Concentration

Accounting Concentration

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The accounting concentration offers a versatile course of study, setting you up for success in a wide range of careers in public accounting and industry including positions in audit, tax, forensic accounting, mergers and acquisitions, corporate accounting, and internal audit. You can pursue these roles in any industry, such as biotech, financial services, non-profit technology, retail, and many others. This is a dynamic profession with a wide range of opportunities.

In addition, it is the foundation that will lead students on a path to start to prepare for a career in public accounting and taking the CPA exam. Additional accounting courses in excess of the accounting concentration will be necessary if a student is pursuing this career path. See Public Accounting Path description below for further information.
 

Sponsored by: Accounting and Law Division
Faculty Contacts: Shay Blanchette, Go Attachot, Cristina Alberti and Mary Durkin

Some courses are only offered in certain semesters and advanced planning is required if you are planning to go abroad, especially if you are considering pursuing a career in public accounting where you will need to take more courses than required by the concentration.

Required Courses

Course Code
Title
Credits
Sub-Total Credits
8

Elective Courses

At least one (1) course should be taken from the following group:

Course Code
Title
Credits
Sub-Total Credits
4

Total Credits: 16

Public Accounting Path

If you pursue a career in public accounting, there are numerous roles you could take on within the organization. You may choose a path to pursue auditing, or you could pursue a path to become a tax provider. As an auditor, you would audit client financial statements and assess their internal controls and as a tax provider you would prepare tax returns and assist clients with tax planning. If your goal is to become a CPA and take a position in a public accounting firm, the four courses required as part of the concentration will not be enough for you to pursue this career path. As a result, it is critical you seek the advice of your advisor and/or one of the faculty contacts above regarding the design of this concentration if you are following this path.

CPA Exam and License Information

Our concentration provides the foundation for taking the CPA exam and becoming a CPA. However, the educational requirements to become a licensed CPA vary by state and typically require more accounting credits than this concentration provides. 
For more information about CPA Exam, CPA License and Careers in accounting.  Check out the Accounting Concentration Resource site for more information.