University of Southern California

Jobs for individuals with finance and accounting degrees are expected to increase by 10 percent over the next decade, faster than for other industries. A degree in finance or accounting from USC opens up doors to many different positions as well. The degree qualifies graduates for careers as budget analysts with an average salary of $76,200 per year, financial analysts with an average salary of $85,660 per year, insurance underwriters with an average salary of $69,380 per year or personal financial advisers with an average salary of $88,890 per year. The University of Southern California offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees in accounting and finance that prepare graduates for leadership roles in the industry.

The Bachelor of Science in Accounting is offered through the Leventhal School of Accounting. The program is designed for those who wish to gain a broad foundation in accounting and business. Students gain an understanding of financial and managerial accounting as well as business finance. They develop an understanding of business strategy, marketing, economic analysis, and taxes. Accounting courses required for the program may include:

• Accounting Ethics
• Accounting Information Systems
• Accounting Systems Design
• Accounting Systems Development
• Advanced External Financial Reporting
• Detecting Fraudulent Financial Reporting
• External Financial Reporting
• Financial Reporting and Analysis
• Financial Statement Auditing
• Intermediate Fair Value Issues in Accounting
• Internal Audit
• Internal Reporting issues
• Introduction to Accounting Courses
• Introduction to Auditing and Assurance Services
• Introduction to Tax Issues
• Managerial Accounting
• Performance Measurement Issues
• Systems Security and Audit
• Tax Issues for Business
• Valuation for Financial Statement Purposes

The program does not meet the 150-credit hour requirement to sit for the Certified Public Examination now required in many states. The program is available on campus.

The Master of Accounting program provides graduates for leadership roles in the field of accounting. It also meets the 150-credit hour requirement to sit for the Certified Public Accounting program in most states. Students are provided conceptual knowledge as well as professional development skills and a desire for lifelong knowledge. Ethical and professional standards used in the accounting world are also explained. The program requires 48 credits. Courses required include:

• Advanced Enterprise Systems and Technologies
• Advanced Financial Statement Auditing Topics
• Advanced Managerial Communication
• Auditing and Assurance Services
• Communication for Accounting and Tax Professionals
• Corporate Finance
• Enterprise Information Systems
• Ethics for Professional Accountants
• Fair Value Accounting
• Intensive Accounting Principles and Practices
• Professional Responsibilities in Accounting
• Writing for Accounting and Tax Professionals

The Master of Science in Finance is designed to provide graduates with the skills and knowledge to move into leadership roles in the field of finance. The program provides tools and skills designed to apply finance principles to business. Students gain an understanding of accounting, economics, finance, and statistics. They learn the role of finance in corporations as well as investment analysis and portfolio theory. Instruction is also provided in forecasting and risk. Real estate, mergers, acquisitions, and hedge funds may also be discussed. The program requires completion of 36 credit hours. Courses required may include:

• Accounting Concepts and Financial Reporting
• Applied Finance in Fixed Income Securities
• Business Law and Ethics
• CEO Pay, Corporate Governance and the Politics of Finance
• Corporate Finance
• Corporate Financial Policy and Corporate Governance
• Corporate Financial Strategy
• Economics of Urban Land Use: Feasibility Studies
• Entrepreneurial Finance: Financial Management for Developing Firms
• Financial Analysis and Valuation
• Forecasting and Risk Analysis
• Global Trade and Finance
• Hedge Funds
• Introduction to Financial Analysis
• Investment Analysis and Portfolio Management
• Law for Structuring, Financing and Managing Businesses
• Management of Financial Risk
• Mergers and Acquisitions
• Microeconomics for Management
• Money and Capital Markets
• Mortgages and Mortgage-Backed Securities and Markets
• Quantitative Methods in Finance
• Real Estate Finance and Investments
• Trading and Exchanges
• Venture Capital and Private Equity

About the University of Southern California

Los Angeles was a rough frontier town in 1870 when a group of citizens pushed to establish an institute of higher learning. However, the school was not established until 1879 when 308 lots of land were donated by Ozro W. Childs, John G. Downey and Isaias W. Hellman. The school formally opened in 1880 and women were admitted from the beginning.

During World War II, military training was held on the campus, adding to overcrowded conditions. In 1953, the school closed what was then University Avenue to vehicles, taking a step toward creating a self-contained, pedestrian-friendly campus. In 1979, the University of Southern California marching band performed on the title song from the Fleetwood Mac album “Tusk.”

Today, there are 47,500 students attending the University of Southern California.

University of Southern California Accreditation Details

USC is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Regional accreditation indicates that the school meets or exceeds the criteria identified by the accrediting agency. The school .undergoes periodic review to confirm that the programs offered continue to meet the Association’s criteria. If any areas are determined to need improvement, the school agrees to do so immediately. Programs throughout the school are accredited by the following organizations:

• ABET
• Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
• Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications
• Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education
• American Bar Association
• American Dental Association, Commission on Dental Accreditation
• American Occupational Therapy Association, Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education
• American Physical Therapy Association, Commission on Accreditation
• American Psychological Association, Commission on Accreditation
• American Society of Landscape Architects
• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
• Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education
• Commission on English Language Program Accreditation
• Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs
• Council on Education for Public Health
• Council on Social Work Education Office of Social Work Accreditation
• Liaison Committee on Medical Education
• National Association of Schools of Music
• National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
• Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration
• Planning Accreditation Board
• Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System

University of Southern California Admission Requirements

Admission to the Bachelor of Science in Accounting program requires admission to the University of Southern California as well as to the Leventhal School of Accounting. Applicants may only transfer a maximum of 64 total credits from another college or university. They must have a grade average equivalent to a “B” in order to transfer credits. Transfer applicants must also complete at least two accounting courses at the University of Southern California. Applicants to the program must submit the Common Application and provide official high school transcripts. They must also provide official ACT or SAT scores.

Admission to the Master of Accounting does not require that applicants hold a bachelor’s degree in accounting or business nor does it require work experience in the field. Applicants who hold a bachelor’s in accounting from the University may qualify for a waiver of an additional six credits. Applicants must complete the Application for Graduate Admission and provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. They must also provide official GRE or GMAT scores and letters of recommendation.

Applicants to the Master of Science in Finance must complete an online application and provide official GRE or GMAT scores. They must provide one letter of recommendation and official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. They must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or institution.

University of Southern California Tuition and Financial Aid

Tuition for undergraduate programs at the University of Southern California is $28,628 per semester. Tuition for the Master of Accounting program is $1,980 per credit hour.

Undergraduate financial aid includes grants, merit scholarships, loans, and work-study programs. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to qualify. Graduate students may receive scholarships, fellowships and other sources of aid. Graduate students must also complete the Free Application for FAFSA.

The University of Southern California is one of the world’s leading private research universities. It is a global center for the arts, technology, and international business. The University of Southern California offers a diverse curriculum that provides extensive opportunities for graduates.