What to Expect When Studying Accounting in the US (2024)

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Accounting is a quickly growing field for international students who have been flocking to the United States to geta solid degree and experience in the field. Many times student go in blind, not knowing exactly what to expect froman accounting degree. So what should you expect when studying accounting?

Rigorous Coursework

Accounting is often considered to be one of the most intense college majors there is. Students are required to takevery rigorous courses in a number of different subjects. In addition, the core coursework required in accounting canbe daunting and takes much studying and preparation. Students are required to take courses in Mathematics,Economics, Business, and, of course, courses in accounting.

All accounting students are required to take courses in Algebra and Statistics in their first two years of study.These mathematic courses usually include College Algebra, Elementary Statistics and Business Statistics. As astudent dives deeper into the major, they will come across many new math classes. Expect to take an introductorycourse to Calculus early in your studies, as well as Calculus 1 and 2 later.

International students have the opportunity to take several social science courses, but the only required socialsciences courses are Economics I and Economics 2, which are usually taken in succession. The Economics 1 coursedeals with microeconomics, or the smaller economic issues and theories, while Economics 2 focuses on macroeconomics,or economics on a global or larger scale. If students are interested in future economics courses or different socialsciences, they have the opportunity to take any course as an elective.

Business classes usually begin with introductory accounting courses like financial and managerial accounting. Mostuniversities also require some courses in business law. What you should expect when studying accounting is to takeintroductory courses in several different business disciplines such as: business administration, finance, andmarketing. Other business classes may include leadership or organizational behavior classes or Business Policy.

Most importantly in the curriculum are the core courses. These core courses are the backbone of the accountingprogram and are meant to provide students with the skills necessary to find employment after graduation. Expect totake courses in advanced financial accounting, advanced managerial accounting, Federal Income Taxation, Tax Code,and Auditing. Students can also choose between different concentrations such as international accounting or businesssystems. Some universities also offer course in specific subjects such as financial statement analysis, forensicaccounting, and accounting research. You will find these courses at some of the top schools in accounting, includinginstitutions like the University of Liverpool.

Time Management is Key

With some very intense coursework, students will find that their free time is limited. Studying accounting requiresa large time commitment and as courses progress the workload required will only grow. International students need tokeep a set schedule in order to be effective and efficient with their time. Students should set aside times forhomework or studying each night and plan around their classes. The library will be a haven for many accountingstudents who are looking for a quiet place to study. Outside of studying and courses, students should set apart sometime for themselves to unwind from the tough coursework.

Many Clubs and Organizations

While accounting students can expect a challenge in time management and course work, there are also some greatsupport services available to them. There are a plethora of different clubs and organizations available forinternational students studying accounting. Most schools offer finance clubs and mock investment teams. One of thegreat features of the accounting major is its strong alumni base that is often willing to formally mentor a currentaccounting student. Accounting students can expect to be welcomed into many different organizations and are capableof playing many different roles on campus. Student governments regularly search for students to assist them asTreasurer or treasury assistants. Most schools also have a chapter of the Alpha Sigma Pi, the national investmentand accounting professional fraternity. These groups help students wondering how to study accounting and work asnetworking and friendship tools.