College of Business

Accounting

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BADM)

An accounting option degree from Chico State will open doors to a successful business career and meets the requirements for students to be eligible to sit for the national CPA licensure* exam. 

Traditionally, the CPA exam pass rates and initial job placements from Chico State’s accounting program have been stellar and comparable to those from highly selective universities in California, including the University of California system. Our faculty have cultivated relationships with the Big 4, other national and regional accounting firms who are actively engaged in program development as well as in the recruitment of our accounting option students. 

Graduates from our accounting program are valued for their holistic (well-rounded) personality, professionalism and leadership and have become partners in CPA firms, controllers, and chief financial officers. An accounting option at Chico State is more than a degree, it is a pathway to success.   

Want to surround yourself with like-minded peers and professionals in business and social environments? The Accounting Society student club and our Delta Zeta Chapter of Beta Alpha Psi (BAP), a national accounting honors organization, regularly bring in executive-level speakers who are interested in recruiting accounting students.

*To be licensed as CPA in the State of California an additional 30 credits are required for a total of 150 units.

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Exterior Kendall HallWith one of the highest 4-year graduation rates in the CSU system and lowest average student debt amounts in the country, Chico State offers one of the nation’s highest return on investment.

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CalCPA Member School

Chico State is proud to be part of CalCPA's 100% Member School Program. As a benefit of the program, any accounting, finance or business-related organization, department or group affiliated with Chico State may request resources from CalCPA. Become a CalCPA member today: https://www.calcpa.org/join(opens in new window).

Specific questions can be directed to David Lo at david.lo@calcpa.org.


Student in cap and gown at commencement

What Careers Can an Accounting Degree Offer Me?

Accountants are trusted business advisors. An Accounting degree paves the way to a variety of career options. And with a 75% job placement rate for graduates with an accounting degree, the sky’s the limit! Graduates from Chico State have secured leadership roles in industries and positions including:

  • Government agencies
  • Public accounting firms
  • Certified Public Accountants (CPA)
  • Financial analysts or managers
  • Auditing
  • Corporate Controller
  • Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
  • Budget Analyst
  • Forensic Accounting
  • Tax Consultant

Students working on a whiteboard

Is a Degree in Accounting Right for Me?

You may want to consider the Accounting specialization if you:

  • Are detail-oriented, well-organized, trustworthy, and a person of integrity
  • Are good with numbers and enjoy helping people
  • Enjoy new challenges, problem solving, and working in teams.

Median pay for Accountants and Auditors $73,560 per year, $35 per hour


AACSB Accredited

Did you know that less than 6% of business schools worldwide meet the rigorous accreditation standards set forth by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB)? We’re proud to say that Chico State’s College of Business is one of them! In fact, this accreditation allows our students access to faculty who are not only industry experts but also open doors to many networking and internship opportunities.

Learn more about our accreditation and rankings


How to Apply

Chico State is part of the California State University system and uses Cal State Apply for applications.

When applying, select California State University, Chico as your campus of choice. Registering and applying is quick and easy, so let’s get started!

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About Chico State

Nationally Ranked

U.S. News and World Report consistently ranks us in the top 10 of regional public universities in the West, and Forbes ranks Chico State as a top college for educational quality and value (just to name a few).

Logos: U.S. News and World Report and Forbes