Corporate accounting is a specialized branch of accounting that focuses on the financial management and reporting of a business or corporation. This is an essential function for any business because it provides the foundation for informed decision-making and financial accountability. Key responsibilities of corporate accounting include:
- Analyzing financial information
- Generating reports
- Planning and updating budgets
- Preparing and maintaining records
- Presenting financial research to stakeholders
Additionally, corporate accounting professionals can use their knowledge to offer insight on potential financial issues or opportunities within the company. The coursework for this program combines a core business curriculum with lower- and higher-level managerial accounting courses for a well-rounded education upon graduation.
What you’ll learn in this corporate accounting degree concentration
This program provides an overview of business fundamentals with a focus on analysis and decision-making based on financial information. All of these skills are foundational and enduring needs for every company. As a graduate, you can compete for positions that leverage accounting and provide valuable input about a company’s direction.
Who’s a good candidate for this program?
Good candidates for this program include students looking to enter the business world armed with expertise in various aspects of accounting, including financial reporting, cost accounting, taxation and others. This program also prepares you with the knowledge and competencies needed to put the following credentials within reach:
- Certified management accountant (CMA).
- Chartered global management accountant (CGMA).
Please note: This corporate accounting degree concentration focuses on the needs of businesses and isn’t a direct path to becoming a certified public accountant (CPA). If you’re specifically interested in becoming a public accountant, the Bachelor of Science in accountancy program is highly recommended, as that program will get you much closer to meeting CPA requirements.

Earning a Bachelor of Arts in business with a concentration in corporate accounting allows you to play a key role in creating, analyzing and improving the financial management of a corporate business. This advanced business degree helps you specialize in the field of accounting by furthering your financial decision-making expertise and developing your leadership skills.
The curriculum for this program includes a general business foundation, alongside accounting courses that specifically target a corporate business model. During this coursework, you’ll develop both technical accounting expertise and transferable skills, such as effective communication, collaborative teamwork and critical thinking. Featured courses include:
The W. P. Carey School of Business faculty is passionate about innovative research and impact. Our school fosters an environment of global thinking, with a cohort of award-winning faculty from six continents around the globe and a student body that represents more than 100 countries. Faculty accolades include:
- National Academy of Sciences members.
- Renowned journal publications.
- Speakers at national conferences.
The W. P. Carey School of Business is one of the top business schools in the country. Our AACSB-accredited business school is committed to delivering excellent quality and value. Our U.S. News & World Report rankings reflect our commitment to academics, groundbreaking research and positive student outcomes.
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First-year applicants who meet the requirements for ASU first-year student admission are eligible for direct admission to the W. P. Carey School of Business Bachelor of Arts program. To be admitted to ASU, you must be a high school graduate and meet one of the following criteria:
- An SAT Reasoning score of 1120* (taken March 2016 and after) or 1040* (prior to March 2016) for residents.
- An SAT Reasoning score of 1180* (March 2016 and after) or 1110* (prior to March 2016) for nonresidents.
- An ACT composite score of 22 (24 for nonresidents)*.
- A high school class ranking in the top 25%.
- An overall, unweighted high school GPA of 3.0 in competency courses defined by ASU (4.00 = A).
If you are a transfer student applying to the W. P. Carey School of Business Bachelor of Arts degree program, you are eligible for direct admission if you meet the following requirements:
- ASU transfer student admission requirements.
- 3.00 cumulative ASU GPA (if you have attended ASU)
- 3.00 cumulative transfer GPA (if you have attended another institution)
- Achieving minimum grade requirements for all critical tracking courses taken (applicable only if student falls under critical tracking requirements)
If you don’t meet the first-year student or transfer student requirements, you can pursue admission into the W. P. Carey School of Business via Earned Admission. Students who have met the following requirements will be eligible for admission into the school:
- Have completed 24 credit hours at ASU.
- Have a 2.75 cumulative ASU GPA.
- Have completed and passed CIS 105, MAT 210, ACC 231 and ECN 211 or 212.
An ASU academic integrity violation may preclude a student from entering or changing W. P. Carey academic programs.
Are you interested in challenging yourself academically by adding honors to your studies? Join Barrett, The Honors College to elevate your undergraduate experience and enhance your degree.
ASU's academic programs that prepare you for professional licensure or certification are designed to meet Arizona's requirements. Completing an ASU program may not fulfill educational requirements for licensure or certification in other states. For additional information, visit the professional licensure webpage.

No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”