The Penn State Smeal College of Business now provides a Certificate in Corporate Accounting (CORAC) option for postgraduate students. The online program requires 12 credit hours.
The CORAC program is designed for professionals who aim to shift careers, or prepare for roles that require a deeper knowledge of accounting. Since the program is online, it provides an excellent opportunity for people with full-time jobs who wish to gain an edge in their field
An accounting certificate may prove useful in today’s growing market. According to U.S. News, The Bureau of Labor Statistics calculates an 11 percent job growth rate for accounting jobs in the coming years. Additionally, Steven Huddart, chair of Smeal’s Department of Accounting asserts that staff members who combine an understanding of their industry with comprehensive accounting knowledge will ultimately prove more valuable to employers. Huddart maintains that comprehending the financial inner-workings of an organization becomes essential as professionals scale the corporate ladder.
This development is also good news for Smeal’s Online MBA students who wish to pursue accounting. Students enrolled in the online MBA program can channel the CORAC coursework toward their concentration requirement.
The corporate accounting curriculum covers the general knowledge students would get from an undergraduate accounting education, but also delves beyond the basics to reach a depth appropriate for graduate students. The program’s four required courses include: Financial Accounting, Taxation, Auditing and Managerial Accounting.
Smeal is currently accepting applications for those who wish to enroll in the program in the fall.