Southern Methodist University

What you'll study

The programme combines a core business curriculum with progressive accounting coursework and elective options that allow students to tailor learning to public, corporate or specialised accounting paths. Students take foundation courses in financial accounting, managerial accounting, microeconomics, macroeconomics, business statistics and business law before moving into intermediate and advanced accounting topics.

• Introductory and Core Business: principles of accounting, business analytics, finance, marketing fundamentals and management theory.
• Intermediate and Advanced Accounting: intermediate financial accounting I & II, advanced financial accounting, consolidation and international accounting topics.
• Audit and Assurance: auditing principles and practice, audit systems, ethics and professional standards.
• Taxation: federal income taxation for individuals and businesses, tax research and planning.
• Accounting Information Systems and Technology: accounting systems, ERP concepts, data analytics for accounting and use of accounting software tools.
• Managerial and Cost Accounting: cost analysis, budgeting, performance measurement and decision support.
• Capstone and Experiential Learning: accounting practicum, case courses, internships and independent research or honours projects.

The curriculum emphasises technical competence, ethical judgement and communication skills. Students typically complete general education requirements alongside their major and have opportunities for electives in areas such as finance, information systems, data analytics and international business.

Entry requirements

Admission to Southern Methodist University is selective. Applicants should present a strong secondary school record with solid achievement in mathematics and related subjects. Typical preparation includes algebra and precalculus or calculus, honours or advanced coursework where available, and competency in written communication.

• High school diploma or equivalent with a competitive academic profile.
• Recommended subjects: mathematics (algebra through precalculus/calculus), English, and courses in economics or business if available.
• Successful applicants demonstrate quantitative aptitude, analytical thinking and clear written communication; relevant extracurriculars such as business clubs, accounting competitions or work experience strengthen an application.
• Transfer applicants should show college‑level coursework in introductory accounting and business foundations, plus a competitive GPA in prior post‑secondary study.

Meeting state or professional education requirements for licensure (for example the educational hours required for the CPA) may affect course choices; students should consult departmental advisers to plan a pathway to any professional credentials.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a broad range of accounting and finance roles. Common entry roles include staff accountant, external auditor, tax associate, financial analyst and management accountant. The programme prepares students for work in public accounting firms (including the major national and international firms), corporate accounting and finance departments, consulting firms, government agencies, and nonprofit organisations.

• Public accounting: audit, tax and advisory positions that often lead toward CPA licensure.
• Corporate accounting and finance: roles in financial reporting, controllership, budgeting and treasury.
• Specialist roles: forensic accounting, internal audit, state and federal tax authorities, and systems‑oriented positions involving accounting information systems.
• Further study and credentials: graduates commonly pursue professional qualifications (CPA, CMA) or graduate degrees (Master of Accounting, Master of Taxation, MBA) to advance technical expertise and career progression.

Why study at Southern Methodist University

Studying accounting at SMU provides access to a business school located in a major commercial centre, offering strong connections with regional and national employers. The Cox School of Business emphasises applied learning, professional development and close faculty engagement, which supports internship placement and on‑campus recruitment.

• Proximity to Dallas business and finance employers, facilitating internships and networking opportunities.
• Career services and dedicated employer engagement that help students secure summer internships and graduate roles in accounting and related fields.
• Opportunities for experiential learning such as practicum courses, student accounting organisations and case competitions.
• Advising and support for students who plan to meet the educational requirements for professional credentials such as the CPA.