“Fast-paced”, “sexy” and “exciting” are not usually words used to describe accounting, but according to a large number of freshman college students who have made accounting the most popular college major, it is all of these things and more.
In the past, accounting has been equated with boring number crunching, meaningless hours in a dimly-lit room agonizing over the bottom line, and unimpressive individuals with uneventful lives peering over wire-rimmed glasses.
These stereotypes no longer apply. Accounting is now ranked among the top career choices in light of future job outlook, salary and possibility of advancement, according to the U.S. Department of Labor and Statistics.
Those promising factors, along with increased media attention, have attracted 2004 college freshmen in droves. The droves have made their way to ETSU, making accounting the number one major at ETSU and in the nation.
“I think that there has been a lot of emphasis on accounting recently in the media,” said Shelby Sparks, ETSU accounting instructor, “This emphasis has shed light on the importance of accounting and increased public interest on what accountants really do.
“Public cases such as the Enron scandal have changed public perception of the accounting field. I think that now young people are beginning to view accounting in a different light.”
To accommodate the increased interest to its accounting degree program, ETSU has already begun making improvements to the program.
“We have added new accounting classes to diversify what we offer,” Sparks said.
New classes include personal income tax preparation and forensic accounting.
“We hope that by keeping our curriculum current, we can have accounting graduates that are well-equipped to enter the work force and be successful accounting professionals,” said Dr. Paul E. Bayes, chair of the accounting department.
All U.S. Department of Labor statistics show the accounting career outlook to be promising. The median income for an accountant in Tennessee is $47,430, and the demand for accounting professionals is in the top 10 in the state, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics.
“I chose accounting because I know that when I graduate I can find a job making good money,” said Allie Munsey, a junior accounting major. “It’s defiantly going to be hard work, but I like accounting and feel confident that I can make a good living doing it.”
Sparks thinks many more students could also make a good living in the field.
“I would recommend Accountancy as a career choice,” she said. “There are positions needing to be filled, jobs to be had. With all the tax changes that are taking place, there will be a greater need for more accountants.

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