Degree Options:

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

Major: Accounting

At a glance:

The UT Martin Accounting Major prepares students for professional careers in auditing, tax, public, industrial, managerial, or governmental accounting. Majors are made aware of and given guidance in preparation for professional careers and licensure including: Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), and Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Accounting is also an excellent major for students planning to continue their education in graduate programs in business, accounting and law.

Why should a student choose the program at UT Martin?

The UT Martin Accounting Program offers students personalized attention while providing the wide range of courses most demanded by today’s corporations, CPA firms and graduate schools.  The program is taught by a diverse faculty who, in addition to holding terminal degrees in accounting and law, have practical experience and professional certifications.  These include the CPA, CMA, and CIA designations.   With undergraduate teaching as the primary focus, faculty members are committed to the academic and professional development of students.  Consistent with a progressive teaching mission, the accounting area also houses UT Martin’s newest professorship – the Alexander Thompson and Arnold (ATA) Professorship in Accounting Information Systems and Internal Controls. 

In addition to providing a strong technical background in accounting, the curriculum also develops the other skills to succeed in the global economy – these include:

Problem Solving Skills - Accounting is a system of logic, and the ability to reason is very important.  UTM accounting students learn how to analyze information and think critically to solve problems.   

Communication Skills - Written, oral and electronic communication skills are critical to success in business and the accounting profession.  The UTM Accounting Major stresses the development of communication skills necessary to work in teams and serve clients. 

Leadership Ability - Accountants must be prepared to take leadership roles in business decision making.  Through in-class projects and extracurricular activities, UTM accounting students are provided many opportunities to work in teams, prepare reports, communicate results and recommend solutions.  

Persistence - Unlike many textbook problems, business issues are not often solved instantly; the ability to persist until the job is done is an important quality of a good accountant.

Are there any special opportunities available such as internships, global travel, etc?

The accounting program offers a variety of internship, international travel, and leadership opportunities.  Accounting students gain practical experience with regional accounting firms and have the opportunity to work as volunteers in such programs as the IRS VITA initiative providing tax preparation assistance to middle-low income individuals. Students have a range of opportunities to learn about the global aspects of accounting and business.  The International Accounting course provides information about convergence issues and International Accounting Standards (IAS).  In addition, students are also encouraged to broaden their education by taking business and related courses as part of UT Martin’s extensive Travel-Study Program.

What can a student do after graduation – graduate school, possible careers?

Accounting is among the fastest growing professional fields.  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment of accountants and auditors is expected to grow by 18 percent. The BLS forecast is that almost 226,000 in accounting and auditing will be created during the next decade. An increase in the number of businesses, changing financial laws, corporate governance regulations, and increased accountability for protecting an organization’s stakeholders will drive this growth. In addition to openings resulting from growth, the need to replace retiring accountants, auditors and educators will produce numerous job openings.

Financial Analyst
Staff Accountant
Audit Manager
Treasurer
FBI Agent
CIA Agent
IRS Agent
Cost Accountant
Accounting Educator
Internal Auditor
IT Auditor
Forensic Accountant
Credit Manager
Tax Accountant
Controller
FDIC Auditor
Bank Examiner

What kind of student organizations, clubs, or honor societies can a student join?

Institute of Management Accountants, the Tennessee Society of CPAs, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Financial Management Association, Phi Chi Theta Professional Business Organization

For more information about The University of Tennessee at Martin Accounting Program please visit us at: http://www.utm.edu/departments/cgba/afiepo