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Undergraduate

Accounting

Acquire the skills necessary for employment in accounting and the knowledge to sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Management Accountant (CMA) exams. Your studies will be complemented by coursework in the liberal arts and such topics as business law, management, and marketing.

Acquire the skills necessary for employment in accounting and the knowledge to sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Management Accountant (CMA) exams. Your studies will be complemented by coursework in the liberal arts and such topics as business law, management, and marketing.

PROGRAM Overview
  1. 1 Foundation of Accounting Knowledge
  2. 2 Ethical Decision Making
  3. 3 Technology Proficiency
  4. 4 Effective Communication Skills
  5. 5 Critical Thinking

An economy’s ability to serve the needs of society depends upon the flow of information between those seeking financial resources (organizations) and those who have resources to provide (investors, banks). Assumption recognizes the special role of accountants in this process and seeks to form graduates who possess superior skills in data analysis, information management, and financial decision making as well as the professional and moral qualities that predicate ethical business practices. Our accounting program will prepare you for a career 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. At Assumption, you can earn a Master’s degree in just one additional year after graduating with a Bachelor’s degree. Students can apply for acceptance into Assumption’s Accelerated MBA program during the spring of their junior year.

The curriculum provides the basic educational background needed to sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Management Accountant (CMA) examinations.

Program Contact

Smriti Rao, Ph.D

Department Chair, Economics, Finance and Accounting, Professor of Economics, Global Studies Program Director
508-767-7565 Tsotsis Family Academic Center - Room 229

An Ideal Place to Learn

100%
All classes taught by professors, none by teaching assistants
97%
2020 Accounting graduates employed or in graduate school within six months
13:1
Student/Faculty ratio

Program Curriculum

  • 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.

    Business Core (8 Courses)

    ACC 125 Principles of Accounting I
    ACC 126 Principles of Accounting II
    ECO 110 Microeconomics
    ECO 111 Macroeconomics
    MGT 100 Introduction to Management
    MKT 101 Principles of Marketing
    ECO 115 Statistics

    Upper Level (9 courses)

    ACC 200 Intermediate Accounting I
    ACC 201 Intermediate Accounting II
    ACC 210 Cost Accounting
    ACC 211 Accounting Information Systems
    ACC 310 Federal Income Taxes
    ACC 320 Advanced Accounting
    ACC 420 Auditing
    ECO 325 Corporate Finance
    BUS 215 Business Law I

    The following electives are available to supplement the major requirements listed above. None of these courses is required to meet the undergraduate degree requirements but will assist in fulfilling the educational requirements for certification.

    BUS 320 Issues in Corporate Governance and White Collar Crime
    ACC 331 Fraud Examination
    ACC 250 Personal Finance
    BUS 399 Internship in Business
    IDS 250 Community Tax Assistance

    Course Descriptions

  • Certified Public Accountant (C.P.A.) candidates should note that all states have adopted some version of what has come to be called the 150 hours rule. This rule requires 150 semester hours of a university education as a condition either to take the Uniform C.P.A. Examination or to become certified as a C.P.A. In Massachusetts, the requirement to take the C.P.A. exam is 120 semester hours of university education, and then 150 hours of education are required to obtain certification (the C.P.A. license). While the requirement does not specifically call for a graduate degree, 30 additional semester hours (150 hours less the 120 hours required in our undergraduate Accounting program) does represent a full year of study after the Bachelor’s degree. Assumption has designed a Six-in-Five Accelerated CPA track M.B.A. program to enable our C.P.A. candidate majors to begin their graduate studies during their senior year, satisfy the additional credit hour requirement, and receive both a B.A. and M.B.A. degree in five years instead of the six years these two degrees customarily require. Students planning to sit for the Uniform C.P.A. Examination should consult with the Accounting faculty no later than fall of their junior year. This will allow the student to devise a strategy for meeting the educational requirements.

    Students who wish to apply for certification in Massachusetts after successful completion of the C.P.A. Examination should take the following courses to fulfill the specific requirements for certification:

    At Least One Course in Each Area

    Area 1

    ACC 331 Fraud Examination
    ACC 332 Forensic Accounting
    IDS 250 Community Tax Assistance

    Area 2

    BUS 320 Issues in Corporate Governance and White Collar Crime
    ACC 250 Personal Finance
    PHI 260 Business Ethics

    Any business or economics course not required for the accounting major

  • Assumption’s CPA Track MBA program is designed to enable accounting majors who are likely CPA candidates to begin their graduate studies during their senior year. They satisfy the additional 30-hours requirement and receive both a BA and MBA degree in 5 years.

    Candidates should apply to the program during the spring of their junior year and no later than April 1 of their senior year. Accounting majors who are accepted into the program may substitute two MBA courses during their senior year to meet graduation requirements.

  • Required Courses (3)
    ACC 125 Principles of Accounting I
    ACC 126 Principles of Accounting II
    MGT 100 OR MKT 101 Introduction to Management OR Principles of Marketing
    Electives (4)
    ACC 200 Intermediate Accounting I
    ACC 201 Intermediate Accounting II
    ACC 210 Cost Accounting
    ACC 211 Accounting Info Systems
    IDS 250 Community Tax Assistance
    ACC 310 Federal Income Taxes
    ACC 320 Advanced Accounting
    ACC 331 Fraud Examination
    ACC 332 Forensic Accounting
    ACC 250 Personal Finance
    ACC 420 Auditing

    Course Descriptions

  • In today’s society fraud is increasingly a public concern. From corporate malfeasance to embezzlement, improper business practices damage the economy, destroy businesses and ruin lives. Therefore, it’s no surprise that area of forensic accounting and fraud examination is currently the fastest growing niche in the accounting profession.

