Accounting

Accounting majors enjoy the challenge and discipline of financial analysis. The James F. Dicke College of Business Administration students build a solid foundation in fundamental accounting knowledge including financial-statement preparation and analysis, internal controls and business processes and tax planning. Students can take their love of numbers into one of the most highly demanded career fields. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects nearly 226,000 new accounting and auditing jobs will be created by 2016.

What courses do accounting majors take?

Accounting majors begin with accounting basics and work their way through taxation, finance, auditing and managerial accounting. Majors can choose from a variety of upper-level electives to strengthen their specific area of interest. Forensic accounting is a unique option available to accounting majors.

Students completing the accounting major will have the necessary educational requirements for the Certified Management Accounting (CMA) and the Certified Internal Auditing (CIA) examinations. If desired, majors can take further undergraduate courses to meet the requirements for the Certified Public Accounting (CPA) examination.

Do I need an internship?

Yes, all accounting majors participate in a four-credit-hour internship during their junior or senior year. Coveted internships are available at companies like Ernst & Young, PricewaterhouseCoopers and the Ohio Auditor of State.

How can I get involved as an accounting major?

Majors can join the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). IMA provides a dynamic forum for management-accounting and finance professionals to develop and advance their careers through certification, research and practice development, education and networking. Also, accounting majors can join Beta Alpha Psi, an honorary organization for financial-information students. Members of Beta Alpha Psi promote the study and practice of accounting, finance and information systems.

What careers are available for accounting majors?

The Dicke College of Business Administration (DCBA) graduates are equipped with the knowledge to enter the workforce as entry-level accountants. Accounting majors pursue careers in public accounting and auditing, cost or management accounting, internal auditing and government accounting. Accountants enjoy careers working for the government, for corporations big and small, or for themselves as CPAs. Accounting is also excellent preparation for law school or graduate studies.

Forensic Accounting (Option)

Fraud in the business world, including scandalous financial misconduct, has destroyed or weakened several large companies recently. At the forefront of investigations against wrongdoers are professionals engaged in forensic accounting. This multi-faceted discipline combines traditional accounting skills with a thorough knowledge of legal proceedings. The forensic accounting option is the only program of its kind in Ohio and one of only a handful in the country. Inquisitive students with excellent analytical and communication skills, especially those who are interested in becoming certified public accountants, may benefit from the forensic-accounting option.

What courses are associated with forensic accounting?

Forensic accounting is an applied discipline that provides students with a working knowledge of fraud examination, business valuation, and litigation support. The James F. Dicke College of Business Administration follows the curricula recommended by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners and the National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts. Students are prepared to sit for forensic-related certification examinations such as the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) examination. Students take additional courses related to criminal justice and the judicial process to prepare themselves for presenting forensic accounting evidence in an easy-to-understand format for jurors.

What careers are available in forensic accounting?

Graduates who are CFE-certified are prepared for multiple opportunities as well as higher salaries. Forensic accountants are in high demand. Employment tracks include consultant and expert witness, FBI or CIA agent, auditor for the IRS, GAO or defense department, SEC accountant, or bank examiner.