Program Overview

Bachelor of Arts in Accounting Degree

The Bachelor of Arts in Accounting degree from Mount Union is designed to provide students with the necessary skills to thrive in the growing industry of accounting. The program is part of the School of Business, which has earned accreditation from the Accreditation Council of Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

About the Program

The accounting major at Mount Union provides students with an understanding of the global business environment, applying classroom knowledge through hands-on experiences such as the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program. Students can also get involved in the Accounting Club or connect with well-connected faculty who hold CPA credentials and have extensive professional networks.

Accounting Quick Facts

• 40 credit hours within the accounting degree program
• 32 credit hours in the well-rounded Integrative Core
• Volunteer opportunities through hands-on experiences
• Internship opportunities with local or regional firms
• Opportunities to grow professional networks and earn credentials

Curriculum

The curriculum for the accounting major includes in-depth study of:

• Accounting taxation
• Auditing
• Finance
• Management
• Business law
• Micro and macroeconomics
• Statistics
• Applied strategy
• Quantitative methods

Learning Objectives

Students in the accounting program will demonstrate:

• Critical-thinking and problem-solving skills
• Awareness of the global environment in which businesses operate
• Awareness of their own values
• Sense of responsibility and capacity for service
• Ability to recognize when change is needed, adapt to change, and lead change
• Understanding of personal interests, abilities, strengths, and weaknesses as they pertain to professional career fields
• Basic understanding of career options available and establishment of career objectives

Experiential Learning

Internships

Students may schedule appointments with staff to plan their internship search and identify sources of leads. The University of Mount Union works with The Washington Center and Chicago Semester to offer internships and coursework during summer, fall, and spring semesters.

Student Organizations

• Mount Union Accounting Club: A student-led organization promoting interest in and awareness of the accounting profession and its career opportunities.
• Delta Mu Delta: An honor society for students with business-related majors at ACBSP-accredited schools, requiring a 3.2 GPA and top 20% program ranking.

Careers

Recent Employers

• Apple Growth Partners
• Auditor of State
• BDO
• CBIZ
• Ciuni & Panichi
• CliftonLarsonAllen
• Cohen & Company
• Deloitte
• Ernst & Young
• Hall Kistler
• Hill Barth & King
• Novogradac
• Rea & Associates
• Stinnett-Padrutt Aranyosi
• The 415 Group

Recent Graduate Schools

• Youngstown State University
• University of Akron
• Malone University

Common Careers

• Public accounting firms
• Business and industry
• Governmental agencies
• Not-for-profit organizations

CPA Exam Requirements

The state of Ohio and many other states have expanded their requirements for CPA certification. The University of Mount Union provides solid preparation for students interested in becoming CPAs, requiring 150 semester hours of college credit, including:

• 24 semester hours of accounting courses in subjects such as auditing, financial accounting, information systems, management accounting, professional ethics and responsibilities, and taxation
• 24 semester hours of business-oriented courses covering business ethics, business organization, communication skills, economics, group and individual behavior, finance, legal and social environment of business, marketing, and quantitative applications

Options for Meeting CPA Exam Requirements

• Option 1: Additional Undergraduate Hours: Students may take extra courses during traditional semesters or summer sessions to meet the 150-hour requirement.
• Option 2: 4+1 Program: Students can participate in a 4+1 program, receiving a traditional bachelor's degree in accounting from Mount Union and then completing a master's degree from an affiliated university or another institution of their choice.
• Additional Option: For accounting majors not planning careers in public accountancy, the traditional undergraduate option is available, ideal for preparation for careers in business, industry, finance, non-profit, or governmental areas.