With GMercyU's accredited Accounting Program, you will gain a solid background in accounting principles, taxes, auditing, finance, and business theory. If you want to build a career as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or put your accounting chops to work in the business world, consider our bachelor’s in accounting with a CPA track or our accelerated 4 + 1 MBA option.
Whatever your career goals, our program and dedicated faculty will help you achieve them. In fact, in 2018, GMercyU's high CPA exam pass rate ranked the program 16th in the nation for similar-sized accounting schools, according to the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy. And, for the past several years, 100% of students in the CPA track have landed jobs after graduation, even during the 2020 pandemic.
If you want to become a CPA, at GMercyU, you can complete your CPA education requirements along with your bachelor’s degree in four years. In addition to the accounting program’s standard 125 credits, you’ll earn another 25 credits to reach the 150 credits needed to be on the CPA track.
You’ll gain specialized knowledge in investments, operations, and international finance, and get real-world experience by completing a paid internship with a public accounting firm.
*Licensure: This program was designed to meet the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) education licensure requirements in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. While the exam is the same no matter where it's taken, each state has different education and experience requirements that must be met in order to become a licensed CPA. If you reside in a different state, you should carefully review your home state’s CPA licensure requirements prior to enrolling in this program. We will work with you to find out what your specific state requirements are. For more information, please visit our Program Licensure Requirement page.
Broaden your skills and job opportunities, as well salary potential. For accounting majors with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, this unique 4 +1 MBA option allows you to earn both a bachelor of science degree in accounting and a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) in just five years.
Skip the grad school entrance exams and take additional credits during your senior year – as part of your undergraduate tuition – and then seamlessly complete your MBA the following year.
Joining one of the top accredited accounting major programs in the country means you’ll be on the right track to achieve your career goals.
In 2018, GMercyU ranked 16th in the nation for very small schools with a CPA exam pass rate 17% higher than the national average, according to the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy.
And, for the past several years, 100% of students in the CPA track have landed jobs after graduation.
With a student-faculty ratio of 10:1, GMercyU provides all accounting majors with a personalized approach, offering the support you need to launch a successful college and professional career. Whatever your career goals, your faculty advisor will help tailor your education to those specific goals.
The accounting program at GMercyU is accredited through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE).
GMercyU accounting majors are offered a student membership to Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA). Students are also encouraged to join the Student Chapter of the North Penn Chapter of the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA).
Student internships take your education beyond the classroom and are required for Accounting majors. Earn real-world experience through paid internships at public accounting firms, non-profits, and industry and government organizations.
In addition to learning the process of managing, recording, and analyzing financial business transactions, you will also develop key skills that employers want, such as communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
The Griffin Edge will help you connect the dots between your GMercyU experiences and your future aspirations, so you can ace future job interviews and launch a successful career. Learn more about the Griffin Edge below.
In addition to general education requirements, our accounting program students will complete the following courses:
Prerequisites - 15 Credits
Management Core - 24 credits
BUS 207 | Principles of Marketing |
BUS 230 | Business Law |
BUS 301 | Principles of Management |
BUS 304 | Business Ethics |
BUS 306 | Business Statistics I |
BUS 310 | Principles of Finance |
BUS 340 | Business Statistics II |
BUS 4000 | Business Capstone |
Accounting Core - 27 Credits | |
ACC 205 | Intermediate Accounting I |
ACC 206 | Intermediate Accounting II |
ACC 301 | Managerial Accounting |
ACC 305 | Cost Accounting |
ACC 315 | Personal Taxes |
ACC 316 | Investment and Business Taxation |
ACC 405 | Advanced Accounting |
ACC 406 | Auditing / Fraud |
ACC 407 | Accounting Information Systems |
Internship or Open Electives - 8 credits |
Optional CPA Track
Additional Required Accounting, Business, and Finance Courses | |
ACC 207 | Intermediate Accounting III |
ACC 317 | Accounting Information Systems |
ACC 408 | Advanced Accounting II |
ACC 441 | Internship in Public Accounting |
BUS 313 | Investments |
BUS 314 | International Finance |
BUS 318 | Operations Management |
BUS 321 | International Business |
Credit Requirements
A minimum of 125 credits is required for the bachelor’s degree in accounting (non-CPA track).
Increase the value of your accounting degree by adding an undergraduate minor. GMercyU offers a wide variety of minors so you can choose the one that best meets your personal and professional goals.
Wondering what your classes will look like as an accounting major? Here are just a few GMercyU Accounting program courses:
ACC 205 Intermediate Accounting
This course provides a study of generally accepted accounting principles and introducing international financial reporting standards, as they relate to financial reporting. The conceptual framework is established and accounting theory developed as the foundation for accounting principles, constraints and qualitative characteristics. Problems relating to income determination, classification and form and content of financial statements are stressed.
ACC 316 Investment and Business Taxation
A course designed to examine federal taxation of property transactions and the taxation of various forms of business organizations such as corporations, partnerships and S corporations.
