Accounting Degree Programs

Led by a faculty that boasts both industry and teaching experience, students are equipped for careers in private industry, government, banking, finance or public accounting. 

Students are actively engaged with a variety of firms throughout their studies, including Big 4 accounting firms who regularly recruit on campus. 

OPPORTUNITIES TO ENGAGE 

Engagement with professionals and firms 

• 500+ professionals are engaged in the department each year 
• Meet the Firm events introduce students to a variety of accounting firms and opportunities 
• Career panels allow students to reflect on advice shared by a broad range of accounting professionals 
• As part of the Accounting Professional Series, students engage in workshops, professional development experiences and more
• Example firms: Plante Moran, BDO, EY, Deloittle, PwC 

Experiences and applied learning

• Summer Leadership Program at an accounting firm 
• Accounting internship 
• Case competitions in corporate finance and/or banking

Skill-based workshops

• Forensic accounting workshop 
• Corporate valuation workshops (Training the Street, Wall Street Prep)

Student Learning Outcomes

Hope College students completing an accounting degree will have:

• Critical Thinking: Enhanced ability to integrate (a) applied and theoretical experiences, and (b) a deep understanding of the content in economics and business, in analytical, problem-solving and creative activities.
• Vocational Discernment: Enhanced ability to make decisions around how to live a life of service through awareness of oneself, the needs of the world and how they intersect.
• Christian Worldview: Enhanced understanding of how a Christian worldview has been, and can be, applied in economics and business.
• Accounting/Finance Competencies: Ability to identify, understand and apply accounting and finance knowledge, concepts and theories in financial accounting, managerial accounting, auditing, taxation, finance, investments and data analytics for analysis and decision-making in a professional environment. 
• Leadership and Service Competencies: Ability to lead and serve in a global society through curricular and co-curricular learning opportunities of experiential relevance within the field of accounting and finance.