Accounting and Auditing: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Accounting and Auditing is a specialized academic field focused on equipping professionals with the expertise to conduct rigorous evaluations of financial and operational systems within organizations. This program emphasizes integrity, compliance, and strategic insight, preparing individuals to uphold accountability across public and private sectors.
- Advanced Accounting: In-depth study of complex financial reporting standards, consolidation techniques, and specialized accounting frameworks used in corporate and governmental contexts.
- Audit Tools and Techniques: Training in modern software and methodologies used to collect, analyze, and verify financial data with precision and efficiency.
- Sampling and Risk Assessment: Application of statistical sampling methods and risk evaluation models to design effective audit procedures and prioritize high-impact areas.
- Risk and Control Frameworks: Exploration of internal control systems, enterprise risk management, and governance structures that support organizational resilience.
- Audit Planning and Execution: Development of systematic approaches to design, schedule, and implement audits that meet regulatory and stakeholder expectations.
- Audit Function Management: Instruction in leading audit teams, managing resources, and aligning audit activities with organizational strategy and compliance goals.
- Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Examination of federal, state, and international laws governing financial reporting, tax obligations, and audit conduct.
- Environmental Auditing: Specialized training in assessing environmental impacts, sustainability practices, and compliance with ecological regulations.
- Information Technology Applications: Integration of digital systems, data analytics, and cybersecurity principles into audit processes to enhance accuracy and scalability.
- Professional Standards and Ethics: Emphasis on ethical decision-making, independence, confidentiality, and adherence to frameworks such as GAAS and IFRS.
- Industry-Specific Audit Challenges: Analysis of unique financial and operational issues across sectors including healthcare, finance, nonprofit, and manufacturing.
Accounting and Auditing Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Accounting and Auditing Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Accounting and Auditing degrees, including Business Teachers, Postsecondary, Financial Examiners and Accountants and Auditors. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 1,592,900 professionals.
National Average Salaries
Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
---|---|---|---|---|
Business Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1011 | $97,270 | $46,460 - $210,530 | 81,780 | N/A |
Financial Examiners 13-2061 | $90,400 | $53,420 - $171,540 | 62,830 | $43.46 |
Accountants and Auditors 13-2011 | $81,680 | $52,780 - $141,420 | 1,448,290 | $39.27 |
Accounting and Auditing Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $65,577 in Hawaii to $137,560 in District of Columbia—a 110% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, New York, and California. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 1,592,900 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Accounting and Auditing by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 17 institutions offering Accounting and Auditing programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Accounting and Auditing is found at University of Washington (UW), Seattle Campus (42 graduates), Texas A & M University, College Station (35 graduates), George Mason University (28 graduates), Saint Cloud State University (SCSU) (19 graduates), and Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico (PUCPR), Ponce (14 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 178 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
University of Washington (UW) |
Master's
|
42 | Seattle, Washington | Public | washington.edu |
Texas A & M University |
Postbac Cert.
Other Award
|
35 | College Station, Texas | Public | tamu.edu |
George Mason University |
Postbac Cert.
|
28 | Fairfax, Virginia | Public | www2.gmu.edu |
Saint Cloud State University (SCSU) |
Other Award
|
19 | Saint Cloud, Minnesota | Public | stcloudstate.edu |
Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico (PUCPR) |
Bachelor's
|
14 | Ponce, Puerto Rico | Private | pucpr.edu |
NUC University (NUC) |
Postbac Cert.
|
8 | Bayamon, Puerto Rico | Private | nuc.edu |
Pittsburg State University |
Other Award
|
7 | Pittsburg, Kansas | Public | pittstate.edu |
Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) |
Postbac Cert.
Other Award
|
4 | Denver, Colorado | Public | msudenver.edu |
Cambridge College |
Master's
|
4 | Boston, Massachusetts | Private | cambridgecollege.edu |
Davenport University |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Grand Rapids, Michigan | Private | davenport.edu |
Indiana University (IU Indianapolis) |
Postbac Cert.
|
3 | Indianapolis, Indiana | Public | indianapolis.iu.edu |
McMurry University (McM) |
Master's
|
3 | Abilene, Texas | Private | mcm.edu |
Cleveland State University (CSU) |
Master's
|
2 | Cleveland, Ohio | Public | csuohio.edu |
Texas A & M University |
Master's
|
2 | Commerce, Texas | Public | tamuc.edu |
Daemen University |
Master's
|
1 | Amherst, New York | Private | daemen.edu |
Seattle University (Seattle U) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Seattle, Washington | Private | seattleu.edu |
Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Mayaguez, Puerto Rico | Private | mayaguez.pucpr.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Accounting and Auditing programs
How much can I earn with a Accounting and Auditing degree?
Salaries for Accounting and Auditing graduates vary by role and location. Business Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $97,270 annually, while Financial Examiners earn around $90,400. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $137,560 compared to $65,577 in Hawaii. Approximately 1,592,900 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Accounting and Auditing programs?
Currently 17 accredited institutions offer Accounting and Auditing degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Washington (UW), Seattle Campus (42 graduates), Texas A & M University, College Station (35 graduates), and George Mason University (28 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Accounting and Auditing growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 118 in 2010 to 178 in 2023-24. This represents a 51% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Accounting and Auditing degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Business Teachers, Postsecondary, Financial Examiners, and Accountants and Auditors. Related occupations employ approximately 1,592,900 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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