Accounting and Finance

The Department of Accounting & Finance offers rigorous and structured programs designed to prepare our students for challenging careers. Our faculty consists of highly qualified professionals who have a balance of strong academic qualifications and practical experience in the Finance and Accounting fields. Many have professional certifications in their fields. Because our programs are rigorous and demanding, students are expected to work hard.

The Accounting major prepares students for a variety of positions leading to management level careers in corporate and public accounting, not-for-profit and government accounting, auditing and taxation. This major will also assist in preparing students for the Certified Public Accounting (CPA) exam, the Certified Management Accounting (CMA) exam and the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) exam. Many local, regional and national CPA firms recruit at Bridgewater and have a high regard for the work ethic and preparedness of Accounting graduates.

In the past, Bridgewater students have won recognition for repeatedly winning top honors in the highly competitive Massachusetts Society of CPAs statewide essay contest. Our Accounting program is compliant with the 150-hour education requirement of the Massachusetts Board of Accountancy and meets all requirements for candidates sitting for the CPA examination in Massachusetts. Recently, Bridgewater State students had the highest pass rate of any Massachusetts State College or public University with an accounting program for first time candidates on the CPA examination. Students can continue their education at the Masters level with an MS degree with an Accounting Concentration.

The Finance major prepares students for positions in banking, investments, financial planning, cash management and international finance in both public and private institutions. This major will also assist in preparing students for professional certifications such as the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). Because of the rigorous math requirements, students may choose to obtain an interdisciplinary minor in Actuarial Science, which is ideally suited for those students interested in preparing for the Actuarial Science exam and in pursuing a career as an actuary or in a related field.

The Center for Entrepreneurial Studies at Bridgewater State University was co-founded by Dr. Shannon Donovan, Associate Professor of Finance. The center provides workshops and seminars that provide students with practical knowledge and skills needed to run a small business, invites entrepreneurs to campus to speak with students, offers an annual business plan contest, and provides students with resources to find internships in an entrepreneurial business setting.

For more information contact:

Chairperson: Dr. Jeanean Davis-Street
Administrative Assistant: Stephanie Chaves
Web Site: Accounting and Finance
Phone: 508.531.1395
Fax: 508.531.1121
Building: Harrington Hall (95 Grove Street)
Room: Room 103