New accounting program: MBA included!

NEW PALTZ — The School of Business at the State University of New York at New Paltz is now offering a public accountancy program that meets stricter state licensing standards that will be in full force in 2004. In addition to qualifying for licensing, students completing the five-year program will earn their MBA.

SUNY New Paltz’ School of Business is one of the first universities in New York to offer an approved program meeting the state’s new criteria, which calls for 150 credits in an accounting curriculum.

With its program of 156 credits, New Paltz freshmen “who know they want to pursue a career in public accounting or finance and earn their MBA can define their program of study and specific goals for their entire college career,” said Accounting Professor Rief Kanan.

The traditional 120 credit hour program will continue to qualify students automatically for licensure through July 31, 2004. Under current licensure procedures, CPA candidates can take the exam after finishing a bachelor’s program and get their license after completing two years of accounting work experience. With the new procedures, only one year of work experience will be required for licensure.

“Our program in accounting is one of the most comprehensive, accommodating and student friendly programs in the state,” stated Dean Hadi Salavitabar.

New York’s transition to the stricter robust accounting requirements is in line with a national trend. In the last three years, most of the nation’s 54 jurisdictions – which includes the District of Colombia and U.S. territories – adopted 150-credit requirements.

The School of Business offers the bachelor’s degree in business administration and accounting, and the MBA, with concentrations in accounting, finance, marketing, management, information & knowledge management, and international business. For more information, visit the School of Business online at www.newpaltz.edu/schoolofbusiness or call (845) 257-2930.