Accounting Major | Houghton University

Develop a set of skills that are highly valuable, versatile, and in high demand

In Houghton’s Accounting major, you will learn to succeed in management and accounting as you dive deeper into federal taxation, auditing, accounting theory and practice, current developments as the U.S. moves towards international accounting standards, and ethical considerations discussed in a Christian context.

Accounting is often called the “language of business” and will prepare you for careers in public accounting, business, government and nonprofit organizations. Every manager, investor and person active in the marketplace needs a clear understanding of accounting terms and concepts to participate effectively in the business community.

Classes Careers Meet the Faculty

Become a Certified Management Accountant (CMA)

If you are interested in focusing on the accounting and financial management skills that drive business performance you can qualify for the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) exam. The CMA exam is designed specifically to validate mastery of the advanced skills required to manage finance functions within an organization, enabling you to deliver value in today’s complex business environment.

What will I learn?

Through Houghton’s major in Accounting, you will become career-ready as you:

Qualify to sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) exam in New York State.
Gain experience and internship credit through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistant Program where you prepare tax returns free of charge for low-income, elderly and disadvantaged individuals in the local community.
Get real-world, hands-on experience in the field with our many student-run business opportunities.

124 Credits

60-61

Required Courses

63-64

Elective Courses and General Education

Degree Requirements

Meet a Faculty Member

4+1 MBA Program

Earn your bachelor’s and master’s degrees with only one additional year of study. You can increase your earning potential and make a positive and lasting difference in your workplace, community and beyond through Houghton's online MBA.

Explore Houghton's MBA Program

Gain Practical Investment Experience

The Business Investment Center is equipped with a 24-foot-long stock ticker streaming the latest quotes and LCD screens showing market commentators and their predictions, while also serving as a trading room, classroom, and study area.

Preparing Returns

As an accounting student, you have the opportunity to offer assistance in preparing income tax returns in collaboration with the IRS. You will also have the ability to participate in one for-credit internship as part of your curriculum.

Program Outcomes

Students earning a BS degree in Accounting from Houghton University are prepared to for careers in many areas, including but not limited to:

Financial Manager

Accountant and Auditor

Budget Analyst

Financial Analyst

Employment Expected to Grow 17%

for Financial Managers

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Source

What Employers Say:

``When I think of the qualities necessary to be a successful auditor, Joe Gilligan, Accounting and Business Administration '18, does not fall short. Building trust is also an important quality to a successful auditor, and Joe has built the necessary relationships to earn the trust of those he works with. Joe is a life-long learner and is always looking to better himself, including making time for self-reflection and taking a positive outlook on every situation. These qualities help Joe to distinguish himself and will set him up for great success in his career. I am proud to see Joe’s progress since joining us, and I look forward to his continued success as he leads his engagement teams’ staff as a senior auditor. Having also attended a small liberal arts college, I have no doubt that Joe’s success is due in part to his well-rounded liberal arts education at Houghton University.``