Ithaca College

What you'll study

The programme builds a foundation in financial and managerial accounting, then progresses to advanced topics needed for professional practice and certification. Core areas include financial accounting and reporting, managerial and cost accounting, auditing, taxation, accounting information systems and business law. Students also study supporting business subjects such as corporate finance, economics, statistics, and ethics.

Typical modules and learning experiences include:

• Introductory and Intermediate Financial Accounting – principles of financial statement preparation and analysis.
• Advanced Financial Reporting – complex accounting issues, consolidations and standards-based reporting.
• Managerial and Cost Accounting – budgeting, performance measurement and cost analysis for decision-making.
• Auditing and Assurance – audit process, risk assessment, internal controls and professional responsibilities.
• Federal Taxation – individual and business tax fundamentals and tax research skills.
• Accounting Information Systems – accounting software, database concepts, controls and data analytics.
• Business Law and Ethics – legal environment of business and ethical issues in accounting.
• Capstone and Experiential Learning – practicum or capstone projects, case studies and team-based simulations; internship placements with accounting firms or corporate finance departments are strongly supported.

Instruction emphasises applied skills: spreadsheet modelling, use of accounting packages and ERP concepts, data analytics for finance, professional communication and preparation for licensure exams such as the CPA pathway.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to have a high school diploma or equivalent with a strong academic record. Recommended preparation includes high-school mathematics (algebra and preferably precalculus), and coursework in economics or business where available. Admissions typically consider the overall academic profile, recommendation letters, a personal statement and any relevant extracurricular activities.

For international applicants, demonstration of English proficiency is required through an approved test where English is not the language of instruction. Mature or transfer applicants should provide college transcripts; transfer credit may be evaluated for prior accounting and business coursework.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a broad range of roles across public accounting, industry, government and nonprofit sectors. Common career paths include:

• Public accounting roles in audit and tax with regional and national firms.
• Corporate accounting and financial reporting positions, including staff accountant and financial analyst roles.
• Management accounting and budgeting roles, including cost accountant and controller career tracks.
• Forensic accounting, internal audit and compliance positions in both private and public sectors.
• Careers in governmental accounting and nonprofit finance.

The programme prepares students for postgraduate study and professional certification routes such as the Certified Public Accountant (CPA), and provides practical experience and employer connections to support graduate employment and career advancement.

Why study at Ithaca College

Ithaca College offers a personalised learning environment with small classes and accessible faculty who combine academic scholarship with professional experience. The business programmes are delivered with an emphasis on experiential learning—internships, client projects and career-oriented workshops—and benefit from strong employer links in the region and beyond.

Students gain hands-on experience with current accounting technologies and data-analytic tools, and are supported by a career services team and an active alumni network to secure internships and jobs. The College’s integrated approach helps prepare students both for entry-level roles and for the licensure and continuing education required for long-term professional advancement in accounting.