Accountancy Major

 

Accountancy Major

Illinois State’s Department of Accounting offers strong educational programs at the undergraduate and master’s levels.

The department’s programs are accredited by the AACSB International – The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, accreditation that confirms the department’s commitment to quality educational programs. Each year more than 50 firms visit the Illinois State University campus in search of accounting majors in addition to Fortune 100 and 500 companies.

Accountants are more than just technical experts. They must understand the political, economic, and cultural environments in which businesses operate. Accordingly, accountancy majors need a well-rounded business education. Four undergraduate program sequences are available along with an integrated bachelor of science/master of professional accountancy program.

Integrated Bachelor of Science/Master of Professional Accountancy

This program is primarily oriented toward preparation for careers in professional accountancy. This program is designed to meet the formal requirements for a student to sit for the CPA examination. The B.S./M.P.A. program is strongly recommended for students interested in a plan of study designed to integrate accounting technology, information systems, and eligibility to sit for the CPA examination. Successful completion of the integrated program will culminate by granting simultaneously both B.S. and M.P.A. degrees. There are two sequences of study: 1) Accountancy and Information Systems, 2) Professional Accountancy.

Financial Accounting sequence

This sequence prepares students for positions in public accounting, managerial accounting, governmental accounting, taxation, and auditing. This sequence is designed to meet the minimum formal accounting-content requirements to sit for the CPA examination.

Accounting Information Systems

This sequence is designed to provide students with information systems and technology skills and competencies as recommended by the International Federation of Accountants. Students will learn how to use information technology and evaluate information systems from both an internal auditor and external auditor perspective.

Business Information Systems sequence

This sequence is designed to prepare students for entry level accounting positions requiring significant training in Business Information Systems. This preparation is particularly valuable in accounting consulting positions, certain auditing positions, and in many progressive industrial positions.

Career Specialty sequence

This sequence allows accounting majors to design an individualized plan of study that meets their career goals. In addition to the required accounting courses, students complete twelve hours in a specialized area with advice and approval of the accounting academic advisor and the department chair.

Excellent Faculty

Faculty members are qualified in all areas of accounting education. Most also have professional certifications such as CPA, CMA, and CDP. The majority of courses are taught by full-time professors, and—with few exceptions—classes are small so that professors can give each student personal attention. Faculty members take pride in helping students explore career opportunities in accounting.

Internships and Student Organizations

Internships are available to accounting students as well as membership in one or more of the following student organizations: Student Accounting Society, Beta Alpha Psi, and the Business Information Systems (BIS) Club.

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