Business Division

Degree:

Description:

The Bachelor of Science (BS) degree with a major in Accounting prepares students for entry level positions in public and private accounting. The state of Michigan, along with many other states, requires 150 credit hours to become a certified CPA (Certified Public Accountant). Some students pursue additional majors or minors in finance while others pursue graduate degrees to meet this requirement.

What types of students succeed in this program?

Students successful in accounting possess strong quantitative, financial, and communication skills. Successful professional accountants are able to communicate the implications of financial reports, with an ethical standard in mind, to managers and owners.

What can I do with this major or minor?

Accounting Majors find that they have a solid foundation that can lead into a variety of career paths. These include financial management, internal and external auditing, tax preparation and planning, cost analysis, and advisory services in information systems design and implementation. Other career options include:

Actuary
Fund Raiser
Administrator
Commodities Trader
Industrial/Institutional Buyer
Bookkeeper
Industrial Buyer
International Trade Specialist
Business Teacher
Assistant Controller
IRM Consultant
Commodities Trader
Computer Programmer
Management Accountant
Contract Administrator
Internal Auditor
Production Manager
EDP Auditor
Auditor
FBI Agent
External Auditor
Consumer Credit Officer
Managerial Accountant
Financial Investment Analyst
International Trade
CIA Agent
Industrial Transportation
Bank Examiner
Financial Analyst
Insurance Agent/Broker
Controller
Methods/Procedures Specialist
Inventory Control Specialist
Claims Adjuster
IRS Investigator
Benefits/Compensation
General Auditor
Administrative Services Mgr
Cost Accountant
Payroll Manager
Property Accountant
IRS Investigator
Collection Agent
Student Affairs Manager
Budgetary Control Analyst
Governmental Accountant
Systems Analyst
Credit and Collection
Personal Financial Planner
Tax Compliance Specialist
Loan Administrator
Commercial Banker
Television/Film Producer
Certified Public Accountant
Industrial Accountant
Tax Lawyer
Entrepreneur
Plant Accountant
Tax Specialist
Loan/Consumer Credit
Professor
Treasurer
Chief Cost Accountant
Public Accountant
Treasury Mgmt Specialist
Estate Planner
Securities Broker
Trust Accountant
Management Consultant
Stockbroker
Underwriter
Chief Financial Officer
Systems Analyst
Tax Accountant
Accountant, Public Practice
Sales Manager
Tax Supervisor/Auditor
Lawyer - Audit Manager
Systems Accountant
Treasury Management
Budget Accountant
Computer Programmer
Employment Agency Counselor
Claim Adjuster/Examiner
Cost Dept. Supervisor
Financial Aid Director

What are some of internships or partnerships with this program?

All accounting majors are required to take at least three semester hours in an internship experiences. This experience can be in large multi-national corporations and CPA firms to small local companies, governmental organizations and a variety of not-for-profit organizations. These include the MACPA (Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants) and the IIAA (Institute of Internal Auditors).

What is the future outlook with a degree in this area?

Currently the demand for high quality accounting graduates exceeds the supply. This provides graduates with many job alternatives. Graduates should expect to develop a plan of continuous improvement of their skills and knowledge. Many will continue their education in graduate school and purse various certification programs like CPA (Certified Public Accountant), CMA (Certified Management Accountant), CFM (Certified Financial Manager), and CIA (Certified Internal Auditor).

See admissions (prospective students) or career services (current students) for more information