I knew that by going to Rider, I would benefit from its reputable accounting curriculum, which would provide me with an incredible understanding of various accounting methods.”
Accounting (B.S.B.A.)
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Why major in accounting at Rider University?
Do you aspire to become a business professional who can analyze organizational growth, guide strategic decisions and communicate financial performance? Earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (B.S.B.A.) degree in Accounting positions you as an innovative problem solver and opens up a wealth of job opportunities.
As a part of the Norm Brodsky College of Business, our bachelor’s in accounting program offers a career-focused approach to education. Whether you’re a high school grad, transfer student or adult learner, you’ll benefit from:
- Experiential learning opportunities that refine your skill set
- Faculty mentorship
- Long-standing industry connections with the Big Four accounting firms (PwC, Deloitte, E&Y and KPMG), not-for-profit organizations, Fortune 500 companies and government entities
Whatever your goals, Rider supports your growth as a well-rounded business leader and offers straightforward pathways to becoming a certified public accountant (CPA).
The Rider Advantage
Future-proof your career with Rider University’s Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Accounting. With AACSB accreditation, a strong community and direct CPA pathways, Rider’s accounting program gives you the edge. Through our focus on building a solid business foundation, experiential learning and professional development, you graduate with the skills needed to become a certified accountant and excel in a competitive workforce.
What you’ll learn
In our bachelor’s in accounting program, you enroll in 120 credits of accounting, core business and general education courses, which help you grow as a well-rounded professional. The foundational business classes offer a multidisciplinary approach, introducing you to strategic planning, operations management and business communication. This broad-based education ensures you understand how all business sectors interact and diversifies your industry knowledge.
Building upon these fundamentals, you dive into accounting theory, principles of auditing, federal taxation and the role of managerial accounting in business decision-making. You gain practice following financial reporting procedures, preparing corporate and individual tax returns, managing quality cost systems and more.
Accounting degree with a business fraud and forensic concentration
To further specialize your expertise and enhance your competitive advantage, you can pursue a business fraud and forensic concentration. Dive into highly focused courses that explore the prevalence of business fraud, introduce you to the internal audit process and give you experience conducting complex investigative cases and analyses.
Build practical skills through internships and co-ops
At Rider, you learn through experience. Seventy-five percent of accounting majors complete a paid internship or co-op and earn academic credit for their program, solidifying their business acumen and equipping them for an enduring career in the real world. With their strong technical skills and industry connections, Rider accounting alumni have secured employment at prestigious firms, including the “Big 4” — Deloitte, Ernst & Young, KPMG, PwC — and leading regional firms.
Build your career future
Dedicated to your long-term success, we guarantee that you’ll secure an entry-level position or acceptance into a graduate or professional program within six months of graduation. If you don’t, we’ll provide focused career coaching and, at Rider's discretion, either additional undergraduate coursework or a paid internship to get you one step closer to your professional goals. Terms and conditions apply.
Career opportunities with a B.S.B.A. in accounting
Recognized for their business savvy and practical skills, graduates of Rider’s accounting program enter the workforce as highly competitive, well-prepared accountants. Their industry expertise has supported their professional growth and landed them jobs in public and private companies, public accounting firms, and government and nonprofit organizations.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects accountants’ employment to grow by 6% over the next decade. Additionally, because of their expertise and in-demand skills, accountants earn a median annual salary of $79,880 — far exceeding the national average.
While many of these positions require additional professional certification, obtaining a bachelor’s in accounting is the first step toward careers in:
- Chief financial officer - CFO
- Comptroller/controller
- Corporate accounting - Certified management accountant (CMA)
- Finance manager
- Forensic accounting - Certified fraud examiner (CFE)
- Governmental accounting
- Internal audit (CIA) - Certified internal auditor
- Public accounting - Certified public accountant (CPA)
Financial aid resources
At Rider University, we’re dedicated to making private education affordable and helping you get one step closer to your dream. Through generous financial aid packages and personalized support from our staff, you have the resources and confidence to invest in your future.
Planning on enrolling in Rider's 4+1 accounting program? If you’re an incoming undergraduate accounting student, you may qualify for a $2,000 annual accounting scholarship award, plus receive a 30% graduate tuition discount on Rider's on-campus graduate business programs during your fifth year of study.
Hear from our alumni
Where will a Rider education lead you? Read the stories of our current students and alumni to discover how they use their B.S.B.A. in Accounting to land jobs in analytics and at Big 4 firms.
Contact
Accounting, B.S.B.A.
Associate Professor, Department Chair
Department of Accounting
Sweigart Hall
emcdowell [at] rider.edu
609-895-5712
Academic Focus: Accounting
