History & Objectives
The University of Alabama has offered a full complement of courses in accounting since 1919. The first bachelor’s degree in accounting was awarded in 1924, the first master’s in 1929, and the first Ph.D. in 1953. The Culverhouse School of Accountancy was established in July 1978 as an academic unit within the College of Commerce and Business Administration. The School was named in honor of Mr. Hugh F. Culverhouse, Sr., in February 1989. Mr. Culverhouse was an alumnus of the University, a noted lawyer and businessman, and a major supporter of the accounting program.
Primary objectives of the School are to maintain high-quality undergraduate and graduate programs that attract top students, and to prepare these students for careers as professional accountants in public accounting, management accounting, auditing, taxation, and nonprofit accounting. The program provides basic conceptual accounting and business knowledge as a foundation for accounting career development. To achieve these objectives, the School maintains a highly qualified faculty with superior academic credentials, professional experiences, and significant scholarly accomplishments necessary to prepare students for professional careers. Teaching effectiveness and research productivity are emphasized.
The computer is integrated throughout the accounting curriculum. Emphasis is placed on the need for accountants to be competent in business and to be well-rounded citizens. Efforts are made to ensure that students have an understanding of the professional and moral responsibilities of accountants.
Students who major in accounting receive a broad liberal arts foundation and an intensive education in the business and accounting disciplines. The combined liberal arts and business education has become a necessary prerequisite for an accounting career.
The amount of knowledge required of accounting students, along with the demand for strong communications skills, interpersonal, and reasoning skills, is making a five-year education culminating in a master’s degree a highly desirable foundation for an accounting career. Students currently entering universities are encouraged to plan for five years of formal education that includes completion of a master’s degree.
Primary objectives of the School are to maintain high-quality undergraduate and graduate programs that attract top students, and to prepare these students for careers as professional accountants in public accounting, management accounting, auditing, taxation, and nonprofit accounting. The program provides basic conceptual accounting and business knowledge as a foundation for accounting career development. To achieve these objectives, the School maintains a highly qualified faculty with superior academic credentials, professional experiences, and significant scholarly accomplishments necessary to prepare students for professional careers. Teaching effectiveness and research productivity are emphasized.
The computer is integrated throughout the accounting curriculum. Emphasis is placed on the need for accountants to be competent in business and to be well-rounded citizens. Efforts are made to ensure that students have an understanding of the professional and moral responsibilities of accountants.
Students who major in accounting receive a broad liberal arts foundation and an intensive education in the business and accounting disciplines. The combined liberal arts and business education has become a necessary prerequisite for an accounting career.
The amount of knowledge required of accounting students, along with the demand for strong communications skills, interpersonal, and reasoning skills, is making a five-year education culminating in a master’s degree a highly desirable foundation for an accounting career. Students currently entering universities are encouraged to plan for five years of formal education that includes completion of a master’s degree.