2018-2019
Accounting
School of Business
Program description
The major in accounting is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in accounting. This program will qualify graduates to sit for the Uniform Certified Public Accountant Examination in Virginia. However, certification requires 150 hours of college credits. Most public accounting firms give hiring preference to applicants who have completed the full 150 hours prior to starting work.
Career opportunities
Accountants examine and prepare financial records. They are responsible for confirming accuracy, ensuring the records comply with local, state, and federal laws, and typically are called upon to make recommendations based on that financial data. There are several types of accountants:
1. Public accountants are generally employed by firms and serve as an independent third party to review and attest to other organizations' or individuals' financial documents. Public accountants often gain experience working with a variety of industries.
2. Private or Corporate accountants are employed by a company and typically develop management accounting expertise in their individual companies and industries.
3. Government accountants examine and prepare the financial records of various government agencies.
Change of major requirements
Students are eligible for admission into the advanced business program with a major in the School of Business upon meeting the minimum cumulative GPA requirement and successful completion of the Business Foundation coursework, as outlined here: http://bulletin.vcu.edu/undergraduate/business/undergraduate-information/shared-curriculum/
Bachelor-level job titles
- Accountant
- Auditor
- Bookkeeper
- Business Teacher
- Financial Analyst
- Loan Administrator
- Payroll Manager
- Tax Auditor
- Tax Examiner
- Tax Preparer
Professional associations and resources
Degree requirements in Bulletin
Plan of study in Bulletin
Requirements
Highest level of math required
- MATH 200 or SCMA 212 or BUSN 212
- STAT 210 or SCMA 301
Science required
- Core only
Foreign language requirements
- No
Additional tuition/fees
- Yes
GPA requirements (to progress/graduate in the major)
- 2.5 to declare major/2.5 in 300-400 ACCT classes to graduate
Contact information
Department name:
Accounting
Building/room location:
301 West Main Street, Snead Hall #B3117, Richmond, VA 23284
Phone:
(804) 828-1608
Email:
usib@vcu.edu
Campus (where 75% of courses are taken):
Monroe Park
Major map
Explore
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
- Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor each semester to discuss tutoring, course electives, and degree progression.
- Take Math Placement and register for math classes each semester until you complete SCMA 301.
- Earn at least a 2.5 semester GPA and 15 credits per semester to declare your major at the end of your second year and graduate in 4 years.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
- Get involved with VCU Student Government or one of over 450 clubs and organizations, especially Beta Alpha Psi (BAP) and National Association of Black Accountants (NABA).
- Attend two or three School of Business events.
- Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond, including its museums, parks, festivals, and cultural events!
- Apply to live in the ASPiRE, Globe, INNOVATE, or LEAD Living & Learning Programs.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
- Learn about your study abroad options by visiting a study abroad fair and attending a First Advising Session in the Global Education Office.
- Review the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs(OMSA) website for programs, events, and resources.
- Join a living-learning program such as VCU Globe
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
- Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers/job titles in your field of study.
- Complete your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists to learn about opportunities.
- Take Winning Presentations to develop the public speaking and communication skills employers want.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
- Complete a “Gap Analysis” Strategic Plan with your academic or career advisor, to help you identify and schedule pre-professional experiences.
- Practice independent living skills such as money and time management, self-care, and personal responsibility.
- Using LinkedIn, connect to at least 10 people.
Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
- Schedule an appointment with your advisor and explore minors, certificates, and skills-based value added courses. Make sure to take INFO 165.
- Be prepared for a challenging year of ACCT, ECON and math classes. Use tutoring at the Campus Learning Center to get ahead.
- Cultivate relationships with professors who can serve as references by attending their office hours.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
- Take ACCT 291 in spring as an open elective.
- Join groups on LinkedIn connected to your future career. Check out the VCU alumni page in My Network.
- Attend service events with BAP or NABA
- Take service-learning classes or volunteer to address a social issue (ConnectVA & HandsOnRVA)
- Explore peer leadership opportunities or apply for I-LEAD Connect, Alternative Spring Break.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
- Attend Diversity Scholars in Research Week.
- Investigate study abroad opportunities such as spending a summer abroad with the International Consulting Program.
- Consider learning a language to open doors to international organizations and future study.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
- Create a draft of your resume and go to drop-ins at Business Career Services to have it reviewed.
- Participate in BAP Leadership Summit and Meet the Firms in September to secure summer internship.
- Plan to complete at least 2 internships before the start of your 4th year.
- Attend Black & Gold Academy, Career & Internship Fairs, and career events throughout the year.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
- Participate in Explore Informational Interviews and Connect Mentoring Program.
- Join related professional organizations such as Beta Alpha Psi (BAP) and NABA.
- Consider who you would like to serve as professional and academic references for future letters of recommendation.
Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
- See your advisor each semester to discuss degree progression and plans for elective coursework.
- Take ACCT 303. Earn at least a C in all ACCT classes.
- Earn at least 2.5 GPA in all 300-400 level ACCT class to meet graduation requirements.
- Conduct independent undergraduate research.
- Take summer or winter intersession classes to make up credits, if needed.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
- Apply for a scholarship with the Controllers Executive Roundtable (CERT) or Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) to meet leading members of accounting community.
- Create and complete a community-engaged research project.
- Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood associations, city council, or state legislative sessions.
- Become a tutor in the Campus Learning Center.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
- Apply for a Fulbright or other post-graduate international fellowship program through VCU’s National Scholarship Office.
- Experience VCU’s richness of diversity by attending VCU’s annual Intercultural Festival.
- Learn to solve problems in Creativity and Ideation.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
- Participate in BAP Leadership Summit and Meet the Firms in September to secure summer internship. Summer accounting interns often receive post-graduation offers!
- Use HireVCURams to apply to part-time jobs, internships, and externships to gain practical and relevant experience.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
- Research prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least one year before graduation.
- Explore CPA certification and whether to earn 150 credits for CPA eligibility.
- Talk to faculty about pursuing professional certifications such as CMA, CISA, CIA, CGFM, CFA, and CFE depending on career goals.
Excel
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
- Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor a semester before your anticipated graduation to ensure all graduation requirements will be met.
- Ensure prereqs are complete and take ACCT 406.
- Complete the BUSN 499 Business Knowledge Exam.
- Register for MGMT 434 in your final semester. Be aware of the multiple prereqs!
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
- Consider applying for a year-long service opportunity after graduation through programs like VCU AmeriCorps, Literacy Lab, Peace Corps, Fulbright Student Scholars, Teach for America, and City Year.
- Serve in a leadership role of a local community organization or student organization.
- Consider jobs in the nonprofit sector, B Corps, or SCRs.
- Research social entrepreneurship and corporate social responsibility.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
- Reflect on your own cultural competency, and be prepared to answer interview questions that outline how you have worked with diverse populations.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
- Attend BAP Meet the Firms in September if you have not already secured full-time employment after graduation
- Complete at least one internship during your senior year at an employer where you would like to work.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
- Have your personal statement or cover letter reviewed, and do a mock interview at VCU Career Services.
- Complete necessary exams, applications, or self-marketing activities for your next steps beyond graduation.
2018-2019
Accounting
School of Business
Concentration(s):
No concentration
| MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING | GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY | DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY | EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS | PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE | ||
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| Experience | Year 2 |
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| Excel | Year 4 |
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