Accounting, B.S.

Program Overview

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The Accounting program at York College of Pennsylvania provides a comprehensive foundation in financial accounting, managerial accounting, and taxation, preparing students for successful careers in various accounting roles. The program emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and ethical conduct, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to navigate the evolving accounting profession. With a focus on practical experience through internships and CPA exam preparation, the program prepares students for success in the field and further professional development.

Program Outline

• York College of Pennsylvania:

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Degree Overview:

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Overview:

The Accounting major provides the academic foundation for students pursuing accounting as a career. Graduates leverage the knowledge, skills, and techniques acquired in the program to work in various settings, including CPA firms, private industries, and not-for-profit organizations. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum encompassing financial accounting, managerial accounting, and taxation, along with the opportunity to pursue a minor in a related field. The program adapts to the evolving nature of the accounting profession, ensuring students receive balanced general business and accounting training.

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Objectives:

• Prepare students for successful careers in accounting.
• Equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in various accounting roles.
• Develop critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Foster ethical and professional conduct within the accounting field.
• Provide a strong foundation for further studies, such as pursuing the Master of Accounting (M.Acc) degree.

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Description:

The Accounting program combines rigorous coursework with practical experiences to prepare students for diverse professional opportunities. Students acquire a strong understanding of financial accounting principles, managerial accounting practices, and taxation regulations. The program emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and ethical decision-making, preparing graduates for success in a dynamic and challenging environment.

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Outline:

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Program Content:

The Accounting program curriculum encompasses a range of courses covering various aspects of the accounting field. Students delve into:

• Financial Accounting: Principles and practices of financial accounting, including recording, analyzing, and reporting financial information.
• Managerial Accounting: Cost accounting, budgeting, and financial analysis for management decision-making.
• Taxation: Federal and state tax laws, including income tax, sales tax, and property tax.
• Ethics in Accounting: Ethical considerations and professional conduct in the accounting field.
• International Accounting: Accounting practices and regulations in a global context.
• Business Law: Legal environment of business, including contracts, torts, and property law.
• Information Technology: Technology applications in accounting, including accounting software and data analytics.
• Business Communication: Effective communication skills for written and oral presentations in a business setting.
• General Education: Courses in various disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, to develop well-rounded individuals.

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Program Structure:

The Accounting program consists of:

• General Business Component: Provides a foundation in business principles and practices.
• Accounting Component: Focuses on specific accounting knowledge and skills.
• Elective Courses: Allows students to specialize in areas of interest or pursue a minor.

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Course Schedule:

The program typically follows a four-year curriculum, with courses offered in fall, spring, and summer semesters. Students are encouraged to work with their advisors to plan their schedules and ensure timely completion of graduation requirements.

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Modules:

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General Business Component:

• Business Communication (BUS 246)
• Business Strategy and Policy (BUS 495)
• Managerial Finance I (FIN 300)
• International Accounting (IBS 415)
• Personal Productivity Computing (IFS 105)
• Management Information Systems (IFS 305)
• College Algebra II (MAT 105)
• Principles of Management (MGT 150)
• Principles of Marketing (MKT 100)
• Data Driven Decision Making (QBA 260)
• Introduction to Analytics (QBA 265)
• Operations Management (SCM 300)

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Accounting Component:

• Financial Accounting (ACC 220)
• Managerial Accounting (ACC 225)
• Taxation I (ACC 305)
• Cost Accounting (ACC 310)
• Intermediate Accounting I (ACC 320)
• Intermediate Accounting II (ACC 325)
• Intermediate Accounting III (ACC 330)
• Accounting for Governmental and Not-for-Profit Entities (ACC 340)
• Ethics in Accounting (ACC 350)
• Auditing (ACC 410)
• Legal Environment of Business (BUS 260)
• Business and Commercial Law (BUS 360)
• Accounting Electives (choose 3 credits)

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Electives:

• Accounting Internship (ACC 490)
• Big Data and Visual Analytics (BUA 275)
• Intermediate Microeconomics (ECO 350)
• Intermediate Macroeconomics (ECO 360)
• Investments (FIN 320)
• Managerial Finance II (FIN 410)

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Assessment:

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Assessment Methods:

• Examinations: Regular exams to assess understanding of key concepts and theories.
• Assignments: Individual and group assignments to apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios.
• Presentations: Oral presentations to demonstrate communication skills and critical thinking abilities.
• Case Studies: Analysis of real-world business situations to develop problem-solving skills.
• Portfolio Development: Compilation of student work to showcase progress and achievements.

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Assessment Criteria:

• Accuracy and completeness: Demonstrating a thorough understanding of course material and applying it correctly.
• Critical thinking and analysis: Ability to analyze complex information, identify key issues, and formulate well-supported conclusions.
• Problem-solving: Effectively applying accounting principles to solve business problems and make informed decisions.
• Communication skills: Effectively communicating ideas, both verbally and in writing, in a clear and concise manner.
• Professionalism and ethics: Upholding ethical standards and demonstrating professional conduct in all aspects of academic work.

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

• Interactive lectures: Engaging students through discussion, case studies, and group activities.
• Small class sizes: Fostering individualized attention and personalized feedback.
• Guest speakers: Sharing insights from industry professionals and practitioners.
• Technology integration: Utilizing online resources, accounting software, and data analytics tools.
• Active learning: Encouraging student participation through simulations, role-playing exercises, and project-based learning.

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Faculty:

• Experienced and qualified faculty with expertise in accounting, finance, taxation, and related fields.
• Faculty actively involved in research, professional organizations, and industry collaborations.

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Unique Approaches:

• Accounting Internship Program: Gaining practical experience through hands-on work in accounting firms or businesses.
• Study Abroad Opportunities: Expanding horizons and gaining international perspectives through study abroad programs.
• Networking Events: Connecting with industry professionals and alumni to build professional networks.

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Careers:

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Potential Career Paths:

• Public Accountant
• Auditor
• Tax Accountant
• Financial Analyst
• Management Accountant
• Forensic Accountant
• Internal Auditor
• Government Accountant

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Career Opportunities:

• CPA firms
• Private companies
• Public companies
• Government agencies
• Financial institutions

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Career Outcomes:

• Graduates are well-prepared for various accounting careers and further professional development.
• Many graduates pursue the CPA exam and become licensed Certified Public Accountants.
• Alumni hold successful positions in diverse accounting and finance roles across various industries.

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Other:

• Accelerated Path: Option to complete the program in three years (121 credits) followed by the Master of Accounting (M.Acc) in one year, leading to a total of 150 credits for CPA licensure in certain states.
• Master of Accounting (M.Acc) Program: Designed for students seeking advanced accounting knowledge and skills, preparing them for professional success and CPA licensure.
• Compliance with CPA Exam Requirements: The program ensures students meet the 150-credit hour requirement for CPA licensure in most states.
• Emphasis on Ethical and Professional Conduct: The program instills ethical values and professional behavior, preparing students to become responsible and successful accounting professionals.