Eastern Mennonite University

What you'll study

This programme blends core accounting topics with general business and liberal‑arts courses. You study fundamental financial accounting and reporting, managerial and cost accounting, federal taxation, auditing and assurance, and accounting information systems. Courses typically include intermediate financial accounting, advanced accounting topics, taxation for individuals and businesses, auditing, and accounting systems and data analytics.

Supporting business courses cover business law, corporate finance, managerial economics and business ethics. You will also take instruction in quantitative skills such as statistics, quantitative analysis or spreadsheet modelling, plus writing and communication courses to develop professional reporting and presentation skills.

Most students complete a capstone or integrative course that applies accounting knowledge to real problems, and there are opportunities for internships, practicum placements with local firms and community organisations, and projects with external partners to build practical experience.

Entry requirements

• Secondary school completion or equivalent; applicants are evaluated on academic record and course preparation in mathematics and English.
• Typical preparation includes high‑school algebra and a demonstrated ability in quantitative work; prior coursework in economics or business is helpful but not mandatory.
• Applicants usually submit academic transcripts and may be asked for an essay or personal statement explaining their motivation and fit with a values‑based liberal‑arts institution.
• References or recommendation letters and an interview may be requested for selective admission or placement into certain programme pathways.
• Transfer students with college credit in accounting or business are considered; transfer credit and pathways to meet professional 150‑hour requirements are assessed individually.

Career prospects

Graduates move into roles across public accounting firms, corporate accounting and finance departments, government agencies, and nonprofit organisations. Common job titles include staff accountant, tax associate, internal auditor, financial analyst, cost accountant and accounting manager. With additional coursework or credit hours, graduates can pursue professional certifications such as the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA).

The programme’s emphasis on internship experiences, software skills and ethical decision‑making also prepares students for emerging roles in forensic accounting, financial compliance, data analytics and advisory services. Small class sizes and faculty mentoring support career planning and alumni networking in the region and beyond.

Why study at Eastern Mennonite University

Eastern Mennonite University offers a small, community‑oriented learning environment where faculty teaching integrates professional preparation with a liberal‑arts perspective and faith‑inspired ethical reflection. Students benefit from close mentorship, opportunities for internship and community engagement in the Shenandoah Valley, and interdisciplinary coursework that broadens communication and critical‑thinking skills.

The university emphasises experiential learning—students frequently work on real accounting projects, practicum placements or internships with local businesses and nonprofit organisations. Career services and faculty advisers help students map academic choices to professional certification pathways and job markets, making the programme well suited for those seeking both technical competence and a values‑based approach to accounting practice.