Bachelor of Arts

Accounting

Major

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Numbers tell the story

The accounting major at Goshen College is designed to prepare you for success. Our graduates pass the CPA exam at rates that exceed both the national and Indiana passing rates. The most recent CPA exam passing rates for those taking the exam for the first time, place us 9th in the country for programs of a similar size and 1st in Indiana.

Our program isn’t only about accounting. Students strengthen their business skills through courses in business analytics, operations management, and business strategy. Our accounting majors have a strong history of internship success that often leads to a post-graduation job opportunity but the hands-on learning doesn’t only happen in the internship. Our students can sharpen their business skills by helping to manage the on-campus coffee shop or study business process innovation with one of our local business partners.



  • #1
    CPA exam passing rate in Indiana for graduates taking the exam for the first time
  • 100%
    of accounting students complete a hands-on learning experience; with most students choosing a full-time, paid internship
  • #9
    in the Country for graduates passing the CPA exam *based on passing rates of graduates from programs of a similar size as Goshen College

    What you’ll study

    You will start with foundational concepts from accounting, information systems, data analysis, and economics. Concepts that help build a context for where accounting lives. Second- and third-year courses will cover intermediate-level concepts in cost accounting, financial accounting, taxation, and business analytics. Your final year will be spent polishing your auditing skills and developing an ability to think strategically. All accounting majors complete a course that helps to prepare them for career success, from creating an outstanding resume to developing impressive interviewing skills. Along the way you will have countless opportunities to apply what you are learning through internships and other hands-on learning experiences.

    You will be challenged to weave ethics and social responsibility through every course. You are expected to question, research, and weigh the impact of business decisions on employees, customers, suppliers, owners, and the community, and the environment.

    Program Requirements

    Where theory meets practice

    Internships with accounting firms, and businesses of all sizes let you build your resume before you graduate. Even that part-time job during college is developing transferable skills that employers look for. Your first career fair will happen early in your sophomore year and many of our students find their first accounting internship through that event. Our strong alumni network will also help you make connections wherever you want to pursue your accounting career.

    Hands-on learning

    Every accounting major must choose at least one experience-focused course. For many, a full-time, paid internship in the spring or summer of their junior year, meets this requirement. Additional options include participating on the management team of Java Junction, the on campus coffee shop, or learning about business process innovation, on site, at one of our local business partners.

    Over the course of your time at Goshen College, your collective experiences can lead you to opportunities in public accounting, corporate finance, taxation, auditing, compliance, risk management, financial services, analytics, executive leadership and academia. Many of our students choose to pursue graduate study in accounting, business, law or related fields. The degree is built to open the CPA track specifically, but it doesn’t require you to take it.



    • Goshen College prepared me well for a career in accounting and finance through hands-on coursework, real-life case studies, internship opportunities, and professors who genuinely cared about my success. My SST experience in Cambodia was a highlight that expanded my worldview and ignited a love for travel and experiencing new cultures. But most importantly, I developed lifelong friendships and a set of values that continue to guide me today.

      Seth Grimes '11

      Senior Director, Corporate Finance and Investment Banking at Eli Lilly and Company

    What it costs, and the aid behind it

    Scholarships make up a large portion of Goshen financial aid packages, which average almost $26,000 per student, not counting work-study or loans. As students in a business program, accounting majors may also qualify for endowed awards including the Sauder Scholarship and the Gorsline Scholarship. Run the net price calculator to see your own number and talk it through with the financial aid office when you are ready to take the next step.

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    Common Questions About The Accounting Major

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