Accounting

Eric G. Press, Chair
Office: Alter Hall 448

215-204-8127
eric.press@temple.edu
http://fox.temple.edu/dept/accounting/

The program provides students with a broad general education and intensive study within the major as preparation for professional careers in public accounting, industry, consulting, government, and not-for-profit institutions.

The curriculum in accounting is designed to acquaint students with the conceptual framework and theory of accounting, transactional analysis, asset management, liabilities, owners' equity, and financial reporting. Cost analysis and control, accounting information systems, taxation, consolidated financial statements, and foreign operations also are covered, along with auditing techniques and an understanding of the ethical and performance standards of the profession.

Accounting majors are encouraged to join a professional student organization: Beta Alpha Psi (BAP--National Honorary Fraternity), the Accounting Professional Society (APS), the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA), or Ascend.

Students graduating after January 1, 2012:

Effective January 1, 2012, the education and experience requirements to become a licensed CPA in Pennsylvania have changed. All candidates seeking the CPA designation after January 1, 2012 are required to complete 150 hours of college education, including 36 hours in accounting, auditing, business law, finance, or tax subjects. The 150 credits can be accomplished through undergraduate studies, graduate studies or a combination of both. With this change, Pennsylvania conforms to the national education standard of 150 credit hours and one year of public accounting experience - in addition to the successful completion of the CPA Exam - before the granting of a CPA license. The law in Pennsylvania through December 31, 2011 requires 120 credit hours and two years of public accounting experience and the successful completion of the CPA Exam before the granting of a CPA license.

Students will meet the new Pennsylvania requirements by completing a Bachelor's degree (e.g., the current accounting major in the Fox School's B.B.A. program) and the Fox School of Business' newly proposed Master of Accountancy (MAcc). Students enrolled in the Fox School's undergraduate accounting program will be eligible to apply for the MAcc after completing 90 semester-hour credits (that is, they can apply for admission to the MAcc at the completion of their junior year). The MAcc program is currently in the review and approval phase and is expected to commence in Fall 2011.

For additional information regarding the MAcc, please visit www.sbm.temple.edu/dept/accounting/index.html.

For additional information regarding the PA CPA exam, please visit www.cpazone.org.

Summary of Requirements

University Requirements

All students are required to complete a set of university requirements: General Education (GenEd) or Core.

• New freshmen starting in the 2009-2010 academic year are required to complete the GenEd curriculum.
• New transfer students starting in the 2009-2010 academic year are required to complete the Core curriculum.

College Requirements 

Students must meet College Graduation Requirements including the requirements of the major listed below. Accounting students must attain a 2.0 GPA in the major and a 2.0 cumulative GPA in order to graduate. Use the major GPA calculator at www.fox.temple.edu/advising to calculate the GPA in the major.

Major Requirements for Freshmen

Suggested Sequence for Freshmen

Major Requirements for Transfers

Suggested Sequence for Transfers

Requirements of Accounting Major - for Freshmen Only

Suggested Sequence of Accounting Major - For Freshmen Only

Please note that this sequence is suggested only, ensuring prerequisites are met. Students' academic sequences may differ based on individual academic plans.

Requirements of Accounting Major - for Transfer Students only

Suggested Sequence of Accounting Major - For Transfer Students Only

Please note that this sequence is suggested only, ensuring prerequisites are met. Students' academic sequences may differ based on individual academic plans.

Minor

Students in any college who wish to understand basic business foundations, financial statements, and the accountant’s role in the management of a company can pursue a minor in accounting. Requirements for the minor must be completed prior to graduation.