Accounting - Program Requirements

Mission Statement

The Rowan University Accounting Program has a strong regional reputation for providing qualified students with an undergraduate education that combines the general liberal arts, functional knowledge across business disciplines, and a comprehensive accounting education. The strength of the undergraduate program lies in the emphasis on practical and theoretical content to help students prepare for ethical participation in various accounting careers, including careers in professional accounting and financial management. The program also prepares students for graduate studies in accounting, taxation and business.

Undergraduate accounting graduates will have a strong foundation for obtaining professional licensure by the completion of the 120 credit hour program. They have the option of meeting the 150 credit hour educational requirements for licensure as certified public accountants through the Rowan MBA program. The accounting specialization within the Rowan MBA Program is designed to equip students of diverse academic backgrounds with foundational knowledge and advanced topics in accounting.

The accounting faculty considers teaching its highest priority, supported by relevant scholarship and an appropriate level of service.  Equal emphasis is placed on discipline-based scholarship, contributions to practice, and learning and pedagogical research. To add relevance and benefits to the accounting program, both faculty and students interact with the region's business community.

Student Learning Goals

• Students will learn current financial and managerial accounting theories, techniques, and methods, and develop the skills to prepare and analyze financial statements for business organizations and nonprofit entities. (Consistent with AACSB learning experience area 6)
• Students will understand the importance and application of financial accounting and reporting in business decision-making. (Consistent with AACSB learning experience areas 3 and 6)
• Students will acquire knowledge of federal tax laws and procedures as they relate to individuals and business entities with an emphasis on planning, research and preparation. (Consistent with AACSB learning experience area 9)
• Students will be able to understand business processes, to integrate computer software applications, and to evaluate the design and implementation of information systems in a business environment. (Consistent with AACSB learning experience area 8)
• Students will develop an appreciation of internal control issues within the context of manual and electronic accounting information systems. (Consistent with AACSB learning experience areas 4 and 5.)
• Students will develop oral and written communication skills that will allow them to effectively communicate financial results. (Consistent with AACSB Accounting Standard 40.)
• Students will develop an understanding of global issues in business, as well as understand the impact of International Financial Reporting Standards. (Consistent with AACSB learning experience area 10)
• Students will develop an appreciation for ethical and regulatory environment for accountants. (Consistent with AACSB learning experience area 2.)
• Students will develop an appreciation for the roles played by accountants in society providing and ensuring the integrity of financial and other information. (Consistent with AACSB learning experience area 1.)
• Students will engage in applied, experiential learning activities.  (Consistent with AACSB learning experience area 7.)

Accounting Mentorship Program

Program Goals and Objectives:
The goal of the Accounting Mentorship Program is to provide a mechanism by which students can obtain a better understanding of the challenges and rewards of Accounting from those presently working as accounting professionals. This enhanced understanding should help solidify the choice of profession for those students who are interested or potentially interested in Accounting. It provides students with a perspective that cannot be provided by faculty. For more information and registration.

Information about Careers in Accounting