The undergraduate accounting curriculum develops competence in a broad range of accounting skills and practices.  The curriculum strives to foster critical thinking and problem solving skills.  Our students are prepared to enter professional positions in accounting with business,  nonprofit, or government organizations.  In addition they may continue their education in the Master of Accountancy program and/or pursue a variety of professional certifications. 

The Master of Accountancy program is designed to prepare ethical and informed decision makers with the potential to become leaders in the profession of accountancy.  This program has achieved national recognition due to the outstanding performance of our graduates on the uniform CPA examinations.  The Master of Accountancy students achieved the highest pass rate in the nation on the May 2000 uniform CPA examinations.  Graduates hold positions in some of the most prestigious firms in the world.

The financial management curriculum is designed to equip students with a comprehensive foundation in financial management, financial markets, and investments.  Students will gain competence in effective decision making, performing complex analyses, providing expert financial advice, and utilizing current technology tools and data sources.  Three courses at the junior or senior level can be taken from a career track selected in consultation with an advisor and incorporated into a study plan.  Suggested career tracks include Banking, Investment Banking, Financial Services, Financial Planning, Corporate Finance, Economics, Information Systems, or International Finance.

The information systems curriculum prepares students to manage an organization's information resources. The option focuses on: 1) analyzing and managing the flows of information within and across the organization's business processes; 2) effectively managing the acquisition and utilization of information technology; and 3) using both information and technology to enhance the organization's strategic advantage.  Information systems are a part of all organizational functions, including accounting, finance, marketing, operations, and human resource management.

Employment opportunities are strong in Information Systems.  Our IS students get foundation preparation for a variety of jobs, such as systems analyst, programmer, database administrator, web developer, and network administrator.

The international business curriculum provides students with the opportunity to focus on the managerial, economic, cultural, political, and social dimensions that will prepare them for functioning in a global business community.  Students are required to: (1) study a foreign language; (2) take specific internationally-focused business courses; and (3) take courses outside the business curriculum (for instance, in geography, history, or political science) that relate to the specific part of the world of interest to them.  Students select a second option in business, such as finance or marketing, in order to develop additional expertise in a functional area of their choice.

Career opportunities in international business vary.  As business in general becomes more global, many domestic jobs have increasing international components.  Thus, having an international job will not automatically mean working overseas.  Students with an international emphasis are unlikely to be sent overseas in the first job.  Instead, they are more likely to have a domestic job and will be expected to learn about the organization and its products and services before receiving an international assignment.  The international curriculum will better prepare students for overseas assignments and give them a competitive advantage over those individuals without this background.  

Graduates in management are expected to have a well-rounded exposure to accounting, marketing, finance, economics, business law, and computer applications, and are expected to be skilled writers and public speakers.  Students are trained in human resource management, and have the opportunity to study and practice leadership, motivation, and team building.  They study and apply entrepreneurial skills, concentrating on the management of innovation, the development of new markets, and controlling a growing operation.  Students are exposed to the challenges of managing a venture in today's global economy, with pressing cultural, ethical, and environmental issues.  The program emphasizes integration of a broad set of skills and the need for managers to be adaptable.

Current opportunities are broad.  Some students choose to start their own businesses, while others are employed in small entrepreneurial firms, mid-size companies, and large international corporations.  Many graduates have found positions in nonprofit organizations and in government.

Marketing is the study of exchange relationships.  People exchange money for goods and services, they exchange political service for constituents' votes, and they donate time and money to nonprofit organizations.  Marketing is the art and science of developing relationships with stakeholders, be they customers, volunteers, or shareholders.  Most organizations attempt to form long-lasting relationships with their stakeholders.  The marketing function identifies prospective customers and develops long-term customer relationships.

Students receive a solid foundation in the basics of marketing and are allowed to tailor a program to meet their specific goals (e.g. starting their own business, joining corporate America, exploring international business opportunities, or working with nonprofit organizations).

Students will find career opportunities in advertising, sales, retail management, product marketing, marketing research, and customer service.  Our students also will find career opportunities in a variety of industries, including the computer industry, sports marketing, travel and tourism, banking, nonprofit arenas, and government.