Whether you are preparing for a career in accounting, planning to transfer to a four-year college or university or updating your skills, COD offers:

• Dedicated instructors with years of practical industry experience, certification, and licensing.
• Flexible course schedules with day and evening classes, online learning and accelerated hybrid classes.
• Practical, hands-on experience as well as classroom-based studies, including providing free tax preparation services for the community.
• An advisory board made up of practicing professionals ensures that College of DuPage’s Accounting program teaches skills that are relevant and in demand by today’s employers.
• An innovative transfer program that facilitates a convenient, affordable and streamlined approach to earning a bachelor's degree.
• Certificate and degree programs designed to prepare prospective candidates to earn the coveted Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credential. 

Accountancy, A.A.S.

The Accountancy degree provides the technical and practical foundation for careers in supervisory and administrative roles within the accounting field.

Accounting Specialist, Certificate

Equips students with the skills needed for entry-level positions in accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll, while developing computerized general ledger software skills to technical proficiency and professional capabilities in these functions.

Accounting Transfer Pathway, A.A.

What is a Transfer Pathway?

A transfer pathway represents a typical course schedule/sequence for a student planning to complete the A.A. degree within two years, then transfer and major in a specific discipline. A transfer pathway is not institution-specific.

It is important to understand that the pathway provided in the adjacent tab is just one possible combination of classes by which to complete an A.A. and prepare for transfer in your chosen area of study. Other course combinations and sequences can work, too. It is strongly recommended that students work directly and frequently with a COD academic counselor/advisor, a COD faculty advisor, and academic counselors/advisors at potential transfer schools, to develop and execute a plan that works best for them.

Advanced Accounting, Certificate

The Advanced Accounting Certificate provides an in-depth study of accounting for students needing to meet the educational requirements to qualify for the Certified Public Accountant Examination. It is also for business professionals seeking an in-depth analysis of accounting for career advancement. This certificate provides advanced coverage of intermediate accounting, managerial cost accounting, individual and corporate income tax, auditing, data analytics, ethics, and research and communication.

Bookkeeping, Certificate

Prepares students to work with an organization's financial accounts, including recording and analyzing financial information, preparing financial reports, and processing payroll.

Income Tax Preparer, Certificate

Prepares students for entry-level positions preparing income tax and payroll tax returns and general tax form preparation for individuals and small businesses.

Paraprofessional Accountant, Certificate

The Paraprofessional Accountant Certificate prepares students for positions in bookkeeping, accounting, payroll, or tax preparation services under the direction of a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

Academic and Career Pathways give you a roadmap to achieving your career goals. Follow a pathway based on your degree or certificate that outlines which classes you need to take and when so you graduate on time or move on to the next phase in your career.

• Accountancy, Associate in Applied Science
• Accounting Transfer Pathway, Associate in Arts
• Accounting Specialist, Certificate
• Advanced Accounting, Certificate
• Bookkeeping, Certificate
• Income Tax Preparer, Certificate
• Paraprofessional Accountant, Certificate

Accounting Program graduates will:

Accounting Competencies

Demonstrate accounting competencies of the profession that add value to business and contribute to a prosperous society in the following areas: Risk Assessment, Analysis and Management, Measurement Analysis & Interpretation, Reporting, Research, Systems & Process Management, and Technology & Tools

Professional Competencies

Demonstrate professional competencies that relate to the skills, attitudes and behaviors of accounting professionals in the following areas: Ethical Conduct, Professional Behavior, Decision Making, Collaboration, Communication, and Project Management.

Business Competencies

Demonstrate business competencies that relate to the broad business environment in which accounting professionals work in the following areas: Strategic Perspective, Global and Industry Perspectives, Process and Resource Management Perspectives, Government Perspective, and Customer Perspective

College of DuPage partners with several four-year institutions to help students seamlessly complete a bachelor’s degree in accountancy. Students can connect with Transfer Services for personalized guidance on transfer opportunities.

For more information about Transfer Pathways, visit the College of DuPage Catalog. The pathway outlines a typical two-year course plan for completing an AA or AS degree before transferring to a four-year program. Course requirements vary by institution, so consult your faculty or academic advisor for specific guidance.

Articulation Agreements

College of DuPage maintains transfer agreements with many colleges and universities to ensure a smooth transition toward a bachelor’s degree. These agreements often include a defined course sequence. Students should regularly meet with a faculty member or Advising Services to stay on track.

• DePaul University, AA to Bachelor of Science Business with major in Accounting
• DePaul University, AAS in Accounting, or Management, or Marketing to Bachelor of Arts in Professional Studies with major in Business Administration 
• Lewis University, AAS Accounting to BS Accounting

Transfer Guides

Beyond articulation agreements and guaranteed admission programs, College of DuPage courses transfer to many other institutions. Transfer Guides help students select COD courses that meet prerequisites for specific majors and include details such as contact information, major requirements, general education requirements, and transfer policies.

• Southern Illinois University, Carbondale AA to Bachelor of Science in Accounting (online)
• Southern Illinois University, Carbondale AA to Bachelor of Science in Accounting

An Associate in Arts degree in accounting is usually geared for students who plan to transfer to a four-year university in a residential, full-time program.

The Associate in Applied Science degree is accepted by many local colleges and universities, especially adult part-time programs.

The Associate in Arts degree includes more liberal arts courses, while the Associate in Applied Science degree focuses more on a specialty area.

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 competitive. Because of this, you should be prepared academically and you must possess excellent oral and written communication skills and strong computer skills.

To advance in the accounting field, you should plan to continue your education after completing your initial program of study. Educational plans that include transferring to a baccalaureate-granting school will enhance your opportunity for advancement.

Every accounting course is not offered every semester, but many accounting courses are available each term.

Basic courses are offered every semester. These courses are also offered in day, evening and weekend sessions.

There are specific requirements you must meet to take the CPA exam. Visit CPA Examination Requirements for more information.

Contact Program Chair Maureen McBeth at (630) 942-2879 or mcbeth@cod.edu for more information on the Accounting program.