Accounting
Degree Types
Associate In Science (AS)
The Accounting Associate in Science (A.S.) degree program includes the necessary introductory accounting and liberal arts courses you will need to successfully transfer to a four year institution.
This degree sets the groundwork for careers in accounting and finance, including a CPA track. By working with your transfer counselor, you will acquire the electives needed to meet your transfer requirements and career goals.
Associate In Applied Science (AAS)
The Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree is designed to allow you enter into the business world in entry-and mid-level positions.
You will develop problem-solving, communication, and analytical skills and form a strong foundation of accounting concepts, principles and methods. Hands on learning in applications such as Quickbooks and tax return preparation software are incorporated into the program. Earning an AAS degree will also allow you to transfer to many four-year institutions.
Applied Accounting (CERT)
For those already in the workforce who have their sights on a career change or promotion, the certificate program in Accounting may provide the vehicle to success.
You will learn introductory financial, managerial and income tax concepts as well as computer applications in accounting, gain an understanding of the legal environment in which businesses operate, and sharpen your computer application skills. The certificate requires two semesters and all courses may be applied toward the Accounting AAS degree program.
Accounting Fundamentals (MICR)
GCC’s Accounting Fundamentals Micro-Credential provides valuable groundwork for:
- Employed individuals who need foundational accounting skills to raise their current level of job performance and/or advance their career
- Entrepreneurs developing a new business or planning an expansion
- Individuals seeking to change their career or just entering the workplace
Career Outlook
Jobs for young accountants are available across a wide range of industries, from small firms to government work to multinational corporations. Certified Public Accountants now work in financial management for forensic accounting, internal auditing and federal agency accounting.
Outside of the industry, you can apply the information you’ve learned at GCC as an accounting professor, a field with a large number of openings, according to the American Accounting Association.
Transfer Opportunities
Starting at GCC saves many students and their families thousands of dollars in tuition. With an A.S. or A.A. degree you will be able to seamlessly transfer within the SUNY network of 64 college and universities as well as to many 4-year private institutions. GCC’s A.S. and A.A. programs were developed as part of the SUNY seamless transfer initiative allowing students to complete the first two years of a bachelor’s degree as a freshman and a sophomore at a community college, then seamlessly transfer to a SUNY four-year institution to earn a bachelor’s degree. Please reference the SUNY Transfer Pathways for degree programs to learn about any campus specific requirements. Visit the SUNY Core Course Finder to plan out the courses you should complete to transfer to a 4-year SUNY School.
If you are planning to transfer to a 4-year private institution you should work with our Transfer Services office to learn about possible articulation agreements and pathways that exist for many or our degree programs. Some GCC A.A.S. programs also have transfer opportunities.
To learn more about these opportunities and agreements contact the Transfer Services Office, we are more than happy to work with you and answer any questions you may have on building your own personalized transfer plan.
Transfer opportunities include, but are not limited to:
- Canisius College
- Daemen University*
- Houghton College
- Nazareth University
- Niagara University
- Rochester Institute of Technology
- St. John Fisher University*
- SUNY College at Alfred State*
- SUNY College at Brockport
- SUNY Buffalo State University
- SUNY College at Buffalo, University
- SUNY College at Canton*
- SUNY College at Geneseo*
- SUNY College at Plattsburgh
*GCC has current transfer agreements with the above noted institutions.
Next Steps
View our enrollment checklist and apply today.
See our classrooms, facilities and housing.
See tuition and explore financial aid options.
Make a plan to transfer your credits.