Program Description
If you have a way with numbers and are a natural problem solver, the study of accounting may be right for you. Accounting can provide career options with strong earning potential, job stability and an expanding range of career choices. All organizations involved in financial transactions, from complex, global enterprises to locally-owned small businesses and mission driven non-profits require skilled accountants to keep finances on track. As an accounting major, you will learn the skills to analyze, record, and report on business transactions, utilize current technology and employ basic managerial accounting concepts necessary in today’s commercial enterprises.
Associate Degree Programs in Accounting
Accounting (Associate of Applied Science)
This program is designed to prepare students for initial employment and career advancement in the field of accounting in small, medium, and large-sized businesses. Candidates will be trained to process and record routine data and transactions, as well as prepare accounting statements and analyze various types of accounting data.
Required Courses & Learning Outcomes
Refer to the college catalog for a list of required courses and learning outcomes for the Accounting degree program.
Certificate Programs in Accounting
Accounting
The goal of this certificate is to provide a defined course of study for those working in the field who do not have the necessary college-level course work for their positions. This certificate is not recommended for beginning students who are not working in the specific fields addressed by these certificates.
Required Courses & Learning Outcomes
Refer to the college catalog for a list of required courses and learning outcomes for the Accounting certificate program.
Admissions & Advising
Cecil College is an open enrollment institution. Get more information, find out how to apply, or meet with an advisor.
Transfer
Whether transferring coursework to Cecil College or transferring your completed degree or certificate to a four-year institution, transfer is a viable option to help meet your educational goals.
Cecil College has strong partnerships related to accounting, with institutions in the region such as Wilmington University, Millersville University, and Salisbury University among many others. Cecil College has an articulation agreement with Goldey-Beacom College, as well as transfer agreements within the state of Maryland.
Transfer information for Maryland colleges and universities is available through the Articulation System of Maryland (ARTSYS) website at www.artsys.usmd.edu. Additional transfer information can be found on the Transfer Agreements page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose accounting as a major at Cecil College?
A major in accounting is a good choice if you are looking for a career choice with ample employment opportunities post-graduation. Whether you are looking to change careers or start a new one, an accounting education provides this opportunity with an educational requirement of two years or less.
Graduates holding an associate degree in accounting or an accounting certificate secure positions such as accounts payable technician, accounts receivable technician, general accounting clerk and bookkeeper. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that demand for bookkeeping and accounting clerks will continue to be strong into the next decade. The median salary in May 2016 was $38,390.
Which one is right for me, an associate degree in accounting or an accounting certificate?
Both avenues provide a solid foundation in basic accounting skills. The accounting certificate is most appropriate for students who have earned a degree in another field of study and are seeking a career change or for anyone that is already working in the profession and needs enhanced skills for career advancement.
An associate degree in accounting also provides the opportunity to start a professional career in an entry-level position post-graduation, with the added ability to transfer to a bachelor’s degree program in the future.
Speak to an advisor in our Academic Advising Office for help choosing the right path. You can also contact one of our business or accounting faculty members.
What will I do as a bookkeeper, general accounting clerk, accounts payable or receivable technician?
Employment in these positions will involve the use of basic accounting skills to accurately identify, record and report on business transactions. Job responsibilities include receiving, verifying and recording invoices from vendors and customers, processing payments to vendors, and tracking customer billings. In these positions, you can expect to maintain and reconcile individual accounts payable records, accounts receivable ledgers and the general ledger; preparing journal entries with supporting documentation and calculations. You may also process payroll and assist in the preparation of financial statements and related reports needed by management and outside parties. These positions provide support and service to both internal and external customers.
Should I seek an accounting internship while I'm a student at Cecil College?
Yes! Completing an accounting internship provides valuable on-the-job experience applying the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom and can increase post-graduation career opportunities and income. Visit Cecil College’s Career Services Office to learn more about available opportunities, to advance your resume writing or interview skills and for general career advising. Cecil College students are highly successful securing and completing internships in accounting and business.
Career Information
Explore careers based on your interest, location and salary range or view top occupations by income.
Faculty
Full-time Faculty
Candace Vogelsong
Department Chair – Business & Management
M.B.A., Wilmington University
M.B.A., Wilmington College
Adele Foltz, CPA
Associate Professor – Accounting
M.B.A., Wesley College
Carlos Lampkin
Assistant Professor – Economics
M.B.A., Wilmington University
Mark Krysiak
Lecturer – Business and Tranportation & Logistics
M.B.A., University of Baltimore
Adjunct Faculty
Cecil College's adjunct accounting faculty are highly credentialed in their discipline and have years of professional experience. Many of our faculty are CPAs and hold advanced degrees.