Accounting programs help prepare students who are interested in becoming financial analysts, controllers, or Certified Public Accountants. These students must follow the program requirements of their university or college to complete the degree. Here is more information about the responsibilities involved in an accounting degree program:
Credit Hours
Finishing an accounting degree program includes completing the required amount of credit hours. The amount for the program depends on the university, with some requiring around 59 to 60 overall credit hours. Accounting students take the required amount of hours in both business and account courses; some universities require around 33 credit hours in business courses and 26 in accounting major courses. Completing a minor may require 18 credit hours. Accounting students are responsible for creating a schedule that balances their credit hours across their time in the program. A university may offer sample schedules to simplify the process.
Course Requirements
Accounting degrees provide information on auditing, financial reporting, and taxation, as well as business operations. Students are responsible for completing required business courses as well as accounting courses. Business classes include introduction classes and professional communication courses. Others include microeconomic and finance principles classes, business law, and analytics.
Accounting classes are often more specific. The types of classes include intermediate accounting and income tax courses; students may also be required to complete cost accounting and informational system courses. To complete course requirements, students are responsible for achieving a C- or higher in their classes.
These students are also responsible for following university requirements for the program, and some places require that a specific amount of departmental hours at a 3000 or higher level be completed at the university. When selecting courses, students should also check whether the class requires prerequisites. There may also be elective course requirements.
Internship and Club Opportunities
At some universities, students complete an internship during the program. This provides hands-on opportunities for growth and allows them to see real-life applications of concepts learned in class. Accounting students may be placed into local firms and organizations, which provides students the opportunity to see the financial reporting process. The students work under the supervision of the firm, and internship progress is monitored by a coordinator. Following company rules of conduct helps students stay in good standing with the company and the internship.
Depending on the university, some programs offer additional internship opportunities, allowing students to study abroad. Faculty mentorships may be available for students to receive one-on-one instruction. Accounting students also have the opportunity to participate in campus clubs, such as business groups. These can provide networking opportunities and chances to connect with other students in the business and accounting programs.
Master of Professional Accountancy Degree
Accounting students have the opportunity to complete a master’s degree in accounting, receiving both a bachelor’s and master’s degree at the end of five years at the school. At some universities, students complete the 150 hours required for the CPA exam and do multiple internships at a variety of organizations. Accounting students are responsible for completing ethical leadership, advanced accounting, governmental accounting, and accounting information courses; they also complete several credit hours of electives. Enrollees take an MPA exit exam at the end of the program.
Learn More About an Accounting Degree Program
Understanding and completing the requirements for an accounting degree can help you stay on track and avoid delays. Accounting students are able to choose to complete an accounting degree in three years by taking classes year-round. Some universities also offer financial aid and scholarships, requiring students to remain in good standing for renewal. To learn more about an accounting degree program, contact a university today.
