Accounting, B.S.

The Accounting Major provides the academic background for students considering accounting as a career field.  The knowledge, skills, and techniques learned are used by our graduates working for CPA firms, private industry, and not-for-profit organizations.  In addition to taking a full range of courses in financial accounting, all accounting students are also exposed to introductory-level courses in managerial accounting and taxation.  Students may select advanced courses in these and in financial fraud and international accounting.  As a result of the evolving nature of the accounting profession, the Accounting Program undergoes a constant review so that students receive balanced general business and accounting training.

Students with the goal of attaining the CPA license should be aware that in some states regulations have been passed the require successful completion of 150 credit hours prior to receiving permission to take the CPA exam or prior to being licensed.  York College has three options for students who will be living in states that require 150 credit hours:  1) obtain a double major at the undergraduate level; 2) obtain a BS/MBA through the Dual Degree Program; or 3) take additional undergraduate and/or graduate courses of their choice that coincide with professional goals.  Students should research their home state’s requirements and discuss them with their advisor so that the curriculum is planned accordingly.

Requirements for Graduation:

To be eligible for graduation, students majoring in Accounting must complete a minimum of 120 credits, achieve a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher, and complete the General Education Requirements of the College. A minimum grade of 2.0 is required for First Year Seminar and all courses taken as part of Foundations. Courses used to complete the General Education Requirements may not be taken on a pass/fail basis.

The General Education Requirements of the college require students to successfully complete First Year Seminar, Foundations, Disciplinary Perspectives, and a Constellation. Students who enter the college with 30 credit hours completed will not take a First Year Seminar course and therefore must take an additional 3 credits for graduation. Transfer students that are awarded 60 or more credits upon acceptance to York College will not be required to complete a Constellation.

Students majoring in Accounting must maintain a 2.0 or higher in each General Business Component course and each Accounting Component course. A 2.5 or higher cumulative grade point average is required in the Accounting Component courses (including accounting electives, ACC220, ACC225 and BUS260). Students must also earn a grade of 2.0 or higher in the senior business capstone courses (BUS494 and BUS495).  In addition, students must attain a 2.0 or higher in each course that serves as a prerequisite to a subsequent Business course. (Refer to the course description for specific prerequisites.) Failure to attain a 2.0 in prerequisite courses may lengthen the time to graduation.  Students graduating with a declared major in Accounting may not simultaneously declare a minor in Accounting. Students who are waived from FYS must complete 3 credits of non-business coursework.