Accountancy (BS/MPA) - Professional Accountancy

Program Overview

The Accountancy (BS/MPA) - Professional Accountancy program at Illinois State University prepares students for careers in professional accountancy. The program aligns with the CPA exam blueprint, providing a strong foundation in accounting principles and advanced topics. Students gain practical experience through internships and other opportunities, and the program is taught by experienced faculty committed to student success. Graduates are prepared for a variety of careers in accountancy, including public accounting, corporate accounting, and forensic accounting.

Program Outline

Accountancy (BS/MPA) - Professional Accountancy Program at Illinois State University:

Degree Overview:

This program is designed to prepare students for careers in professional accountancy and meets the requirements to sit for the CPA examination. The Professional Accountancy sequence focuses on traditional accounting topics like taxation, auditing, financial accounting, managerial accounting, financial management, and information systems.

Objectives:

• To develop the knowledge and skills necessary for successful careers in professional accountancy.
• To prepare students to meet the educational requirements to sit for the CPA exam.
• To provide students with a strong foundation in accounting and related business disciplines.

Program Description:

The Accountancy (BS/MPA) - Professional Accountancy program combines rigorous coursework with practical experience to prepare students for success in the accounting profession. The program features:

• A curriculum aligned with the CPA exam blueprint, ensuring students are well-prepared for the exam.
• A strong foundation in accounting principles, along with in-depth exploration of advanced accounting topics.
• Integration of technology and information systems into the accounting curriculum, equipping students with the necessary skills for the modern workplace.
• Opportunities to gain practical experience through internships and other professional development opportunities.

Outline:

The program consists of 120 credit hours, including:

• Core Accounting Courses: Fundamentals of Accounting I and II, Intermediate Accounting I and II, Cost Accounting, Auditing, Taxation I and II, Accounting Information Systems, etc.
• Business Core Courses: Business Law I and II, Business Communication, Management, Marketing, Finance, Economics, etc.
• Professional Accountancy Courses: Advanced Accounting, Financial Accounting and Reporting, Ethical Issues in Accounting, Accounting Fraud Examination, etc.
• Electives: Students can choose electives to specialize in specific areas of interest, such as forensic accounting, data analytics, or international accounting.

Assessment:

Student learning is assessed through a variety of methods, including:

• Exams
• Quizzes
• Assignments
• Projects
• Case studies
• Presentations
The program also uses rubrics and other assessment tools to ensure fairness and consistency in grading.

Teaching:

The program is taught by experienced faculty members who are experts in their respective fields. The faculty is committed to providing students with a high-quality educational experience and is dedicated to student success.

Teaching methods:

• A combination of lectures, discussions, case studies, and group projects are used to provide students with a variety of learning experiences.
• Technology is integrated into the curriculum, including online learning platforms, simulations, and data analysis software.
• The faculty is committed to creating an engaging and supportive learning environment for students.

Unique approaches:

• The program offers a variety of opportunities for students to gain practical experience, such as internships, service-learning projects, and research opportunities.
• The program offers a global perspective through study abroad programs and international internships.
• The program is constantly evolving to meet the changing needs of the accounting profession.

Careers:

Graduates of the program are prepared for a variety of careers in accountancy, including:

• Public accounting
• Corporate accounting
• Government accounting
• Non-profit accounting
• Forensic accounting
• Data analytics
• Financial analysis

Other:

• The program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International).
• The program has a strong track record of success, with graduates consistently scoring well on the CPA exam and obtaining jobs in top accounting firms.
• The program is committed to diversity and inclusion and welcomes students from all backgrounds.

Note:

Information on Fees, Admission Requirements, and Application Process is not included in this response as it was not requested in the prompt.