University Catalogues

Corporate Finance and Accounting Major

The Corporate Finance and Accounting major provides students with strong backgrounds for careers in both finance and accounting. Students are exposed to a number of accounting and finance concepts, such as cost and profitability analysis, strategic planning, process improvement and business performance management. Corporate Finance and Accounting is an 11 course major jointly offered and delivered by the Accounting and Finance departments. The combination of courses in accountancy and finance helps students develop the key skills required of finance professionals, including accounting, finance, business analysis, communication, team and business process skills.

In addition to the specific major requirements described below, students must also complete all designated requirements in Foundations for Success, Contexts & Perspectives in the Arts & Sciences, Business Dynamics, Communication Intensive coursework, and the additional degree requirements for business majors.  Details can be found in the Degree Requirements section of the catalogue, including the Overview and the Business Majors tabs.

Course Title Credits
Required Courses33
EC 112Principles of Macroeconomics3
AC 201Introduction to Financial Information Professions3
AC 215Performance Measurement3
AC 310Cost Management3
AC 311Financial Accounting and Reporting I3
FI 305Principles of Accounting and Finance3
FI 306Financial Markets and Investment3
FI 307Advanced Managerial Finance3
FI 347Financial Modeling3
FI 351International Finance3
AC 455Strategic Performance Management 3

A NOTE ON CPA (CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT) REQUIREMENTS

While the CPA requirements in Massachusetts are likely representative of many licensing jurisdictions, students planning to take the CPA exam need to be aware of the specific educational requirements of the jurisdiction in which they intend to sit for the exam.  Visit the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy website for the specific requirements in every state in the U.S. The state of Massachusetts requires 120 hours (21 in accountancy) of education in order to take the CPA exam. Careful planning in the selection of electives is necessary in order for corporate finance and accounting majors to satisfy the requirements to sit for the CPA exam.  AC 350 Federal Taxation and AC 470 Financial Statement Auditing (or AC 472 Internal Auditing) are required to be eligible to sit for the exam. (Note: AC 340 Accounting Information Systems is a pre-requisite for AC 470 Financial Statement Auditing and AC 472 Internal Auditing.)

The requirements for the undergraduate degree in corporate finance and accounting do not satisfy all requirements for CPA licensure.  Among other requirements, an individual must complete a total of 150 hours (30 in accountancy) of education, in addition to passing the exam, to become a licensed CPA. Students interested in CPA preparation should consult their Accounting advisor.