Accounting

The Bachelor of Science degree program in Accounting prepares students to be successful in the accounting profession. Students majoring in accounting will have the opportunity to obtain knowledge in the core subjects, such as, intermediate accounting, auditing, cost accounting, individual income tax and various accounting, business and taxation courses. The objective of this program is to provide students with the knowledge and skills to enhance their success in the field of accountancy.

On January 1, 2012, a 150 college-hour requirement became mandatory in Pennsylvania for CPA certificate applicants. In a traditional college, students usually will not meet the state requirement within four years. With our accelerated class schedule, Central Penn accounting majors can complete the 150 college-hour requirement within four years or less. Our accounting majors can obtain the additional 26 credit hours by concentrating on courses that match their interests and complement their accounting degree. Examples of complementary courses are: business administration, criminal justice, homeland security management, information technology, and legal studies. Accounting students are encouraged to consult with their College Advisor and review the state CPA requirements so they can qualify to sit for the exam and become a CPA in their home state.

Program learning objectives.

• Interpret and apply Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS) and apply them to the business environment.
• Apply problem solving and research skills to summarize financial data and communicate the results of operations to the user of the financial information.
• Identify the various accounting needs of manufacturing, service, nonprofit, and governmental organizations.
• Demonstrate proficiency in the use of software applications, including internet research, spreadsheet administration, online database research and proprietary accounting programs.
• Interpret, analyze, prepare, and communicate financial data to enhance other business disciplines and promote global awareness.
• Demonstrate knowledge of other business functions such as management, leadership, marketing and business in the legal environment.
• Demonstrate written and oral communication skills consistent with standards for college graduates.

To be considered for admission into a degree or professional certificate program, students must be a high school graduate or have received a General Equivalency Diploma (GED), Pennsylvania Home School Diploma or other recognized equivalency diploma. High School Students applying with an overall GPA of 2.0 or higher may be considered for regular admission. Students applying with a GPA below a 2.0 in high school or from another college or university, if accepted, will be admitted conditionally. Please submit an application for admission and a copy of high school and/or college transcript(s). Some applicants may be required to attend a personal interview with the Admissions Office.

An admission essay may be deemed optional for all applicants whose GPA meets or exceeds the minimum for acceptance into the desired program. For certificates and degrees in the Schools of Humanities and Business, the minimum GPA for acceptance is 2.0. For most Health Sciences certificates and degrees, unless otherwise specified, the minimum GPA is 2.2.

In order to be successful in an online environment, students must have consistent and reliable access to a computer and reliable internet connection. Students are permitted to enroll in completely online degree programs during the program's scheduled enrollment availability.

Admissions Requirements.

Applicants are encouraged to have successfully completed two units of secondary math, including algebra. This adequately prepares students for learning the upper-level college math required in the programs and within specific courses. Completion of at least one accounting course in high school is strongly recommended.

Online courses follow the College's year-round schedule of quarterly, 11-week terms. Students need reliable access to the internet and a computer capable of running current software; access to speakers, a microphone, webcam, printer, and scanner may be necessary for online courses.

This program has Fall start. Upcoming start dates: October 11, 2027.

Tuition and fees. Undergraduate tuition is $525 per credit for all majors. A Student/Technology Fee of $510 per term (5 or more credits) or $315 (4 or fewer credits) is required. A one-time $150 graduation fee applies.

Books and other expenses. Variable expenses per term (estimates): textbooks $350–$450; course material fees approximately $50–$150 per course; personal $150–$250; transportation $150–$300.

Financial aid. Central Penn College processes grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study through federal, state, private, and institutional sources to help eligible students meet some of those costs, including the Federal Pell Grant, PA State Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG), Federal Work-Study and Federal Direct Stafford Loans. To apply for all federal and state financial aid programs, students must complete the FAFSA; Central Penn’s Federal School Code for FAFSA is 004890. To receive financial aid a student must be enrolled in an eligible degree or certificate program and be enrolled on at least a half-time basis (4 credits).

Payment options. Tuition and expenses are paid each term approximately three weeks before the term starts. Central Penn has a short-term three-month payment plan through CASHNet that divides the balance of the tuition owed by three payments; there is a $35 non-refundable application fee paid with the first payment. An Employer Reimbursement Tuition Agreement Plan lets students who receive tuition reimbursement from their employer defer payment until the specified dates.

Military benefits. Military benefits accepted include the Montgomery GI Bill® (Chapters 30 and 1606), Veterans Readiness and Employment (Chapter 31), the Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33) and Yellow Ribbon Program, Dependents’ Education Assistance (Chapter 35) and Tuition Assistance.

Net price calculator. Use Central Penn’s Net Price Calculator at https://npc.collegeboard.org/app/centralpenn for an early estimate of your total annual cost.

Careers you can pursue. Staff Accountant, Accounting Specialist, Payroll Specialist, CPA, with added education and passage of the CPA exam.

Graduate outcomes. 88.9% of Accounting (B.S.) graduates (9 graduates contacted) were employed in their field or continuing their education (One-Year Graduate Follow-up Report for graduates July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025, published July 1, 2026).

College-wide outcome. 89.2% of Central Penn graduates were employed in their chosen field or continuing their education within one year of graduation (graduates July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025; One-Year Graduate Follow-up Report published July 1, 2026).