Students can pursue either a major or minor in accounting. Assumption’s accounting program enables them to develop professional skills and knowledge that prepare them for careers in public accounting firms, corporate settings, or nonprofit institutions.
One advantage of Assumption’s accounting curriculum is its breadth of business coursework and strong liberal arts foundation. Employers appreciate the critical thinking and communication skills that Assumption graduates bring to the workplace. Another advantage of the Assumption accounting program is the option of earning a master’s degree in one year. Students may apply for acceptance into Assumption’s BA/MBA program during their senior year.
CPA Candidate Educational Requirements
CPA candidates should note that most states, including Massachusetts, require 150 college credit hours to become certified public accountants (CPAs). A traditional undergraduate degree provides 120 hours. Students planning to take the Uniform Certified Public Accountant (CPA) examination should consult with an accounting advisor in the fall of your junior year regarding requirements to sit for the exam and to qualify for CPA licensing.
Major in Accounting
Accounting majors are required to complete 9 accounting courses and 9 interdisciplinary courses as part of their core accounting curriculum. The curriculum provides the basic educational background needed to sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and/or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) examinations.
BA/MBA Program
Assumption’s BA/MBA program is designed to enable accounting majors who are likely CPA candidates to begin their MBA coursework during their senior year and earn a B.A. in accounting and an MBA (BA/MBA) in 5 years instead of the traditional 6 years. The Assumption BA/MBA satisfies the required 150-college credit hours to become certified public accountants (CPAs). To be considered for this program, students must have an overall GPA of 2.75 and a GPA of 3.0 in accounting.
In the spring semester of their junior year, students obtain written permission from the Dean of the College and the director of the MBA program to enroll in graduate MBA courses. Candidates formally apply to the program no later than November 1 of their senior year. Senior accounting majors who are accepted into the program may substitute two MBA courses to meet graduation requirements.
Minor in Accounting
To earn a minor in accounting, students must complete 6 accounting courses and 1 management or marketing course. An accounting minor provides students a solid financial background that can be applied in any professional position. Students who major in science, mathematics, or another liberal arts field and who minor in accounting are attractive to CPA firms because of their varied skill set.