Major in Accounting: Bachelor of Science Degree Program in Accounting

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. 

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.

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.

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.

Top Jobs for Accounting Majors

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

Learn more about what it’s like to be an Accounting major and our other Business programs by exploring our viewbook! 

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

Get the training you need for a career in the financial world. Earn your accounting degree with GMercyU. Get started today!