Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pursue an accounting major if I haven’t completed accounting courses in high school?

How large will the enrollment be in my accounting courses? Who will teach my accounting courses?

Can I complete an accounting major in a four-year period of time?

Can I complete a major in another program if I major in accounting?

Will I be assigned an accounting professor as my academic advisor?

What types of jobs do accounting majors find after graduation?

What kinds of professional certifications can I pursue after graduating with an accounting major?

What is meant by the 150-hour requirement for CPA candidates?

How will the 150-hour requirement affect me as an accounting major?

What types of internship opportunities does the accounting program support?

If you have any more questions, please don't hesitate to contact the Economics & Business department.

Q) Can I pursue an accounting major if I haven’t completed accounting courses in high school?

A) Absolutely. A unique feature of our program is that students who have not completed a high school accounting course are enrolled in an introductory course with other students who have not had this background.

Q) How large will the enrollment be in my accounting courses? Who will teach my accounting courses?

A) Accounting courses at the introductory and advanced levels have enrollment caps of 25 students. The accounting program is staffed by four full-time faculty. The full-time accounting faculty teaches all accounting courses.

Q) Can I complete an accounting major in a four-year period of time?

A) Yes. Provided a student carries a full academic load, the accounting program can easily be completed within a four-year period.

Q) Can I complete a major in another program if I major in accounting?

A) Yes. Accounting majors complete a number of other majors. Common double majors within the department include economics, management, and management information systems. Students have completed double majors in such fields as foreign languages, music, education, communications, and art.

Q) Will I be assigned an accounting professor as my academic advisor?

A) Yes. If you indicate an interest in an accounting major, you will be assigned an accounting professor as your academic advisor. You can change advisors at any time in your program. The process is simple and can be completed at the Registrar's Office.

Q) What types of jobs do accounting majors find after graduation?

A) Accounting majors pursue careers in public accounting, private accounting, and the not-for-profit sector. Positions in the public accounting sector are in the fields of auditing, tax preparation, and consulting. Positions in private sector accounting range from cost accounting positions with manufacturing operations to staff accounting positions with firms in such diverse businesses as retail, insurance, banking, and financial services. Positions in the not-for-profit sector include organizations such as churches, charitable organizations, and state or local governments.

Q) What kinds of professional certifications can I pursue after graduating with an accounting major?

A) Graduates can pursue professional certifications such as Certified Public Accountant (C.P.A.), Certified in Management Accounting (C.M.A.), and Certified in Financial Management (C.F.M.) designations. For more information on these certifications please visit the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants website at www.aicpa.org or the Institute of Management Accountants website at www.imanet.org

Q) What is meant by the 150-hour requirement for CPA candidates?

A) The Iowa legislation passed a law requiring that a person who has passed the CPA exam must have completed 150 hours of post-secondary education to become certified. The law was effective beginning January 1, 2001. Currently, all but two states have enacted similar legislation. The effective beginning dates vary by state.

Q) How will the 150-hour requirement affect me as an accounting major?

A) If you are an accounting major who is considering work in the private or not-for-profit sector this legislation will not affect you.

For those students who are considering a career in public accounting there are a couple of things to note. The state of Iowa allows undergraduate seniors in their final semester of courses to sit for the CPA exam. A successful candidate would then have to complete additional courses to meet the 150-hour requirement. These hours can be earned at either the undergraduate or graduate level. Luther College has articulation agreements with four Iowa universities that allow students to pursue a master degree in accounting and complete their 150-hour requirement.

Q) What types of internship opportunities does the accounting program support?

A) The Luther College Career Center coordinates internship interviews for students with a number of public accounting and private accounting companies. Many of these interviews begin in the fall semester. In addition, a number of companies visit the campus during Career Days in the fall and spring semesters.

If you have any more questions, please don't hesitate to contact the E & B Department