At a glance: Forensic Accounting

ONU also offers a Master of Professional Practice in Accounting degree. For more information about this interdisciplinary fusion of business and law, visit the MPPA web site.

Accounting majors enjoy the challenge and discipline of financial analysis. The James F. Dicke College of Business Administration students build a solid foundation in fundamental accounting knowledge including financial-statement preparation and analysis, internal controls and business processes and tax planning. Students can take their love of numbers into one of the most highly demanded career fields. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects nearly 226,000 new accounting and auditing jobs will be created by 2016. Visit the college's web site.

Degrees offered

The forensic accounting option is the only program of its kind in Ohio and one of only a handful in the country. Inquisitive students with excellent analytical and communication skills, especially those who are interested in becoming certified public accountants, may benefit from the forensic-accounting option.

Distinctive features

Accounting majors begin with accounting basics and work their way through taxation, finance, auditing and managerial accounting. Majors can choose from a variety of upper-level electives to strengthen their specific area of interest. Forensic accounting is a unique option available to accounting majors. Students completing the accounting major will have the necessary educational requirements for the Certified Management Accounting (CMA) and the Certified Internal Auditing (CIA) examinations. If desired, majors can take further undergraduate courses to meet the requirements for the Certified Public Accounting (CPA) examination.

Student organizations

Majors can join the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). IMA provides a dynamic forum for management-accounting and finance professionals to develop and advance their careers through certification, research and practice development, education and networking. Also, accounting majors can join Beta Alpha Psi, an honorary organization for financial-information students. Members of Beta Alpha Psi promote the study and practice of accounting, finance and information systems.

Career opportunities

The Dicke College of Business Administration (DCBA) graduates are equipped with the knowledge to enter the workforce as entry-level accountants. Accounting majors pursue careers in public accounting and auditing, cost or management accounting, internal auditing and government accounting. Accountants enjoy careers working for the government, for corporations big and small, or for themselves as CPAs. Accounting is also excellent preparation for law school or graduate studies.