded and was used to support a comprehensive revision of the accounting curriculum. The revision of our program reflects a change in how accounting is taught, and K-State’s program has become a model for accounting education throughout the United States.

Training a person in the mechanics of accounting can be done in four years. However, practicing accounting professionals have made it clear that to succeed, graduates need well-developed communication skills and the ability to work in teams. They also must be able to solve unstructured problems and be able to meet the changes in accounting practices that will occur throughout their careers. 

Accounting students also must be broadly educated to understand the complex social, legal and economic environment in which businesses operate. In order to integrate the professional skills demanded by the profession, the university faculty realized the curriculum required a fifth year.

Careers

Outstanding graduates in all areas of accounting are in high demand. Graduates who have a 3.3 GPA or above and strong interpersonal skills are generally highly sought after. Most of these students take jobs with large industrial or international CPA firms and draw starting salaries in the $46,000 to $52,000 range. Others go to smaller CPA firms, government and small industrial firms at salaries in the $40,000 or above range. In the next five to 10 years, many of these positions are expected to require a master’s degree.