Duff:
The Father of Business Accounting
Schools
In 1840, the city of Pittsburgh was
a thriving industrial metropolis. As the “Gateway to the West,” Pittsburgh was
the point through which thousands of immigrants passed in search of their
fortunes in a new and free land. Among these immigrants was a thirty-seven
year old Scotsman named Peter Duff, who was on his way to New Orleans to
rebuild his molasses business. While waiting for transportation, he accepted a
temporary position as an accountant for a mercantile house. Known for his
knowledge and proficiency, young men sought him out for instruction in
accounting during the evening, after a day's work in the mills and factories.
Because of the ever increasing number of students, he resigned his accounting
position and devoted all of his time to training young men to meet the needs
of the business world. From this humble beginning, Peter Duff established the
first business college in the United States. In 1851, a perpetual charter was
granted to “Duff's Mercantile College” by the Pennsylvania legislature. Upon
Peter's death in 1869, his son, William, became president of the college.
Under his leadership, which lasted for 40 years, the school became one of the
strongest and largest commercial colleges in the country.
Over the years, Duff's has been known as Duff's Mercantile College, The
Pioneer Business College in America, Iron City Commercial College, Duff's Iron
City College, and Duff's Business Institute. Duff's Business Institute is
nationally recognized as the oldest business school in the country.
ACCOUNTING
The Associate in Specialized Business degree in Accounting provides students
with a diverse background in professional accounting and the fundamental
business knowledge and skills to function comfortably in an entry-level
position in a business office.
The program prepares students for career opportunities in a variety of
positions such as accounting assistants, bookkeepers, junior accountants, and
management trainees. In addition, students will learn business law, payroll,
federal and state taxes, and other business related courses, providing them
with a broad background in accounting.
In order to stay current with trends in this field, students are offered
classes in computers and accounting software applications. An Introduction to
Computers course is provided to give a better understanding of computer
hardware and capabilities. Computerized Accounting and Payroll Computer
Applications are taught, providing students with a realistic approach to
automated computer accounting programs.
STUDENT SERVICES
The success of Duff's Business Institute is directly related to the success of
our students. This includes success in the classroom, success acquiring a job
after graduation, and succeeding in their career of choice. Duff's Business
Institute believes that students need additional assistance outside the
classroom to make their education a positive and successful experience.
Financial aid is available for those who qualify to ease the burden of pay for
the student's education. Individual tutoring and mentoring is offered as well
as a full library with Internet access. To help with the transition from the
classroom to the workforce, students have internships available to them.
As a tool to quickly obtain a job after graduation, Duff's Business Institute
assists in the job placement of students. What makes us different from many
schools are the small class sizes and dedication of our instructors. We are
able to assist each student with any problem and support them as needed.
Other Duff's Programs
Accounting | Business | Computer Science | Criminal Justice | Medical |
Paralegal
Duff's Business Institute
100 Forbes Ave Suite 1200
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
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