ACC 405 Advanced Accounting
This course includes aseries of discrete topics not previously included in other courses plus topics considered in greater depth here than in previous courses. Included are GAAP accounting, business combinations, government accounting, foreign currency translation and derivatives.
For all Accounting course descriptions, please refer to the undergraduate catalog.
Position: Associate Professor, Accounting
Did You Know? Professor Bruce has been awarded the Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Foundation Award for Outstanding Teaching.
Position: Associate Professor, Finance
Did You Know? Dr. Harper has 20 years of management experience and has published more than 15 peer-reviewed articles.
Position: Assistant Professor, Accounting, Finance
Did You Know? Professor Silvesti served as a financial officer for 35 years in middle market-sized businesses.
The Griffin Edge is comprised of five touchpoints -- Excellence, Engagement, Experience, Empathy, and Encouragement -- that become the cornerstones of your Distinctive Mercy Experience as a full-time undergraduate student.
The Griffin Edge includes an e-portfolio for documenting your GMercyU educational and extra-curricular experiences (no matter your major), reflecting on those experiences, and receiving feedback from faculty. It's designed to help you take ownership of your educational journey and chart the right career path for you. It will also help you learn how to talk about your college experiences in meaningful ways — and that can make all the difference in a job interview.
For example, a student might say in a job interview: "I conducted research at the undergraduate level."
A Griffin Edge student might say: "The opportunity to conduct my own research alongside expert faculty taught me the importance of being exact in my data collection and analysis. I was even able to present my findings at our annual research conference! I know this is the career for me."
Learn more about the Griffin Edge here.
To meet the graduation requirements for GMercyU’s accounting degree, you must complete at least one internship — the vast majority of which are paid. Working closely with industry professionals allows you to ask questions, seek feedback, and develop mentoring relationships that last beyond your time in school. Internships can also enhance your resume with relevant work experience and references.
GMercyU's relationships with area businesses can connect you to an internship. In the past, GMercyU accounting students have interned at companies such as:
Students pursuing their BS in accounting can look forward to excellent employment opportunities in several career specialties. Whether your goal is to work for an established company or eventually have a private practice, a BS degree in accounting offers you opportunities for continued growth.
CPA
Description: A CPA handles financial records, tax auditing, and general accounting. They often work with individuals, businesses, and other types of organizations.
Degree Requirements: Bachelor of Science in Accounting (150 hours), plus CPA certification
Government Accountant
Description: Accountants that work in federal, state, and local governments can do all types of government accounting — preparing budgets, tax auditing of businesses and individuals. You can even work for the FBI.
Degree Requirement: Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Industry Accountant
Description: These types of accountants conduct cost accounting, internal auditing, statement preparation, financial analysis, and more.
Degree Requirement: Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Average Salary for Accountants: $71,550 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.* Those with years of experience and/or CPAs can command six-figure salaries, depending on where you live.
*Source
As a top accounting college in the region, GMercyU strives to prepare our accounting majors with both the theoretical instruction and the hands-on experience they need to thrive as individuals and in the field of accounting.
Current Position: Senior Audit Accountant at Kreisher Miller
After transferring to GMercyU, it didn't take long for Amanda to appreciate GMercyU's small class size and individual attention, with Professor Silvesti making an especially profound impact on her. Since she wanted to pursue the CPA track, Amanda also decided to maximize her time at GMercyU and earn a second degree in finance.
"GMercyU has something for everyone, regardless of what your major is or where you want to go after you graduate. You know you are going to walk out a better person than when you came in."
Learn more about Amanda’s GMercyU experience.
Current Position: CPA at Ernst & Young
Jerome attended a small high school and wasn't sure that he would enjoy the small student body experience at GMercyU. However, he was quickly won over by the beauty of the campus and the University's overall tight-knit community. Additionally, Jerome was impressed by GMercyU's unique CPA track; he successfully passed his CPA test shortly after graduation.
"Opportunity is another word that comes to mind when I think of how to describe GMercyU. There is so much to get involved with, and I have learned that it is what you do with your opportunity that shapes your future after GMercyU."
Learn more about Jerome’s GMercyU experience.
Read more Griffin Success Stories.
Learn more about what it’s like to be an Accounting major and our other Business programs by exploring our viewbook!
Have you already earned college-level credits at other institutions or accounting colleges? GMercyU makes it easy for you to transfer your credits. Learn how on our Transfer Credits page.
In addition, GMercyU offers dual admissions agreements with Bucks County Community College and Montgomery County Community College — as well as the following articulation agreements.
Delaware Community College
AAS Accounting to BS Accounting Non-CPA Track
Manor College
AS Accounting to BA Accounting Non-CPA Track
Have questions about GMercyU's admissions requirements? Contact us! Our Admissions Staff is ready to walk you through the process of applying or transferring to GMercyU’s Accounting program.
Email: admissions@gmercyu.edu
Phone: 215-641-5510
At GMercyU, we strive to make a quality education accessible to all through financial aid, scholarships, and grants. As a military-friendly university, we welcome service members and participate in all VA educational benefits programs.
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