Accounting – forensic accounting

Start with Stark State’s low tuition, small class sizes, convenient locations and industry-experienced professors. Then get to a bachelor’s degree by transferring your associate degree to one of our university partners: 

• Franklin University
• Walsh University

Stark State’s accounting data analytics program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. www.acbsp.org

No. Accounting relies primarily on critical thinking and problem-solving skills, along with fundamental math abilities. If you can add, subtract, multiply, divide, perform basic algebra and think analytically, you can succeed in this field.

Graduates with accounting skills, such as payroll, QuickBooks, financial accounting, tax preparation and Excel, are in high demand. Career opportunities exist in public accounting, corporate accounting, government agencies, law enforcement (including the FBI), and small or large businesses, as well as in entrepreneurship.

Because our classes are rigorous, we advise you to take a part-time course load if you work full time, typically no more than two classes per semester.

Yes. We offer strong 3+1 partnership agreements that allow you to complete three years at Stark State and one year at a partnering university. This pathway helps to significantly reduce your total tuition and fees for a bachelor’s degree.

Absolutely. We have numerous internship opportunities with local employers that offer competitive pay and valuable professional experience. Each spring semester, we provide a service-learning opportunity where you can help prepare real tax returns for community members.

You have access to free tutoring both in-person and online. Full-time faculty maintain ten office hours a week, including dedicated tutoring time. Our career services team also assists with resume preparation and helps you post your credentials on Handshake to connect with potential employers.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly handling routine, repetitive tasks, which historically made up many entry-level positions. This shift is creating more opportunities for professionals to focus on higher-level analytical, strategic and decision-making work – the rewarding aspects of accounting and finance.

To become a certified public accountant (CPA), you must earn a bachelor’s degree with an accounting concentration, pass the CPA examination and meet the work experience requirement. Our 3+1 partnerships help you move efficiently from associate to bachelor’s degree. After passing the Uniform CPA Examination, you must complete two years of qualifying work experience with a bachelor’s degree, or one year if you hold a master’s degree.

To become a certified management accountant (CMA), you must earn a bachelor’s degree and pass both sections of the CMA examination. Our 3+1 partnerships support a smooth path toward your bachelor’s degree. A work experience requirement also applies. After passing both parts of the CMA examination, you must complete two years of experience in management accounting and/or financial management.