The accounting profession is evolving rapidly, and our students need to have critical thinking skills, excellent communication abilities and problem-solving aptitude to tackle today's challenges and for tomorrow's opportunities.
The University of Baltimore's Merrick School of Business will launch a standalone Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree program this fall, elevating what was previously a concentration within the B.S. in Business Administration program.
The Maryland Higher Education Commission approved the new degree program, which becomes
effective for the fall 2026 semester. The renamed program places significant emphasis
on preparing students for an accounting profession increasingly shaped by emerging
technologies, including artificial intelligence.
While AI has captured attention across industries, the program takes a comprehensive
approach to technological preparation. Students will work with AI tools and explore
ethical considerations surrounding their use, but the curriculum also incorporates
other industry-standard software and real-world platforms essential to modern accounting
practice.
"The accounting profession is evolving rapidly, and our students need to have critical
thinking skills, excellent communication abilities and problem-solving aptitude to
tackle today's challenges and for tomorrow's opportunities," said Dan Gerlowski, interim dean of the Merrick School of Business. "This standalone bachelor’s degree
in accounting allows us to provide the specialized focus and technological integration
that employers are seeking, while maintaining the critical thinking and problem-solving
skills that have always been at the heart of accounting education."
The program emphasizes both technical ability and the soft skills necessary for accountants to help organizations make strategic decisions. Faculty members, all of whom hold CPA licenses, integrate emerging technologies throughout the curriculum rather than isolating them in standalone courses.
The B.S. in Accounting also serves as a pathway to several graduate programs at UBalt, including the MBA,
M.S. in AI for Business, M.S. in Accounting and Business Advisory Services and the M.S. in Finance. This progression allows students to continue building expertise in specialized areas
as the profession evolves.
The program offers flexible learning options, including an online completer's option
for students balancing work, school and personal commitments. The 120-credit degree
prepares graduates for diverse career paths in public accounting, corporate finance,
government service and other sectors where financial expertise is essential.
UBalt alumni and faculty are leaders in the accounting profession. From the accounting firms they started to the regulatory board they help advise—they are making an impact. Check out some recent articles that highlight Accounting at UBalt.
