General Overview
The Bachelor of Science in Accountancy and the Bachelor of Science in Public Accounting degrees are intended for students who want to prepare for a career in accounting in the context of a Christian liberal arts education. Calvin's students receive a broad education both in business and in the liberal arts to become competent accounting specialists who also understand and relate well to the world around them.
Overview of the B.S. in Accountancy Program
The B.S. in Accountancy program is designed for students who are interested in a career in accounting other than public accounting (C.P.A.). It includes courses in accounting, management, marketing, business law and courses in economics. It also requires courses in mathematics and computer science. Students who enroll in this four-year program find positions in banking, industry, and not-for-profit institutions. There are some exemptions from general college core requirements. Interested students are encouraged to speak to an advisor.
Program Requirements
Full course descriptions (07-08) :
- Business 203, 204, 215, 301, 302, 305
- Three from Business 306, 310, 311, or 315
- Business 350, 160, 370, 380
- Economics 211, 222
- One from: Economics 323-326
- One from: Economics 323-326, 330-339
- Two courses in mathematics
- Two hours of computer science including CPSC 130, and excluding CPSC 101
Overview of the B.S. in Public Accountancy (BSPA) Program
The BSPA (a five year program) is designed to meet the 150 hours education requirement for CPAs adopted by Michigan and most other states. It includes the coursework listed above for the B.S. in Accountancy plus two additional accounting courses and the liberal arts core (with some reduction in the foreign language requirement). Students interested in this program are encouraged to speak to an advisor.
Calvin accounting graduates have consistently performed well on the CPA exam. Over the past several years, rates for successful completion of the entire exam have ranked in the top ten in the State of Michigan.
Certified Public Accountant licensing
Becoming a Certified Public Accountant in the State of Michigan involves meeting education, work experience, and examination requirements established by the state. To learn more about requirements to sit for the Uniform CPA Examination and to apply for a CPA certificate, as well as other information about Certified Public Accountant licensing see the State of Michigan website.
Other Program Features
Internships are a popular option available to some accounting students each year. Students work in a CPA firm or a company accounting department for ten to fifteen hours per week and gain valuable real-world experience. The Service Learning Center offers opportunities to participate in community service. For example, students may help elderly and low-income people prepare their tax returns.
Students are encouraged to use computer applications in accounting classes. Computer access is available in the Economics Department computer lab, in the residence halls, and in the library's computer lab.
Accounting Honors Requirements
124 hour program (BS in Accountancy)
- A minimum cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 and a total of six honors courses (with at least 18 hours).
- At least two accounting courses, one non-accounting department course and normally three courses outside the department. At least one of the courses in the department should be taken before the senior year.
- A GPA in the major of at least 3.3.
150 hour program (BSPA in Accountancy)
- A minimum cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 and a total of six honors courses (with at least 18 hours).
- At least two accounting courses (one being 390H thesis -- see below), one non-accounting department course and normally three courses outside the department. At least one of the courses in the department should be taken before the senior year.
- A GPA in the major of at least 3.3.
- Completion of a thesis in Business 390H with a grade of at least B (3.0). This course could be a two or thee hour course and would be one of the accounting courses indicated in #2.
It is expected that the honors thesis in both Economics 390 and Business 390 be a scholarly research project that is significant in the field of choice and displays evidence of independent and original scholarship. The honors thesis may be in conjunction with a research assistantship with a chosen professor. Students are expected to propose a viable research plan to the professor and agree to engage in an interactive staged process, which reflects the demands and time commitment appropriate for the course.