    By combining accounting financial knowledge with investigative skills, forensic accountants help ensure compliance at all levels of the economy. As part of a growing field, forensic accountants find employment in diverse in fields such as criminology, cybersecurity, and strategic risk with organizations that include the FBI and the Big 4 public accounting firms.

    Required Courses (7)
    ACC 125 Principles of Accounting I
    ACC 126 Principles of Accounting II
    MGT 100 Introduction to Management
    ACC/MGT 331 Fraud Examination
    ACC 332 Forensic Accounting
    BUS 320 Issues in Corporate Governance and White Collar Crime
    CYB 115 Cybersecurity Fundamentals
    Course Descriptions

Faculty

Smriti Rao, Ph.D
Chair, Department of Accounting Department Chair, Economics, Finance and Accounting Professor of Economics Global Studies Program Director
Deanna Polli Foster, Ed.D.
Assistant Professor of Accounting
Michael T. Matraia, J.D., M.S., C.P.A.
Associate Professor of Practice in Accounting
Kristen P. Quinn, MSA
Associate Professor of Practice, Accounting

Experiential Learning

Assumption's Rome Campus

At Assumption's campus in Rome, Italy, the city and the country become your classroom through daily and weekend-long excursions throughout "the eternal city" and the Italian countryside. This unique study abroad experience will enrich your academic and cultural pursuits as you walk in the footsteps of emperors and gladiators then enjoy delectable Italian cuisine or perhaps a cappuccino after class in a local cafe. (Did you know that your financial aid follows you to Rome?)

Explore the Rome Campus

Learn the Skills Employers Seek

Faculty/Student Research

The Assumption curriculum encourages scholarly and real-world experience. With hands-on research conducted alongside faculty mentors, students gain a depth of knowledge and skills that lead to professional success and personal fulfillment.

Study Abroad

At Assumption University, the world is your classroom. Students can study and explore abroad in over 50 places from Vienna to England, South Africa, and even our own campus in historic, yet modern, Rome, Italy. Assumption’s study abroad program offers culture, history, and a living classroom for all.

Internships

Assumption starts planning for your future the day you arrive on campus. “Internship in Business” is a 3-credit seminar course in the Business Studies Department that is available to juniors or seniors. The course provides hands-on experience and training, networking with professionals, and assessment of your personal career strengths and interests. You’ll spend a minimum of 120 hours working in the field. During the faculty-led weekly seminar, students discuss how organizational behavior and management concepts apply to their individual placements.


CAREER PATHS

Employers that have hired Assumption University accounting graduates

Alexander, Aronson & Finning

Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu

DiCicco, Gulman & Co.

EMC

Ernst & Young

The Kraft Group

Marcum

O’Connor & Drew

PricewaterhouseCoopers

RSM

Sovereign Bank

Wolf & Co.

First-rate Academics in a Catholic University Setting

Assumption University awakens in students a sense of wonder, discovery, and purpose, forming graduates known for their intellectual seriousness, thoughtful citizenship, and devotion to the common good. Students are provided an education that shapes their souls, forms them intellectually, and prepares them for meaningful careers. Enlivened by the harmony of faith and reason, here, students’ minds and hearts are transformed.


Assumption is dedicated to providing a clear understanding of what your education will cost

We’ll help cut through the complexity of financing your education, ensuring you understand what you need, how to apply for aid, and what’s expected of you. You will be assigned a personal financial aid advisor who will guide you through the process and answer all of your financial aid-related questions.

Be Prepared for the Future


Accelerated BA/MBA Dual Degree Program

Apply as a high school senior into the dual degree program with one application and benefit from being considered for a $2,500 Assumption Business Leader Scholarship (per year for 5 years), special programming, and the ability to take up to two MBA courses during your senior year.  We offer two tracks to choose from: Management and CPA (for accounting majors only). Learn more about all of the University's dual degree offerings.

Tax Prep Assistance for Those in Need

Students enrolled in IDS 250 Community Tax Assistance not only become proficient with tax software, but they apply their learning through the electronic preparation of tax returns for low-income individuals and families.

Fraud and Forensic Accounting

The Fraud and Forensic Accounting Program offers a solid foundation in accounting principles and practices, ensuring that students have a solid background in theory and best practices, before delving into key areas like criminology, corporate governance, and data security. Just as importantly, students in the minor become versed in the ethical and societal issues they’ll face in their careers. Through examining legal precedent, discussing personal and corporate responsibility and the importance of ethical leadership they’ll develop a moral compass that will help guide them no matter their future career.

Career Opportunities

Accounting students are qualified for career opportunities in:

  • Staff and independent auditing
  • Internal auditing (corporate employees)
  • Government auditing
  • Corporate accounting
  • Government and non-profit accounting
  • Forensic accounting including white-collar crime
  • Banking
  • Tax accounting

Assumption Endorsed by the Institute of Management Accountants

The Higher Education Endorsement Program of the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) is a stamp of excellence. It signifies that the accounting program provides the rigorous curriculum needed for students to prepare for the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) exam and successful careers in management accounting.

Assumption Accounting Professor Named 2019 Outstanding Educator of the Year

Assumption Associate Professor of Accounting Jennifer Niece, CPA, MBA, has received the 2019 Outstanding Educator of the Year Award from the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants (MSCPA). This award recognizes Prof. Niece’s excellence in teaching and motivating students, as well as her contributions to the accounting profession, active participation in the MSCPA and her efforts in serving as a liaison between the classroom and the business world. Learn More