ACCOUNTING COURSES FOR ALL STUDENTS
Many successful businessmen and women attribute at least part of their success to an understanding of accounting, “the language of business.” Business schools at baccalaureate institutions require their students to complete a full year of accounting. As such, all transfer students planning careers in accounting, finance, human relations, marketing, management or sales should take Financial Accounting (ACCOU 1140) and Managerial Accounting (ACCOU 1150) at College of DuPage before transferring to a baccalaureate business program.

This accounting sequence (ACCOU 1140 and 1150) is also an appropriate choice for students planning to operate their own businesses at some point in the future, even if their current plans do not include a transfer to a business program at a baccalaureate institution.

NEW DELIVERY MODE! The Accounting program now offers a convenient alternative to the traditional classroom. Although specifically designed to help CPA Exam candidates accelerate their course of study, these five new “blended” classes are open to all students. A flexible alternative to the traditional classroom with reduced classroom seat time, these classes meet over 8, 12, or 16 weeks. [ More about the Blended Classes ]

Careers in Accounting
You may be well-suited for a career in accounting if you:

• Desire a job with a good starting salary and potential for advancement.
• Like working with people in an office setting.
• Can effectively follow instructions and assume responsibility.
• Enjoy working with numbers and are detail-oriented and organized.
• Would like to combine your accounting skills with state-of-the-art computer technology.

Employment prospects for entry-level jobs are very competitive. Because of this, students should be well prepared academically and must possess excellent oral and written communication skills, and strong computer skills. To advance in the accounting field, students should plan to continue their education after completing their initial program of study at College of DuPage. Educational plans that include transferring to a baccalaureate-granting school will enhance opportunities for advancement.

Certificate and Occupational Accounting Programs:
The Certificate and Occupational Accounting programs at C.O.D. are designed for students who plan to join the workforce immediately after college. Certificates and an occupational A.A.S. degree in Accounting prepare students to become accounting clerks, bookkeepers, junior accountants, bank tellers, credit analysts, auditing clerks and tax preparers. Job opportunities exist in accounting firms, manufacturing companies, financial institutions, insurance companies, service organizations, and not-for-profit and government entities.

Accounting Transfer Program:
The Accounting Transfer program at College of DuPage starts students on the road to becoming professional accountants by providing the first two years of college coursework. Students in the Transfer program work toward the completion of an Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree at College of DuPage and then usually transfer to a four-year college or university to earn a bachelor’s degree. Career opportunities for professional accountants include public accountant, auditor, tax specialist, management consultant, Internal Revenue Service agent, financial analyst, credit analyst, cost accountant and budget analyst. Job opportunities exist in public accounting firms, manufacturing companies, financial institutions, insurance companies, service organizations, and not-for-profit and governmental entities.

Continuing Your Education:
Educational plans that include preparation for examinations required for certification further enhance a student's opportunities for advancement. Students should consider earning certification as a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Management Accountant, Certified Fraud Examiner, Certified Internal Auditor and/or Enrolled Agent. Additional information can be obtained from the related professional organization.

AUTOMATED COURSE PREREQUISITE CHECKING
Beginning with registration for the Fall 2006 term, course prerequisites are now checked automatically by the Student Records System.
 
All registration methods (in person, online and touchtone phone) will prevent a student from adding a class if a course prerequisite is required AND the student has failed to satisfy the prerequisite.

1. Courses taken at C.O.D. will be automatically verified.
2. If transfer transcripts have already been evaluated by the C.O.D. Records office, successful completion will automatically be verified.
3. Students should have other college transcripts sent to the C.O.D. Records office and request a transcript evaluation.
4. Students should have high school transcripts sent to the Records office.
 
Students will not be able to register for courses until they have successfully completed the course prerequisites.
 
If students are currently enrolled in prerequisite courses, they will be allowed to register for the next course, based on the assumption that they will successfully complete the prerequisite. After the grading cycle, students who do not successfully complete prerequisites will be dropped for their next course and notified by e-mail.