B.A. in Accounting
Lycoming's B.S. in Accounting provides two tracks for students: a 150-credit hour t...
B.A. in Accounting
Williamsport, Pennsylvania
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
Lycoming's B.S. in Accounting provides two tracks for students: a 150-credit hour track specifically designed to meet the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensure requirements in Pennsylvania, and a 128-credit hour track. This flexibility allows students to choose a path that best aligns with their career aspirations, whether that's becoming a CPA or pursuing other roles in public, private, industrial, governmental, or non-profit organizations. The program prides itself on its high placement rate of graduates and an enduring tradition of excellence in teaching.
Curriculum: The accounting curriculum at Lycoming is comprehensive, aiming to provide a deep understanding of financial principles and practices. While specific course lists are not fully detailed in available public information, core accounting subjects typically include financial accounting, managerial accounting, taxation, auditing, and accounting information systems. The 150-credit track ensures students complete the necessary coursework for CPA eligibility, which generally includes advanced accounting, auditing, cost accounting, and federal income taxes, alongside a substantial number of business-related subjects. Students also have opportunities to pursue additional majors or minors in related fields like economics, business, modern languages, and psychology, enhancing their overall business acumen.
Research Focus: Research is an integrated component of the Accounting program at Lycoming College, fostering students' analytical capabilities. While the program doesn't specifically highlight a dedicated "research focus" as a separate entity for undergraduates, the emphasis on developing strong critical thinking, writing, and research skills within the curriculum naturally leads to research engagement. Students have opportunities to work on projects and publications alongside faculty, potentially leading to departmental honors. The accounting department also provides resources like an "Accounting Resources" subject guide through the library, which introduces students to reliable sources for accounting research, indicating an emphasis on information literacy and independent inquiry.
Industry Engagement: Lycoming College strongly emphasizes practical industry engagement for its accounting students. The program facilitates numerous opportunities for real-world experience, including competitive, paid internships with prominent employers such as PricewaterhouseCoopers, Ernst & Young, Baker Tilly, and Hershey Entertainment, often through programs like the WISE Program. Students can gain teaching experience by tutoring in the accounting lab or Tutoring Services. The Accounting Society student organization provides networking opportunities, and educational excursions to alumni-owned businesses, large accounting firms, banks, and financial firms in major metropolitan areas are organized. This direct exposure to the industry, coupled with instruction from faculty who are award-winning, published Certified Public Accountants (some also Certified Management Accountants) with extensive corporate experience, ensures graduates are well-prepared for professional roles.
Global Perspective: While the Accounting program at Lycoming College primarily focuses on U.S. accounting standards and CPA licensure requirements, the broader liberal arts education at Lycoming inherently encourages a global perspective. The college welcomes international students from various countries and emphasizes equipping students with knowledge, skills, and experiences relevant for a diverse world. Students can enhance their education by pursuing minors in modern languages, which can implicitly contribute to a global understanding in a business context. While not a dedicated "global accounting" track, the development of adaptable and intelligent future accountants, as highlighted by the program, implies a readiness to operate in an increasingly interconnected global business environment. Furthermore, the opportunity to work on topics like "international reporting standards" with faculty (as mentioned on their website) indicates exposure to global accounting practices.
Location
Williamsport, Pennsylvania
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
USD 49258
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 70 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 50 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 100.
Lycoming College is attracting talented international students by offering generous and competitive scholarship opportunities. These scholarships help make a high-quality liberal arts education accessible and affordable for students from around the world, fostering a diverse and vibrant campus community.
Merit-Based Scholarships: All international applicants to Lycoming College are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships there is no separate application required. These scholarships reward academic excellence, leadership, and extracurricular achievements.
Renewable Scholarships: Scholarships awarded to international students at Lycoming are renewable for up to four years, provided that students maintain satisfactory academic progress and good standing with the college. This continuity offers financial stability throughout the undergraduate journey.
Need-Based Aid: In addition to merit scholarships, Lycoming College offers limited need-based financial aid to international students who demonstrate financial need. Students may be required to submit additional documentation to be considered for this aid. Need-based support complements merit awards to further reduce the overall cost of attendance.
Specialty Scholarships and Awards: Lycoming College occasionally provides targeted scholarships based on students’ fields of study, leadership qualities, or unique talents. International students are encouraged to inquire about available departmental awards or special grants during the admissions process.
A Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Accounting from Lycoming College provides graduates with a comprehensive and highly sought-after skillset, opening doors to a wide array of professional opportunities.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA): This is a highly desired path, often pursued by graduates of the 150-credit track. CPAs offer a wide range of services including auditing, tax preparation and planning, financial consulting, and forensic accounting to individuals, businesses, and government entities.
Staff Accountant: A common entry-level role, staff accountants are responsible for maintaining financial records, preparing financial statements, reconciling accounts, and assisting with budgeting and forecasting within a company or organization.
Auditor (Internal or External): Auditors examine financial records to ensure accuracy, compliance with regulations, and identify potential risks or fraud. External auditors work for accounting firms, while internal auditors work within organizations to assess their own operations and controls.
Tax Accountant/Tax Advisor: Specializing in tax laws and regulations, these professionals prepare and file tax returns for individuals and businesses, provide tax planning advice, and help clients minimize their tax liabilities legally.
Financial Analyst: Accounting graduates are well-equipped to analyze financial data, evaluate investment opportunities, forecast financial performance, and provide insights that inform strategic business decisions for individuals and organizations.
Budget Analyst: These professionals help organizations manage their finances by developing, implementing, and monitoring budgets. They analyze spending patterns, identify cost-saving opportunities, and ensure financial resources are allocated effectively.
Forensic Accountant: A growing and in-demand field, forensic accountants investigate financial discrepancies and potential fraud. They combine accounting expertise with investigative skills to uncover financial crimes for law enforcement, insurance companies, or corporations.
Management Accountant: Working within an organization, management accountants provide financial information and analysis to internal stakeholders (managers, executives) to aid in decision-making, cost control, and performance evaluation.
Government Accountant: Accounting professionals are vital across all levels of government, from local municipalities to federal agencies (e.g., FBI, IRS). They manage public funds, conduct audits, and ensure compliance with governmental accounting standards.
Financial Planner/Advisor: While often requiring additional certifications, an accounting background provides an excellent foundation for helping individuals and families manage their money, plan for retirement, invest, and achieve their financial goals, particularly due to a strong understanding of taxation.
