Accounting is the language of business. Businesses rely on accounting and its information systems to evaluate and resolve complex financial problems. Since all business people use accounting to communicate, a sound working knowledge is essential to your rise through the ranks. The study of accounting is a smart place to begin any business career, whether or not you aspire to be an accountant.
About the Department
Ranked among the best in the nation, the accounting program at TCNJ has a long-standing reputation for preparing exceptional accountants. Students can expect small, engaging classes in a collaborative setting — including a hands-on audit lab — and close faculty mentorship. Our graduates enjoy remarkable success and earn high salaries.
Comprehensive Program Options
Major
- Accounting
meets the 150-credit-hour requirement for CPA licensure
MinorS
- Accounting
with tracks available in financial and managerial accounting
- Information Systems and Technology
Accelerated Business Programs
- Accounting and Business Analytics, BS/MS
first-year and transfer applicants may apply to this five-year (4+1) accelerated bachelor’s to master’s program
- Management and Organizations, BS/MS
first-year and transfer applicants may apply to this five-year (4+1) accelerated bachelor’s to master’s program
Graduate Program
Advisement
Course Sequence
The combination of a strong curriculum and talented students has earned TCNJ’s accounting program a reputation as one of the best in the nation. Building on the school’s required business core, the program consists of 10 accounting courses that integrate the study of the theory and current practice of accounting with research and computer applications.
Classes are taught by full-time faculty who are active researchers and experts in specialized accounting fields, including auditing, cost, financial accounting, information systems, forensic accounting, and tax. Opportunities are available to collaborate with faculty on research projects, and students are encouraged to study abroad.
The TCNJ accounting program has a strong track record of successfully preparing students for employment in the public, corporate, not-for-profit, and government accounting sectors. The program also provides a pathway for those interested in licensure as a certified public accountant (CPA).
CPA Licensure
Candidates must pass the CPA Exam and complete 150 semester hours of education to obtain licensure. TCNJ offers two pathways for students to fulfill the 150-credit requirement:
- Undergraduate pathway: Pursue a minor or select additional electives to reach the 150-credit threshold.
- Accelerated graduate pathway: Enroll in the Accounting and Business Analytics BS/MS, a five-year (4+1) accelerated bachelor’s to master’s program.
For students applying for the CPA Exam, please note the following program details:
- Program title: BS in Accountancy (130-credit program)
- Program number (CIP code): 520301
Financial Services and Corporate Accounting
Students seeking to specialize in financial sector audits or accounting positions at financial services firms and industrial corporations are encouraged to pursue a finance minor in addition to a major in accounting. TCNJ graduates with a strong accounting and business valuation background are highly sought-after hires in this sector.
Opportunities
Internships and Career Development
Newly declared accounting majors begin with Introduction to the Accounting Profession, a semester-long colloquium featuring guest speakers from Big 4, national, regional, and industry accounting roles.
As sophomores, students take a for-credit career-planning course with recruiter visits and weekly workshops on résumés, networking, interviewing, and workplace ethics — preparing them for internships in their junior or senior year. Students are also encouraged to attend regional and national conferences, with travel support from TCNJ.
More than 70% of accounting majors complete paid internships, many of which lead to full-time roles with Big 4 firms, Fortune 500 companies, and major financial institutions.
For their senior capstone, students take a research- and writing-intensive course that prepares them for professional practice. Discussion-based and student-driven, it builds the initiative and independence expected of accounting professionals.
Careers
Our graduates enjoy a wide range of career opportunities, working in public accounting firms, all government sectors, and across private industry. Many of their careers began thanks to TCNJ’s on-campus recruiting events, which all Big 4 public accounting firms, many medium- and small-sized firms, and a large number of private companies attend. Our program is an excellent preparation for advanced study. Graduates have earned law degrees from such prestigious schools as Harvard and Georgetown, most commonly specializing in tax law. Others have pursued academic careers through doctoral study at Rutgers, Villanova, and Temple, among others.
TCNJ’s accounting program is listed as one of the top New Jersey Schools in accounting by College Factual.
98% of May 2023 accounting graduates received at least one job offer as of April 2023.
Possible Career Paths:
- Public accountant: Conduct financial audits and provide tax and advisory services.
- Corporate accountant: Manage financial records, analyze data, and contribute to business decisions.
- Forensic accountant: Investigate financial fraud and irregularities.
- Government accountant: Serve in federal, state, or local agencies.
- Nonprofit accountant: Support organizations with financial reporting and compliance.
Top Employers: Bank of America, CohenReznik, Deloitte, Dow Jones, Eisner Amper, EY, IRS, KPMG, Johnson & Johnson, JPMorganChase, Mercadien, Merrill Lynch, OCC, PwC
Student Organizations and Community Engaged Learning
Accounting students progress through the program as a cohort, sharing classes and professors in a structured four-year curriculum that fosters a close, supportive community. This bond is strengthened through active student organizations, including:
Institute of Management Accountants Student Chapter, which offers opportunities to engage with professionals, connect with faculty outside the classroom, and participate in social and career-focused events.
Beta Alpha Psi, the national accounting and finance honor society, which provides service, leadership, and professional development experiences.
National Association of Black Accountants, which supports students underrepresented in business fields and connects them with peer and professional networks.
School of Business Student Organizations
School of Business Honor Societies
Students also apply classroom concepts to real-world practice through volunteer and course-based projects. Examples include helping local youth develop micro-businesses, assisting a nonprofit with cost analysis for a building renovation, and providing free tax preparation for low-income community members through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.