Department of Accounting

Department Chair: Dr. Lindsey Nagy, Associate Professor of Economics
Associate Professor and Program Director: Knox
Assistant Professors: Mazziotta, Rackas

The Muhlenberg accounting program provides a unique opportunity for students to benefit from a strong liberal arts education while obtaining knowledge and skills in accounting, finance, economics, and business. By proper selection of accounting major and elective courses, students will be prepared to continue on with graduate study or to pursue a variety of careers in public accounting, law, the corporate world, or not-for-profit organizations.

Courses focus on broad accounting concepts and issues but also develop the teamwork, communication, technical, and interpersonal skills necessary to succeed in the professional world today. Students are encouraged to enhance their leadership skills, to develop high ethical standards, and to achieve their full potential throughout this program. A variety of options to pursue study abroad, obtain internships, or spend a semester in Washington, D.C. also exist.

Course Design

All accounting courses include written and oral communication, critical analysis of data, evaluation of ethical dilemmas, study of global issues, and use of information technology for research and presentation. Courses are designed and taught following guidelines prepared by professional organizations. Students learn in a state-of-the-art computerized classroom, using information technology as a tool for researching, analyzing, and communicating financial information. Students frequently work cooperatively and collaboratively to build teamwork and interpersonal skills as they analyze data, make decisions, and apply critical and creative thinking skills. This prepares them for changing conditions and requirements in the professional world. Active learning is achieved by utilization of case studies and financial analysis of publicly held companies.

Special Programs

Options for Accumulating 150 Semester Hours

Many students choose to earn their bachelor degree in accounting at Muhlenberg while simultaneously taking additional coursework to earn 150 semester hours of education. Most state boards of accountancy require 150 semester hours of education prior to licensure as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). With this option, students graduate with an accounting major with additional course units beyond the Muhlenberg requirements for graduation.

Students who plan to complete 150 hours of coursework, study abroad, or participate in other special programs are encouraged to enroll ACT 101 - Financial Accounting during the spring semester of their first year at Muhlenberg.

Internship and Mentoring Opportunities

The Accounting, Business, Economics, and Finance Department has an extensive internship program that provides accounting majors with a wide range of opportunities to gain valuable work experience. Internships may be taken during the summer or during the students’ junior or senior years and are available with Big Four professional services firms, regional CPA firms, major corporations, and local businesses. Mentoring opportunities also exist with alumni, members of local professional organizations, and Big Four firms.

Study Abroad

In addition to Muhlenberg’s traditional study abroad programs, an international program has been designed especially for students in accounting, business, and economics. The program is offered through the Center for European Studies at Maastricht University in the Netherlands and would generally be enrolled during the fall semester of the junior year. In this program students attend courses in European business, economics, and politics, taught in English. Besides deepening global and cultural awareness, students have opportunities to travel to France, Belgium, and Germany and meet business and political leaders from those countries (see Off Campus and Study Abroad ).

Semester in Washington, D.C.

Students who select this program have opportunities for internships, primarily with government agencies and not-for-profit organizations. In addition to the internship experience, the program includes seminars and field trips drawing on the special cultural and political resources available in Washington. Participants also experience living and working in our capital with students from other Lutheran colleges throughout the United States. Students frequently opt for this program during their junior or senior year or during the summer months (see Semester in Washington, D.C. ).

Programs

Major

Accounting, leading to a B.A. degree

Courses

Accounting