Accounting
WELCOME TO KSU ACCOUNTING
The mission of the Department of Accounting is to contribute to society by providing an effective and innovative learning environment, producing high quality research, promoting the accounting profession, and engaging with the business community.
Why Accounting?
Accountants prepare and analyze financial information to inform strategic decision-making. Accounting is often called “the language of business” because it is how businesses communicate their financial situation.
- Accounting is the backbone of a business and society, as it promotes trust, ensures financial transparency, and supports economic growth.
- Accounting information is used to impact decisions of investors, businesses, governments, and nonprofits.
- Accounting plays a critical role in personal finance decisions.
Program Highlights
We are one of only 180 universities worldwide to achieve dual accreditation in both business and accounting from AACSB International, the longest-serving global accrediting body for business schools that offer undergraduate, master’s and doctoral degrees in business and accounting. AACSB accreditation is the gold standard for students seeking the finest education and companies seeking cutting edge talent.
Career Development Support
- The current job market is booming and there is growing demand for accountants - expected annual job growth of 4% in the next 10 years.*
- Two job fairs for accounting majors bring 50+ employers to campus annually.**
- Internships are available starting sophomore year with median pay of $22-$30 per hour.**
Academic Support
- Modern curriculum includes data analytics, fraud examination and artificial intelligence.
- Accounting faculty have received national awards for their commitment to student success.
- High school students with 15+ college credits can earn two degrees (both BBA with an accounting major and M.S. in Accounting) in four years.
Financial Support
- For selected incoming freshmen, scholarships are guaranteed for four years at $4,000 or $2,000 per year.**
- For upper class students: 95% of those who apply receive scholarships averaging $2,600 per year.**
- College- and University-level scholarships are also available.
Community Support
- Award-winning accounting student organizations bring businesses and nonprofit organizations to campus for professional networking.
- Community service opportunities include participation in the IRS’s Voluntary Tax Assistance (VITA) program.
- Welcoming learning environment, including free tutoring, helps ensure student success.
*From The Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for 2022-2023.
**Based on data collected by the KSU Department of Accounting from 2020-2023)
Listen to Student Testimonials
Among less than 2% of business schools worldwide to receive dual AACSB accreditation in both business and accounting.
Ranked Among Top 100 MSA programs by TFE Times.
One of 79 accounting programs worldwide to receive IMA endorsement.
Member of the CGMA Finance Leadership Program.
Member of the ACFE Anti-Fraud Education Partnership.
Member of the Institute of Internal Auditors' Academic Awareness Program.
CPA Becker Review.
An Overview of the Accounting Profession
The Accounting Profession | Accounting Certifications
Accounting certifications can be used to enhance your career, achieve promotions and get pay raises. A range of options are available; some may be a better fit for you than others, depending on your career goals. The following is a sample list of certifications available in the accounting area.
Learn more about certifications
ACCOUNTING DEGREES & CERTIFICATES
SCHOLARSHIPS
The Accounting Department at Kent State offers over 50 scholarships for accounting majors of all class standings including incoming freshmen through graduate students.
APPLY | Scholarships
INTERNSHIPS
The Accounting Internship Program is open to all Junior and Senior declared accounting majors and Master of Business Administration students who meet certain requirements.
Learn More about internships
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
Kent State has two on-campus student organizations for accounting students including The Accounting Association and Beta Alpha Psi.
TUTORING RESOURCES
Tutoring is available for accounting students of all class standings through the Accounting Department's Tutoring Lab, the Ambassador Crawford College's tutoring hours, and through faculty office hours.
FACULTY & RESEARCH
Meet the faculty and staff of the KSU Accounting Department.
The Department of Accounting invites top accounting scholars to share their current research with our faculty and doctoral students.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
The Meonske Conference is held annually in Kent, Ohio at the Kent State University Student Center (KSC). It is named after Norman Meonske, the conference founder and Kent State Professor Emeritus. The conference has a well-deserved reputation for high-quality dialogue and welcoming hospitality. It offers a total of 16 hours of CPE credit. Registrants can attend one or both days of the conference.
The Department of Accounting is dedicated to promoting accounting education and the profession among high school students. The department hosts the annual high school accounting case competition in the Fall, and the CPA Day and CPA Camp in the Spring and Summer.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax help to people who generally make $69,000 or less, persons age 60 and up, and persons with disabilities who need assistance in preparing their own tax return. IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals. Kent State also offers assistance to international students.
ADVISORY BOARDS
The Department of Accounting has two advisory boards is made up of members of the business and professional accounting community, Kent State administrators, accounting faculty members and young alumni who meet on a regular basis to discuss matters that impact our students, programs and department. For more information, about each of the Boards, please contact Department Chair, Dr. Wei Li.
CONTACT US
Wei Li, Ph.D.
Department Chair for Accounting | Department Chair for Information Systems and Business Analytics | Associate Professor
wli2@kent.edu
330-672-1117
ACCOUNTING OFFICE
Phone: 330-672-2545
Fax: 330-672-2548
402 Crawford Hall
accounting@kent.edu
MAILING ADDRESS
Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship
P.O. Box 5190
Kent State University
Kent, OH 44242