The world needs numbers people. At Cornerstone University, you will learn how to become an ethical, knowledgeable accounting professional. You will have professors who have worked in their field coaching and training you. You will have peers who strive alongside you each and every day. And you’ll graduate with a comprehensive knowledge of numbers.
Accounting professionals are always in high demand. They are the people who see numbers as living, moving things and are able to capture data and solve problems effortlessly. In the accounting program at Cornerstone, you will dive tirelessly into the realm of tax preparation, budgeting and financial consulting.
The accounting program at Cornerstone prepares you to sit for the Uniform Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam and begin the process to become licensed; the state of Michigan requires 150 credit hours to become a CPA. We have also partnered with the Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan, which will give you the opportunity to take the exam in sections and earn graduate credit hours.
You have the aptitude to become an accounting professional, and we’ll get you there through a rigorous program, generous support and ceaseless training.
Careers
Graduates from the accounting program go on to become CPAs, financial analysts, auditors and more. They serve across communities in various capacities, providing financial literacy and clarity to corporations and nonprofits alike.
Opportunities
Financial manager
Auditor
Production manager
Personal financial planner
Tax preparer
Manufacturing accountant
Certified management accountant
Certified public accountant
Internships
Cornerstone has partnered with national organizations that look for accounting students with an aptitude for getting ahead. You will graduate with a comprehensive understanding of how your skills operate in the workplace.
Opportunities
American Village Builders
AMST Inc
Universal Forest Products
Meijer
VITA Collegiate Partnership of West Michigan
100%
Of our accounting graduates from the class of 2018 were employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation.
15:1
Student-to-faculty ratio with an average class size of 22.
100%
Of students participate in internship or practicum experiences.
A Tireless Passion for Financial Literacy
At Cornerstone, you’ll learn in environments beyond the classroom. Our accounting students are interns at large corporations like Steelcase and the American Red Cross. They also have the opportunity to become involved in our on-campus Ron Blue Center for Financial Literacy. Here, you’ll develop a holistic understanding of what it means to be a reflection of Christ in your workplace.
Program Features and Learning Outcomes
The accounting program at Cornerstone is designed to inspire your intellect, deepen your character and prepare you to lead in your career with influence and wisdom.
Off-Campus Study Opportunities
As a Cornerstone business student, you will have the opportunity to study abroad in places such as Dubai and the Netherlands. While there, you will learn how to combine your faith with business in the global marketplace.
Master of Business Administration 4+1 Program
Cornerstone accounting majors have the opportunity to qualify for advanced standing in our Master of Business Administration (MBA) program. This gives you the option to earn both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in as few as five years.
Program Learning Outcomes
The accounting program reflects our commitment to developing students’ knowledge, skills and attitudes in five distinct yet interconnected areas.
Specialized Knowledge
Students will understand the use of acceptable accounting standards such as generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) and appropriate managerial accounting systems.
Understand the use of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
Understand the use of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) for tax preparation of individual and organizational tax returns.
Students will demonstrate the use of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) for tax preparation of individual and organizational tax returns.
Demonstrate the use of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
Demonstrate the use of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) for tax preparation of individual and organizational tax returns.
Demonstrate the use and application of managerial accounting systems and practices.
Demonstrate the application of generally accepted auditing standards (GAAS).
Applied Knowledge and Collaborative Learning
Students will understand the domestic and international marketplace from internal, external and Christian worldview perspectives including: market roles and realities, legal and regulatory environment, economic theory and forces, financial influences and outcomes, management strategies, price system/consumer behavior, supply/demand, domestic and international regulation/marketplace, management (four functions), marketing in contemporary society and financial/accounting statements.
Students will demonstrate ethical leadership and proficiency in analyzing, organizing and executing basic business strategy through interpretive, interactive and innovative marketplace action in response to internal and external environments. This includes knowledge of analytic tools (gather/gain meaning from data), effective business communication methodology (oral, written and other industry-specific), business plan artifacts (financial, etc.), marketing strategy (five Ps), teamwork, leadership and innovation/entrepreneurship.
Intellectual Skills
Students will demonstrate their ability to integrate both traditional and non-traditional cognitive skills, including analytical inquiry, information literacy, quantitative fluency and communicative fluency.
Civic and Global Learning
Students will demonstrate intercultural competence in addressing civic, social, environmental and economic issues.
Biblical Worldview Integration
Students will articulate a Christ-centered worldview and its personal, professional and communal embodiment through Christian virtues.
CU is dedicated to continuously improving our academic programs to provide you with the skills needed to reach your career goals. Signifying this, our bachelor’s and master’s business programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.
My professors prepared me for entering the business world upon graduation. We analyzed real-world situations and real-life applications from a Christian perspective that I will take with me in my career.
Danielle DeVerna (’16)
Faculty
CU professors are devoted to the success of our students. Select a faculty member to learn more about their campus involvement, research interests and teaching responsibilities.
Related Programs
All business programs at Cornerstone are infused with biblical principles and ethics along with a comprehensive understanding of financial literacy. Take a look at some of the other programs provided by the Business Division.