A bachelor's degree program in auditing prepares students for careers conducting internal and external audits for businesses and organizations. Learn about undergraduate programs and courses in auditing, and find out career information for auditors.
What Courses Will I Take in a Bachelor's Degree Program in Auditing?
A bachelor's degree program in accounting with a concentration in auditing requires you to learn the laws governing documentation and performance regulation. You'll also study:
- Information systems auditing
- Governmental auditing and accounting
- Performance auditing
- Taxation
- Internal auditing
- External auditing
- Financial reporting
If you don't have an undergraduate degree from which you may transfer general education credits, you may be required to take classes in academic writing, oral communications, physical education and general psychology.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td>Information systems auditing, performance auditing, taxation, internal auditing, external auditing, financial reporting</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Online Possibilities</b></td><td>Students can easily find online programs in accounting and business, though auditing specific programs are more widely available on-campus</td></tr>
<tr><td><b> Median Salary (2020)</b> </td><td> $73,560 (<i>for all accountants and auditors</i>) </td></tr>
<tr><td><b> Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td> 4% growth (<i>for all accountants and auditors</i>) </td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Certification</b></td><td>Voluntary certifications available through the Institute of Internal Auditors</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---IsThisDegreeProgramAvailableOnline">Is This Degree Program Available Online?</h3><p>While bachelor's degrees in accounting or business management are widely available online, if you want to pursue an auditing concentration, you usually need to complete an on-campus program. An online bachelor's degree in accounting may be sufficient for your auditing career goals, provided you take as many auditing electives as possible. If you intend to earn a master's degree in auditing after completing your bachelor's degree program, a bachelor's degree in accounting can provide adequate preparation.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatJobOutlookCanIExpect">What Job Outlook Can I Expect?</h3><p>The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) anticipates a 4% employment increase for auditors and accountants from 2019-2029 (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). The median annual wage for auditors and accountants in 2020 was $73,560 also per the BLS.
</p><h3 id="section---DoINeedCertificationToBeAnAuditor">Do I Need Certification to Be an Auditor?</h3><p>Certification isn't required for auditors, but voluntary certification may be looked upon favorably by potential employers. Auditor certifications are awarded by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). The IIA designates auditors as Certified Internal Auditors, Certified Government Auditing Professionals and Certified Financial Services Auditors. In addition to the required education, you must be able to pass an exam and have experience working as an auditor to earn these certifications.</p>
