Accountancy Major

Accountancy class taught by Department Chair Brad Badertscher with student focused on presentation

Learn the Language of Business and See Where Accountancy Can Take You

Prepare for a career in public accounting, consulting, finance, or industry through a nationally recognized program with a 98% undergraduate placement rate.

Notre Dame Accountancy students bring diverse backgrounds, perspectives and ambitions, but share a common commitment to asking more of business and of themselves. Through our undergraduate Accountancy program and M.S. in Accountancy (MSA) program, students develop the knowledge and skills to make a meaningful impact.

During your time as an accountancy student at Notre Dame, you’ll learn to analyze, evaluate and communicate the results of business activities. In other words, you will develop a highly sought-after critical thinking and decision-making skill set—and use that to advance the greater good.

Accountancy Highlights

Numbers tell only part of the story.

Your accountancy journey will be defined by the connections you build: with professors, peers, and the people you serve during your time here. While rankings matter, we’re more interested in the human stories behind them — the ones that will define your future.

A high-angle shot focusing on a vertical gold banner hanging in a multi-story atrium. The banner features the slogan "GROW THE GOOD IN BUSINESS™" in dark blue lettering, surrounded by white text listing business fields such as consulting, technology, consumer products, and investment banking, with the Mendoza College of Business logo in the bottom right corner. In the background, a wooden railing overlooks a lower level with patterned stone flooring and a person seated in a chair.

An ethical approach

Yes, our rigorous curriculum will prepare you to solve complex accountancy challenges. But more importantly, the solutions you devise to these challenges will be informed by a deep sense of ethics strengthened during your time at Notre Dame.

    TAP students serving the local South Bend community by assisting with tax refunds for low-income individuals in the community to gain real-world experience.

    TAPping into your expertise—and your servant’s heart

    Through the Tax Assistance Program (TAP) you’ll have the opportunity to provide tax preparation services to low-income individuals. In the process, you’ll gain real-world experience—and help local community residents receive much-needed tax refunds.

      A close-up shot of a grey-haired man with glasses wearing a navy long-sleeve shirt with a pocket pen, engaging in conversation during a crowded event. His name tag reads "John Barnick, FIN, 1984," indicating his academic background and graduation year. Other participants are seen in soft focus around him in the background and foreground.

      Once a Domer, always a Domer

      The strength, accessibility, and engagement of the Notre Dame alumni network are virtually unparalleled. As an accountancy student, you'll benefit from mentorship opportunities throughout your undergraduate experience and join a community that continues to support you long after graduation.

        Accountancy Major Curriculum

        Core Courses

        All Accountancy students must complete all of the following three-credit-hour courses.

        Course Electives

        All Accountancy students must complete 3 Accounting Major Electives. Additional electives are optional. 

        Accountancy News and Stories

        The-Conversation-Media-Logo

        Faculty in the Media

        SpaceX raised $75B in record IPO

        Accountancy Professor Brad Badertscher discusses why insiders are much likelier than public stock buyers to get rocket‑powered returns these days.

        The Conversation

        Accelerated 3+1 Degree Option

        As a 3+1 accountancy student, you can complete your undergraduate degree in just three years and earn your Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA) during your fourth year. If you plan to finish your undergraduate degree in 3.5 years, you may apply to begin the MSA program in January of your fourth year. On-campus students can also request to finish the academic year in their current residence hall.

        Application Process: Students are required to complete an expedited application during their final year of undergraduate studies, which includes an informational interview with an admissions director to gauge academic readiness. All accountancy undergraduate students are eligible to apply if they meet the following requirements:

        • Have a 3.0 or better cumulative GPA after three years.
        • Complete audit and tax as two of their ACCT electives.

        Career Development

        Last year, our accountancy undergraduates achieved a 98 percent placement rate. Over the last three years, our graduate students have achieved 100 percent employment. From careers in public accounting and corporate work to entrepreneurship and law, our graduates put their accountancy degree to work in a wide range of fields.

        Full-time employment by firm typePercent of Students
        Big 4 Accounting firms75
        Other accounting firms3
        Corporate Finance/Accounting9
        Consulting6
        Financial Services4
        Other3

        Top hiring companies of accountancy graduates:

        Logos for top employers: Amazon, Andersen, Deloitte, EY, GM, Gallo Winery, KPMG, PWC

        Student Experience

        The accountancy program is rigorous, but you’ll still have plenty of time to take advantage of the legendary Notre Dame student experience. For example, you might:

        Student Mentorship Opportunities

        The Accountancy Advisory Board (AAB) is composed of accomplished professionals representing a broad range of accounting disciplines and industries. These leaders partner with the Mendoza College of Business to strengthen the accounting curriculum by providing insight into emerging trends, evolving industry needs, and the skills most valued by employers.

        In addition to shaping the curriculum, AAB members serve as mentors and advisors, sharing their experience with both faculty and students. Their guidance helps bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional practice, preparing students for successful careers in accounting.

        Throughout their undergraduate experience, each student is paired with one Accountancy Advisory Board (AAB) mentor and one Young Mentors Council (YMC) mentor. Together, these mentors provide professional guidance, career insights, networking opportunities, and personalized support as students explore career paths, develop professionally, and prepare for the transition into the accounting profession.

        Learn More about the AAB & YMC

        An undergraduate student with her bike beside the reflection pool outside the Hesburgh Library.

        Explore the Undergraduate Business Program

        Interested in the Accountancy Major and wanting to know what else you need to know to support your Notre Dame experience?

        Undergraduate CurriculumSignature ExperiencesUndergraduate Advising