Accounting Programs at Stony Brook: A Pathway to the CPA
According to the US Department of Labor, employment for accountants and auditors is expected to grow by 11 percent from 2014 to 2024, or faster than the average for all careers. And, accounting is often ranked as one of the most desirable professions available—including being ranked as one of the top 25 jobs in 2016 by U.S. News & World Report. In 2016, CareerCast.com ranked the career of “accountant” in the top 50 best jobs in terms of work environment, income, employment outlook, physical demands, and low level of stress. Salaries are also strong for accountants. In 2015, accountants and auditors earned a median salary of $67,190, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, earnings that are much higher than the national average ($48,320) for all careers.
In New York and nearly every state, you must have 150 credit hours of study for CPA eligibility, 30 credits more than the typical undergraduate degree, making graduate education a necessity. And your 150 credits cannot just be any credits – they need to include 36 credits of business and 33 credits of accounting.
Minor in Accounting
The Accounting minor provides students with a strong academic foundation in the field of accounting which will serve as a basis for further advanced study in accounting at the graduate level. It is anticipated that students who declare the accounting minor will continue their accounting education by enrolling in the MBA or MS in Accounting program in order to prepare themselves for the Uniform Certified Public Accountancy exam and a career in public accounting.
Students may apply to the accounting minor at any time during their academic career provided that their cumulative grade point average is 3.20 or higher. Business and non-business majors may complete the accounting minor.
Graduate Programs in Accounting
Stony Brook has two pathways for students to attain the additional 30 credits to meet the 150 credit hour requirement, as well as be prepared to sit for the CPA exam: The MBA in Accounting and the MS in Accounting and Analytics.
ACCOUNTING PREREQUISITES FOR GRADUATE PROGRAMS
Stony Brook University's College of Business graduate accounting programs require specific prerequisite courses. Complete this form so that our admissions team can assess what classes you may need to take prior to applying and/or starting a graduate program in accounting at Stony Brook.
MBA in Accounting Requirements
Minimum of 18 credits in accounting to include:
- Financial Accounting
- Managerial or Cost Accounting
- Auditing
- US Federal Income Taxation
- 3 credits in general business courses
Applicants who have not completed US Federal Income Taxation should contact Cobgraduate@stonybrook.edu for options to meet this requirement.
MS in Accounting Requirements
Minimum of 12 credits in accounting to include:
- Financial Accounting
- Managerial or Cost Accounting
- Auditing
- US Federal Income Taxation
- 30 credits in general business courses
Applicants who have not completed US Federal Income Taxation should contact Cobgraduate@stonybrook.edu for options to meet this requirement.
Accounting Student Recruitment on Campus
Beta Alpha Psi (petitioning chapter) is a student organization that meets weekly under the guidance of Professor Christie Comunale, and hosts accounting firm talks, career readiness programs and networking events. Since 2013, The College of Business, in association with the Stony Brook University Career Center and our accounting organzations, has hosted an accounting firm/student networking event in the Fall semester, giving students and firms the opportunity to discuss internships and full time jobs. Many students have received positions in the big four, as well as other sized firms, based on the events taking place on campus. “We want to provide our students with the best possible academic experience, and this includes much more than sitting in the classroom,” states Dr. Comunale. She continues, “The attention that we are getting from the accounting profession speaks volumes to the excellence of student we are turning out. Our graduates come equipped with the knowledge and the professionalism that is essential to succeed in this field.”
If you would like to speak with an advisor about accounting programs, please email CoBundergraduate@stonybrook.edu or call 631-632-7171.
