FORVIS Accountancy Program

Classroom Picture

Western's Accounting curriculum focuses on building the student’s knowledge of general business, auditing, law, tax, and other accounting-related functions. What can you do with a B.S.B.A. in Accounting? Career opportunities are available in both the public and private sectors and include auditor, accountant and CPA. A minor in Accounting is also an option.

We also offer a Master of Accountancy (M.Acc.) degree at our Biltmore Park location. The M.Acc. program is designed to provide students with the necessary foundation for successful careers in public accounting, industry, government, and not-for-profit institutions.

Degree Requirements
Eight Semester Plan
Accounting Minor

The B.S.B.A. in Accounting requires 120 total hours: 42 Liberal Studies hours, 36 Business Core hours, 21 major hours and 21-27 general elective hours, depending on Liberal Studies courses completed.

Major Requirements
The following 21 hours in the major:

Liberal Studies: 42 hours
Liberal Studies Program Requirements

Business Core: 36 hours
Business Core Requirements

Electives
General Electives Credits: 21-27 hours depending on Liberal Studies courses completed.

Students who wish to finish their degree in eight semesters can follow a prescribed program of study:

For a B.S.B.A in Accounting

For dual degrees in Accounting and Finance

The minor in Accounting requires 18 total hours: View the course listing.

Mission Statement

The Accounting Programs' mission is to prepare students for successful careers in the private, government and public sectors.
We promote the personal and professional development of each of our students by offering and encouraging participation in engagement opportunities and by using interactive teaching methods that develop critical thinking and decision-making abilities.
Using these skills, along with knowledge of current accounting theories and practices, general business skills, and understanding of global business issues, our graduates will be prepared to make an immediate contribution to their employers and communities.

Master of Accountancy Program

The Master of Accountancy (M.Acc.) program is designed to provide students with the necessary foundation for successful careers in public accounting, industry, government, and not-for-profit institutions. It prepares students to meet the AICPA and state board 150-hour requirement for licensure as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Learn more about our Master of Accountancy Program.

Internships

There are numerous internship opportunities for students. In some cases internships are established through a faculty member in the student's major. Oftentimes students find part-time jobs in an area related to their field of study. When this happens, students should discuss with their academic adviser the possibility of receiving college credit. Generally, three hours of general elective credit can be earned for a minimum of 200 hours of experience.

Advantages

Three (possibly more) hours of course credit which counts as a general elective towards your degree
Compensation
Relevant entry-level experience
Ability to make a more informed career decision and to be ahead of peers who do not have experience in the field
Future contacts and references/networking opportunities

How to Apply and Prepare

Visit WCU Career Services and obtain information about resumes, job searches, and interviewing
Attend Career Services seminar on Resume Writing and schedule an appointment with Career Services for resume assistance
Attend Interviewing Skills and Job Search Seminars
Become involved in the appropriate student organization: The Accounting Club, Beta Alpha Psi, The Finance Club, The Association for Information Technology Professionals. Accounting majors are encouraged to attend the professional organization meetings of the North Carolina Association of CPA's (NCACPA)
Attend Career Fairs and Meet-the-Firms Night
Once you accept an internship offer, with permission from your academic advisor register for the internship course to obtain three hours of elective credit. All students must keep a work log, submit a written report and make a short presentation to faculty and students about their work

Each fall we hold an Accounting Career Day where WCU hosts employers for an interview day. Employers from business, government, and not-for-profit organizations come to campus to interview both undergraduate and graduate students for full-time, part-time, and internship positions. We also hold a "Meet the Firms" night in Asheville each year. These functions give students opportunities to meet local employers. Also in the accounting area, spring internships are available for qualified students who go through our on-campus fall interview process. These internships are competitive and offer excellent experiential opportunities.
Accounting majors interested in applying for these internships must have an overall GPA of 3.0. Many local businesses have hired WCU students as accounting interns. Some of these include: Mountaintop Golf & Lake Club; Underwood, Dills & Associates; Crawley Lee & Company; Dixon Hughes; Gabler, Molis & Company; Reznick Group; General Dynamics Information Technology; Johnson, Price and Sprinkle; Ray Bumgarner Kingshill; Gould Killian; High Hampton Inn and WCU Internal Audit Department.

Study Abroad

Study Abroad programs are a great way to expand your horizons and at the same time earn college credit toward the completion of your academic program. If you want to gain international experience and exposure and a distinguishing edge in today's competitive job market, then studying abroad is for you. Academically, studying abroad is not only a fun way to earn credits, but it also exposes you to different teaching methods and perspectives on academic topics.
Western's Study Abroad opportunities are designed for both undergraduate and graduate students. These opportunities consist of programs that are one semester or an entire academic year, or even just for the summer. Each program has its own distinctions and prerequisites. Learn more about these opportunities.

Student Clubs & Organizations

Participating in student clubs and organizations are a great way to enhance your educational experience and also looks good on your resume.

Beta Alpha Psi

BAP is an international honorary organization for financial information professionals, including accounting, finance, and information systems majors. If students meet the academic requirements, they can join when they are in their upper level coursework. The WCU chapter activities include holding professional meetings on campus, visiting area businesses, such as Dixon Hughes Goodman and Gould Killian, and participating in service activities. Students also have opportunities to attend regional and national meetings. Faculty advisor: Dr. Jane Livingstone, jrlivingstone@wcu.edu.

The Western Carolina Chapter of the NCACPA (centered primarily in the greater Asheville area) offers student memberships, which are available for $20 per year, and include all benefits of regular membership, including monthly business luncheons and professional development materials and events.

Accounting news & upcoming events

WCU FORVIS Accounting Programs Networking Reception
Tuesday, October 1, 2024, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Wells Event Center, Waynesville, NC

Meet the Frims Night
tentitive: Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 6-8 p.m.
Wells Event Center, Waynesville, NC