73 units

The accounting major surveys the principles, theories, and concepts of the accounting profession while providing an intense review of the economic, quantitative, and managerial aspects of business. Its practical component leads to work assignments in international, national, and local certified public accountant (CPA) firms in students’ junior and senior years. The combination of classroom theory and real-world experience also prepares candidates for the CPA examination administered by the various state boards of accountancy in the United States. 

Highlights

• CPA exam pass rates in the top 20% of California universities.
• Scholarships allow students to earn a Christian accounting education at a state school price.  
• Specialized credentials, such as Enrolled Agent and Certified Internal Systems Analyst, are now available. 
• Graduates are placed with every major accounting firm in the U.S., from Big Four to national and regional firms.

LP and Timothy Leung Scholarships

Specialized Credentials

Students have the opportunity to earn specialized credentials, such as the IRS Enrolled Agent (EA) and the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), increasing their value to potential employers. Additionally, students have the options of joining the Accounting Honors Society and participating in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program at APU. The VITA project equips students with hands-on experience as they provide income tax assistance to low-income taxpayers in the surrounding communities. 

Experiential and Applied Learning

In addition to VITA, the school offers numerous student clubs, honor societies, and study-away opportunities. Students participating in study-away opportunities engage with topics of globalization, trade, culture, and global management and leadership as they travel the world. Typically, study-away trips include visiting global and international organizations and learning from universities and business leaders around the world. Student clubs provide the opportunity for students to build skills in leadership, management, decision making, and teamwork. 

Internships and Job Placement

Accounting majors are invited to participate in the annual Meet the Firms night. This event, hosted by the Accounting Honor Society, boasts outstanding successes. Typically, public accounting firms meet with APU students, from several major national firms (Deloitte, KPMG, CLA, BDO) and specialty firms (Weaver, CapinCrouse, Goehnere).  

Accounting majors can obtain paid internships with public accounting firms or in professional accounting with networking at Meet the Firms and other LSA events. Job placement for accounting students also remains strong, with most CPA-track students placed prior to graduation.   

Career Opportunities

Opportunities available to graduates include professional careers in accounting services, auditing, management advising services, and accounting departments in private firms and government bodies such as law enforcement agencies.

Requirements

The accounting major comprises 73 units. Students must achieve an average GPA of 2.5 or higher in their major courses.

¹

Meets the APU Core: Quantitative Reasoning general education requirement.

²

Meets the APU Core: Social Science general education requirement.

³

Meets the APU Core: Intercultural Competence general education requirement.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete this program shall be able to:

1. Demonstrate competency in multiple business disciplines.
2. Apply critical thinking to solve business problems.
3. Evaluate business decisions based on a Christian perspective.
4. Communicate ideas through professional channels.
5. Be contributing team members.
6. Identify cultural aspects of business in diverse environments.