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Most accounting students plan for a career in accounting and work toward obtaining professional certification as either a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and/or a Certified Management Accountant (CMA). Students intending to pursue this path should choose an accounting concentration and plan to obtain a Master of Accountancy immediately following completion of their undergraduate degree. UVM offers a 5th year Master of Accountancy Degree (MAcc).

Accounting is called the "language of business." Accountants record, summarize and communicate financial information to executives, investors and interested individuals for decision making. Students who concentrate in accounting should have good analytical skills, be creative problem-solvers, have strong communication skills and be effective leaders. Accountants are always in demand and the career possibilities are endless. An accounting concentration can put you on the path to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), prepare you for a career in tax or corporate management, help you become a fraud investigator or help you become an entrepreneur.

Concentration Courses

Required for Juniors:

  • BSAD 161 – Intermediate Accounting I
  • BSAD 162 – Intermediate Accounting II

Accounting Concentration Course Options, 3 credits each

  • BSAD 169 – Individual Taxation
  • BSAD 263 – SU: Environmntl & Social Rpting
  • BSAD 264 – Corporation Taxation
  • BSAD 265 – Accounting Information Systems
  • BSAD 267 – Auditing
  • BSAD 268 – Adv Topics in Management Acctg.
  • BSAD 269 – Government & NFP Accounting
  • BSAD 271 – Current Topics Fin Reporting
  • BSAD 295 – Taxation of Social Enterprises

The requirements to sit for the CPA examination vary among states, so students who plan to sit for the examination outside of Vermont are advised to contact the state's Board of Accountancy to obtain current requirements (explore state licensure requirements).

Careers in accounting include auditing, tax, governmental accounting, and corporate accounting or a combination of these areas. Recent accounting students are currently employed in all of the "Big Four" international firms, RSM (formerly McGladrey), and local CPA firms, as well as in public and private companies.