Accounting Department Mission

We will advance the profession of accounting and the expertise and abilities of those who provide or use accounting information, by the creation and dissemination of accounting knowledge, the design of innovative and challenging academic programs and the pursuit of productive relationships with business and accounting professionals.

Shared Values

High-quality accounting scholarship is vital for the advancement of the profession
Academic programs must provide students with solid preparation for lifelong careers
Our success depends on continuous improvement in all aspects of departmental activities
The department's decision processes will be transparent, reflecting the input of all stakeholders
We are committed to the highest ethical values and behavior, and to the maintenance of an environment of mutual respect
We are committed to cultural, gender and racial diversity among faculty and students

Strategies

Recruitment and support of faculty who will pursue research, teaching, professional and service activities aligned with our mission
Encouragement of collaborative research among faculty and the development of a critical mass of faculty with similar research interests
Continuous assessment and improvement in all academic programs, reflecting changes in the profession
An organizational structure that supports and rewards performance that advances the department's mission and goals
Recruitment of a diverse mix of quality students
Development of a broad funding base of alumni and friends

Strategies: Faculty and Doctoral Student Development

Regular research workshops as a forum for discussion of ongoing research
Annual seminar series headed by internationally renowned research faculty
Departmental support for research activities, professional development and other professional interactions enabling faculty to achieve their full potential and maximize their contributions to the department, its stakeholders and the profession

Strategies: Instructional Programs

Effective and regular interaction with stakeholders to support programs, curricula innovations and student recruitment
Development of new courses and coursework within existing courses to reflect the changing demands of the accounting profession
Implementation of accounting scholarship throughout programs
Support for professional activities of the student clubs
Direct interaction with the Career Resources Center

Goals for Specific Programs

Undergraduate CPA and Internal Audit Tracks

The goal of the undergraduate programs, in combination with and drawing upon the efforts of the School of Management and the university at large, is to prepare students for successful careers in the accounting profession. Our programs will train students in the technical accounting skills and communication and interpersonal skills necessary for success in the profession, and provide students with the ability to recognize ethical problems and resolve them in a way that meets the ethical standards of the profession. Students will become familiar with the accounting profession and understand its role internationally. The programs will also meet certification requirements.

MS in Accounting

The goal of the MS in Accounting program is to build on the knowledge and skills learned in the undergraduate accounting program by training students in advanced technical knowledge in accounting and in a chosen industry sector, and by developing the skills necessary to analyze difficult accounting issues. The program will also meet certification requirements.

MBA with Accounting Concentration

The goal of the MBA with Accounting Concentration is to provide students with an intensive course of study, integrating broad management skills and an understanding of the role of accounting in business. Students will be trained in the technical accounting and communication and interpersonal skills necessary for success in the accounting profession, as well as skill in analyzing accounting and reporting issues and the ability to deal effectively with ethical issues.

PhD in Accounting

The goal of the PhD in Accounting program is to train students for successful careers as accounting faculty members at research-oriented academic institutions. Studies will focus on the role of the accounting profession and will be designed to develop the skills necessary to do original accounting research, publishable in quality journals, and to engage in effective teaching.