Accounting Major
Become a trusted advisor who prepares, analyzes, and maintains financial records, so organizations can stay compliant, make smart, socially responsible decisions, and reach their strategic goals.
Zimpleman College of Business | On-Campus
Program Options
Accounting skills and knowledge are assets in any business-related career. Whether you choose a major or minor, our program’s rigorous, practical focus prepares you for in-demand roles.
B.S.B.A. in Accounting
Combine a robust business core with advanced accounting topics to position yourself for a CPA license and build a foundation for diverse career paths in corporate, government, nonprofit, and more settings where you’ll track an organization’s financial health.
Accounting Minor
Adding an accounting minor to your studies enhances your skill set and employability. Open to all Drake students, this track covers managerial accounting, financial accounting, analytics, and taxation for a thorough grounding in the basics.
Meet the Faculty
Drake’s accounting professors bring an incredible breadth of experience to the classroom, from consulting with small businesses in Iowa to working with a multinational corporation in London. They’re active scholars and seasoned teachers who are passionate about your success.
Kelley Ellis, CPA, CGMA, CIA, EMBA
Associate Dean, Student Affairs; Associate Professor of Practice, Accounting
Outside the Classroom
Beyond the classroom walls, you’ll discover a rich variety of ways to extend your learning, add new skills, and build your professional network, from internships within Des Moines’ financial services sector to student clubs and international experiences.
Internship
Hone your skills and expand your résumé with in-depth professional experiences. Des Moines is rich with internship options, and many students complete multiple placements during their studies.
Student Clubs
Accelerate your professional growth, establish your network, and find a support system in Beta Alpha Psi, an accounting-specific honor society, and more than a dozen other business-related student organizations looking for someone like you.
Research
Tap into your creative side as you experiment with entrepreneurship, serve the local business community, and forge connections with faculty, fellow students, and area leaders.
Awards
The Zimpleman College of Business cultivates an ethos of social, environmental, and economic responsibility. The Dean’s Honor Roll for Social Impact recognizes students who invest in the local community through service and outreach.
Scholarships
100% of full-time Drake undergraduate students receive scholarship support. You may be eligible for both merit- and need-based aid, as well as national awards for accounting majors.
Study Abroad
From studying the European economy in Austria to interning with a multinational company, unique experiences in more than 70 countries equip you for a globalized business climate.
Careers & Skills
Use your analytical skills in various sectors, from identifying financial crimes to advancing nonprofit missions. As a Drake graduate, you’ll have technical training and hands-on experience to be competitive for jobs at top employers, where you’ll deliver clarity, ensure compliance, and provide strategic input. Demand for accountants is high across all industries, and our students often secure job offers before graduation. You’ll find our alumni in major corporations, government agencies, nonprofits, and Big 4 accounting firms.
Employers
- Public Accounting: Andersen, CliftonLarsonAllen, Deloitte, Ernst & Young, and KPMG
- Corporate Accounting: Athene, John Deere, Nestle Purina, The Principal Financial Group, and Wells Fargo
Skills
- Financial statement preparation and analysis
- Auditing
- Tax preparation
- Accounting software proficiency
- Communication
- Data analysis
- Problem-solving
- Teamwork
Salary & Growth Outlook
The average salary for accountants as of 2024. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Take the Next Step
Become an integral member of any business’s team, from startups to Big 4 and Fortune 500 players. Learn to apply the skills of accounting with a solid grasp of the business environment at Drake.
