Accounting Major
Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Gain the Skills to Excel in a Rapidly Evolving Accounting World
The value of the Accounting MAJOR
The Accounting Major provides students a foundation in financial reporting, taxation, auditing, and managerial accounting—supported by essential coursework in business analytics, finance, and operations. Students graduate with the technical knowledge, analytical skills, and professional insight needed to excel across the accounting field.
The program prepares students for a wide range of roles in public accounting, corporate finance, government, and nonprofit organizations. With long-standing industry connections, access to top employers, and a strong track record of alumni success, Stony Brook equips future accountants to thrive in a high-demand, high-impact profession.
Launching Fall 2026
Accounting MAJOR Requirements
Qualified freshman and transfer students who have indicated their interest in the major on their applications are accepted directly into the major upon admission into the University. Students who did not apply for the major and those who were not accepted into the major when they entered the University may apply to the major provided that their cumulative grade point average (including, for transfer students, course-work complete at other institutions) is 3.2 or higher.
Applications from current Stony Brook students must be completed and submitted online in accordance with the Registrar's deadlines for processing major/minor declaration forms. Students whose applications have been approved will have their records updated automatically.
Connected to Top Firms. Committed to Your Success.
Your Pathway to Prestigious Accounting Careers Starts Here
The College of Business has built long-standing relationships with top accounting firms—who’ve been actively recruiting our students for years.
Each fall, we partner with the SBU Career Center and Beta Alpha Psi Omicron Alpha—our prestigious accounting and finance honors organization—to host a series of career preparation workshops. These events lead up to our signature Accounting Job and Internship Fair, which draws dozens of employers, including the Big Four.
Accounting Major Course Details
Core Courses
- ACC 210 Financial Accounting*
- ACC 214 Managerial Cost Analysis and Applications*
- ACC 301 Governmental & Not-for-Profit Accounting & Reporting*
- ACC 310 Intermediate Accounting I*
- ACC 311 Federal Income Taxation I*
- ACC 313 Intermediate Accounting II*
- ACC 400 External Auditing*
- ACC 401 Intermediate Managerial Accounting & Data Analytics*
- ACC 402 Advanced Accounting*
- BUS 215 Intro. to Business Statistics*
- BUS 220 Intro. to Decision Sciences* (STEM+)
- BUS 301 Business Communications* (SPK, WRTD)
- BUS 325 Legal Environment of Business* (CER)
- BUS 326 Organizational Behavior* (DIV)
- BUS 330 Principles of Finance*
- BUS 340 Information Systems in Management* (TECH)
- BUS 346 Operations Management*
- BUS 348 Principles of Marketing*
- BUS 365 Financial Management* (ESI)
- BUS 441 Business Strategy*
- Upper-division BUS elective*
- ECO 110 Intro. to Microeconomics* (SBS)
- ECO 111 Intro. to Macroeconomics* (SBS)
- MAT 119/122/123 or higher* (QPS)
*Curriculum is for students entering in Fall 2025.
Course Requirements
All students who are admitted into the accounting major must complete all courses marked with a “ * ” with a grade of C or higher in order to satisfy the requirements for the business major. All courses must be taken for letter grades.
Please note the prerequisites before registering for your classes. These are available online in the undergraduate catalog.
Upper Division Writing Requirement
Satisfied after successfully completing BUS 301.
*Please note BUS 301 must be completed at Stony Brook University and can not be transferred in.
A High-Demand Career with Strong Earning Potential
Gain the skills behind every successful business and pursue a career with lasting value. The Accounting Major at the Stony Brook University College of Business prepares students for high-demand roles across public, private, and corporate sectors. With a strong foundation in financial reporting, taxation, auditing, and managerial accounting, graduates are well-equipped to thrive in a profession ranked among the best in business - offering long-term stability, flexibility, and growth.
Reporting
Prepare and Interpret Financial Statements with Accuracy
Analysis
Apply Cost, Tax, and Audit Data to Drive Business Decisions
Strategy
Integrate Accounting Insight into Broader Business Planning Processes
Accounting Major Advisement
Personalized Guidance Every Step of the Way
We recommend that when Accounting majors need help with semester scheduling, they should first see their COB Advisor for core course requirements and then see an Academic Advisor in Academic and Transfer Advising Services.
Students who wish to see a COB Advisor for help with semester scheduling should do so in plenty of time (i.e., about 1-2 months) before an upcoming registration period. This is particularly important for students in the first or second semester of their Senior Year. It is not unusual for Accounting majors to see an Advisor every semester, especially after their Sophomore Year.
Make an Appointment with an Advisor
Appointments will continue to be conducted through Zoom as well as in-person by appointment. Alternatively, we are happy to help you through email. Please email cobundergraduate@stonybrook.edu directly for assistance.
Please note that appointments are very limited this time of year, and we encourage students to email us with more urgent questions and we will get back to you as soon as we are able.
Have More Questions?
We’re committed to supporting you throughout your academic journey. Whether you need detailed information, guidance on your program, or assistance with any aspect of your studies, our team is ready to help you find the answers and resources you need.
