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The BSBA in Accounting at Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business delivers a rigorous, professionally oriented business education with a strong emphasis on experiential learning through Drexel’s signature co-op program. Designed to prepare students for success in public accounting, corporate finance, consulting, and government sectors, the program also offers a pathway to professional certifications such as the CPA and CMA. Students may select from three curricular paths: no co-op (four years), one co-op (four years), or three co-ops (five years), earning up to 18 months of full-time, paid work experience.
Flexible co-op options: Three co-op (5 years), one co-op (4 years), or no co-op (4 years)
Urban location: Philadelphia provides access to top accounting firms, financial institutions, and government agencies
Course overview:
Years 1 & 2: Core courses in accounting, economics, business law, information systems, and general education
Years 3 & 4/5: Advanced accounting courses (Financial Reporting I–III, Tax, Auditing, Advanced Accounting), co-op rotations (if selected), and experiential electives
Capstone & Electives: Final year includes experiential requirement, writing-intensive coursework, and electives in accounting specializations
Co-op Program:
Up to 18 months of paid, full-time work with top employers such as PwC, Deloitte, EY, KPMG, Vanguard, and the IRS
Integration of classroom knowledge with real-world practice
Experiential Electives:
Options include “Lead & Learn: Financial Accounting,” “Tax Experiential Learning,” and “Emerging Industry Analysis”
Internships & Projects:
Non-co-op students are encouraged to pursue internships and industry consulting projects
Student Involvement:
Business and accounting clubs, professional development seminars, and networking events enhance applied skills
Graduate Study
Advanced Degrees: MS in Accounting, MBA, JD, or specialized business master's programs
Combined Pathways: Advising support for students pursuing 150-credit CPA licensure through graduate study
Professional Certifications
CPA Preparation:
Core curriculum aligns with CPA exam content
Students may need additional credits to reach 150-credit requirement for licensure
Personalized advising to ensure compliance with state-specific CPA rules
CMA & Others: Curriculum supports Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), and Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) exams
Professional Development & Support
Career Services: Career coaching, résumé reviews, mock interviews, and job fairs
Advising: Departmental guidance to align academic progression with CPA/CMA goals
Alumni & Employer Networks: Active engagement with a robust professional community for mentoring and job placement
Post-Graduate Outcomes
Employment: Graduates placed at Big Four firms, Fortune 500 companies, and government agencies
Further Study: Many pursue graduate degrees at Drexel or top business/law schools
Licensure & Certifications: Graduates are well-prepared for CPA and CMA exams with appropriate planning
CO-OP details: At Drexel, cooperative education—or co-op—gives students a unique chance to alternate between classroom learning and full-time, real-world work experience with university-approved employers. Typically, co-op terms last six months, followed by six months of academic study, allowing students to apply what they learn in real time. Drexel offers two co-op pathways: A five-year program with three co-op experiences, A four-year program with one co-op experience Most majors give students the flexibility to choose between the four-year or five-year option, depending on their career goals and interests. Link: https://drexel.edu/scdc/co-op/undergraduateFinancial Aid details: To be considered for financial aid at Drexel, students must submit both the CSS Profile and FAFSA. However, international applicants only need to complete the CSS Profile for need-based aid. Key Deadlines: Early Action / Early Decision: CSS Profile by Nov 15, 2024 | FAFSA by Feb 15, 2025 Regular Decision: Both CSS Profile & FAFSA by Feb 15, 2025 Winter (January) Entry: Both forms due by Oct 8, 2024 For full details, visit: drexel.edu/admissions/financial-aid-affordability/undergradSAT/ACT Update: Drexel is continuing its Test-Optional policy for first-year applicants, giving students the flexibility to decide whether or not to submit standardized test scores. Key Highlights: Choosing not to submit scores will not affect admission chances. Students can indicate their test preference on the Common App or Coalition App. You can change your choice later via the Discover Drexel portal or by contacting your admissions rep. Applying test-optional won’t affect eligibility for merit scholarships or financial aid. If you choose to submit scores, Drexel also follows a Test-Flexible policy—check their website for accepted exams.English Language Proficiency: If English isn’t your first language and you haven’t completed at least 3 full years of instruction in English, you’ll need to submit scores from an approved English proficiency test. This may also apply to permanent residents whose first language isn’t English. Accepted Tests: TOEFL iBT / TOEFL Essentials (Drexel code: 2194) IELTS Duolingo English Test (DET) Pearson PTE Cambridge C1 Advanced / C2 Proficiency. Exemptions apply if: English is your first language You’ve studied in English for 3+ years You scored 600+ on SAT ERW or 27+ on ACT English Drexel reviews your best section scores across all test dates (including TOEFL MyBest™ Scores). If you believe you’re exempt, email: [email protected]School Report, Counselor Recommendation, Final Report & 1 Teacher Evaluation RequiredCommon App personal essay requiredApplicants who select certain first choice majors in the Academics section will be required to complete an additional writing question using the prompt below: "Reflect on your experiences, personal characteristics, and unique traits that have prepared you for the challenges and opportunities associated with your chosen major. How have these things shaped your goals, aspirations, and potential contributions to your field of study?"AccountantAccounting clerkAuditorBank officerBookkeeperBusiness credit/loan administratorCollection managerCompensations/benefits administratorConsolidation managerControllerInvestment bankerPayroll managerManagement consultantProduction managerTax preparerTreasury manager
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