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:

Master of Accountancy Program (MAcc)—begins Fall 2011

Effective January 1, 2012, the education and experience required to become a licensed CPA in Pennsylvania change. All candidates seeking the CPA designation after January 1, 2012, must complete 150 hours of college education (undergraduate or graduate courses, or a combination of both), including 36 hours in accounting and auditing, business law, finance or tax subjects acceptable to the Pennsylvania State Board of Accountancy.  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.  Through December 31, 2011, the law in Pennsylvania requires 120 credit hours and two years public accounting experience and the successful completion of the CPA Exam before the granting of a CPA license.

Students can meet the new Pennsylvania requirements by completing a Bachelor’s degree (e.g. the current accounting major in the Fox School’s BBA and the Fox School of Business Master of Accountancy degree (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 first class to enter the MAcc program will commence in fall 2011. Students can also meet the new requirements by completing 150 undergraduate credit hours.

For more information about the MAcc, please visit: http://www.sbm.temple.edu/dept/accounting/

For additional information regarding the PA CPA exam, please visit the following websites:
http://www.sbm.temple.edu/dept/accounting/cpa_exam.html http://www.picpa.org/Content/studentseducators.aspx

Summary of Requirements

University Requirements

All new students starting in academic year 2010-2011 and beyond are required to complete the university's General Education (GenEd) 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 new students

Suggested Sequence for new students

Requirements of Accounting Major

Suggested Sequence of Accounting Major

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.