The Department of Accounting and Information Systems’ undergraduate programs are divided into two options: accounting and information systems audit. These options are designed to give students the opportunity to choose the area within accounting and information systems that is best for them. The job titles vary greatly and include auditor, information systems auditor, management accountant, tax consultant, systems consultant, systems analyst, controller, and cost accountant. The demand for our graduates has been strong throughout the department’s history and that demand is continuing. Many graduates of our department desire to gain certification in their selected area of specialization. The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is the most common certification that our students pursue. To obtain a CPA license in Virginia requires 150 semester hours of education, a baccalaureate or higher degree, and an accounting concentration of 30 or more semester hours. The way the examination is now administered, candidates typically take the sections of the exam over an extended period of time. Virginia now allows candidates to start taking the exam after the candidate has successfully completed 120 semester hours of course credit. The requirements for other states vary; however, most require students to meet the 150-hour requirement. The department recommends that the CPA candidate enter our master of accounting and information systems program in order to be prepared to enter the CPA profession. In addition to the CPA exam, graduates of the program may elect to sit for the Certificate in Management Accounting (CMA) exam, the Certified Internal Auditing (CIA) exam, the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) exam and others.

-