ACCOUNTING AT CORNELL FAQS
Is accounting offered at Cornell?
Yes it is! Although there is no accounting "major" at Cornell, you can concentrate in accounting as an Applied Economics and Management (AEM) major in the Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management. You can also take most of the accounting courses at Cornell as any major, provided you've fulfilled the prerequisites.
What kinds of accounting-related events are held at Cornell?
The CAA holds general body meetings as well as accounting-related events throughout the school year. Here's some examples of events we've held in the past:
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"So you want to be a CPA?" workshop presented by Jack Little, CPA
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Personal tax filing workshop presented by Angus McKenzie, MPS-Accounting '19
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Information and networking sessions with EY and PwC
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IMA (Institute of Management Accountants) case competitions
What accounting courses are offered at Cornell?
AEM 2210: Financial Accounting (non-Dyson)
3 credits | Fall & Spring | Professor Lewis
AEM 3230: Managerial Accounting
3 credits | Spring | Professor Lewis
AEM 3370: Corporate Financial Reporting II
4 credits | Spring | Professor Yeung
AEM 4225: Systems and Analytics in Acctg
3 credits | Spring | Professor Lewis
AEM 4521: Cost Accounting
3 credits | Fall| Professor Lewis
AEM 4531: Federal Income Taxation
3 credits | Fall| Professor McKinley
AEM 4534: Taxation of Real Estate Ventures
3 credits | Spring| Professor McKinley
AEM 2225: Financial Accounting (Dyson)
4 credits | Fall & Spring | Professor McKinley
AEM 3360: Corporate Financial Reporting I
3 credits | Fall | Professor Sethuraman
AEM 3520: Financial Statement Analysis
3 credits | Spring | Professor Guest
AEM 4520: Advanced Accounting
3 credits | Fall| Professor Lewis
AEM 4530: Auditing and Assurance
3 credits | Fall| Professor Riley
AEM 4533: Taxation of Low-Income Taxpayers
2 credits | Fall| Professor McKinley
AEM 4560: Taxation of Entities & Trusts
3 credits | Spring | Professor McKinley
Is it possible to fulfill my CPA course requirements as an undergrad at Cornell?
Definitely! However, most students who fulfill their CPA requirements as an undergrad either have AP credits or take courses over the summer to help them reach 150 credits by the end of 4 years. It is also possible to become a teaching assistant for an accounting course in Dyson, which can give you up to 6 credit hours that count toward your accounting course requirements.
Is there a specific major I need to be in order to fulfill my CPA requirements?
Nope! You can fulfill your CPA requirements as any major at Cornell. However, most of our CPA candidates are Dyson majors just because the course requirements for the AEM major overlaps a lot with CPA course requirements. We have had successful CPA candidates in other Cornell colleges as well.
There may be students who require a fifth year of education to meet the CPA requirements. This fifth year is in graduate school; the Johnson School offers a MPS (Master's of Professional Studies) in Accounting, which is similar to a MAcc (Master's of Accounting) offered at other schools.
What are the requirements I need in order to be certified as a CPA in New York State?
There are three basic requirements:
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Be of good moral character
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Be at least 21 years of age
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Meet education, experience, and examination requirements
Education
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150 credit hours
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33 credit hours in accounting
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36 semester hours in general business electives
Experience
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1 year of work experience in accounting
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Must be under direct supervision of a CPA
Examination
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You must pass (score 75+) on the Uniform CPA Examination
The examination consists of four parts taken separately:
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Auditing & Attestation (AUD)
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Financial Accounting & Reporting (FAR)
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Regulation (REG)
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Business Environment and Concepts (BEC)
You must pass all parts within 18 months. In NYS, only 120 credits are needed to sit for the exam (varies by state).
Many of these rules are the same across states, but some differ slightly (credit hours needed in certain academic areas, how many credits you need to sit for the exam, etc.), so if you aren't looking to get certified in NYS, check with your state's board of accountancy. Click your state below for more information!
Do I have to take all of my accounting courses at Cornell?
Nope! You can take them at any accredited institution. Summer classes, transfer credits from another school, classes taken during the school year at another school, online courses - they all can count.
What accounting firms recruit at Cornell?
Of the Big 4 accounting firms, EY and PwC recruit for their assurance (audit) and tax divisions through on-campus recruiting. EY, PwC, and Deloitte recruit for advisory (consulting) positions. Traditional internship recruiting occurs during junior fall for an internship between junior and senior year, but there are also specialized programs for freshmen and sophomores to introduce them to the firm and the field of accounting. Of the midsize firms, Citrin Cooperman, BDO, and Grant Thornton have taken Cornell students.
Have any more questions about accounting at Cornell?
Feel free to reach out to any of the CAA e-board members!