Accounting

The Accounting Major

The field of accounting provides the language used to summarize and communicate the results of business activity. The practice of accounting identifies, collects, organizes, and presents information to support decision making. Students who master the discipline understand how to generate and interpret accounting information. Business, government, and not-for-profit organizations need people to analyze this information, interpret its meaning for the organization, and propose appropriate actions to take. The Accounting major at Lyon College seeks to prepare students to fill these roles and to contribute to organizational decision making; therefore, the curriculum requires students not only to master accounting standards, procedures, and systems but also to acquire a broad understanding of business practices and economic conditions.

Students who major in accounting are well prepared for careers in accounting and financial management. The major prepares students to begin careers in business, government, or not-for-profit organizations. Students who wish to certify that they are qualified to work in these careers are well prepared to seek certification as a certified management accountant. Others will wish to continue their studies. The Accounting major provides a solid foundation for graduate study in accounting or business, and it offers a good start to students who seek professional certification as a certified public accountant. Some of these programs have specific course requirements beyond those of the major, so interested students should consult with an advisor.