Accounting
The School of Accounting enjoys a national reputation for excellence in accounting education and is viewed as a prime recruiting school by accounting employers throughout the mid-Atlantic region. The school offers a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) degree and a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in accounting. Most students choose to receive both degrees and thereby satisfy the 150 semester hours of education required in most states to be eligible to sit for the CPA exam.
Several features of the accounting program are distinctive:
- Outstanding employment opportunities.
- A post-graduation CPA exam review course offered on campus.
- Opportunities for internships.
Characteristics of Successful Students
Successful accountants combine technical expertise with teamwork and communication skills. Technological competence, problem solving skills, and professionalism are important attributes of today’s accountants.
Careers
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Many graduates choose typical career paths associated with this major. However, some graduates choose unrelated careers that utilize skills and experiences developed during their years in college. Keep in mind, that some fields will require graduate study or further training. The listing below offers examples of possible career paths and is not meant to be comprehensive. |
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Internships
Many accounting students receive paid internship opportunities. Typically, internships last eight to ten weeks and students participate in audits, preparation of tax returns, or other activities representative of responsibilities of first year accountants. Students interested should consult with the internship faculty coordinator. Students may also want to get involved in one of the student organizations, such as the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), or Beta Alpha Psi (Accounting Honor Society). Information on accounting internships can also be found in the Career and Academic Planning Resource Center located in 303 Wilson Hall.
Websites
What are JMU graduates doing with this major?: http://oirsacs.jmu.edu/alumni/alumempl.asp
A Day in the Life of an Accountant/Auditor: http://www.princetonreview.com/Careers.aspx?cid=1
Accountants & Auditors (OOH): http://stats.bls.gov/oco/ocos001.htm
Accounting Careers: http://accounting.pro2net.com/x31783.xml
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants: http://www.aicpa.org/
Beta Alpha Psi, National Accounting Fraternity, JMU Chapter: http://cob.jmu.edu/bap/
Federal Jobs: http://www.ourpublicservice.org/OPS/programs/calltoserve/toolkit/#3 (scroll to Academic Guides, then "Business")
Forensic Accounting: http://www.forensic-accounting-information.com/
Virginia Board of Accountancy: http://www.boa.virginia.gov/
