Graduate School Launches Associate of Applied Science Degree in Accounting

Federal Accounting Option Available

WASHINGTON, Dec. 15, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As part of its expansion into academic degree programs, the Graduate School announces its Associate of Applied Science Degree in Accounting*.  Beginning in January 2011, this program will prepare students in the DC community who plan to seek immediate employment in entry-level accounting positions, or who are presently employed in accounting and related fields and desire advancement.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, it is anticipated that there will be job growth of 10 to 30 percent for bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerks over the next 10 years.  This need is even more significant in the government sector with over 30,000 job openings projected.  The average annual salary for these positions is $34,750 nationally and $42,600 for the DC metropolitan area.

"It's important to us to provide the right training and education to the DC-area community," says Dr. Jerry Ice, CEO and President of the Graduate School. "An Associate degree in Accounting will give people numerous options and career opportunities – in both government and the private and non-profit sectors."

This program was developed with the input and feedback of an Advisory Board made up of eight senior federal financial management specialists.  Students are given a strong academic grounding and practical experience in many different areas of study, including accounting principles, income tax, cost accounting, governmental accounting, business principles, computer technology, communication and broad general education. The program is more robust than most two-year accounting programs, requiring 24 hours of accounting credits, and also requiring Government and Not-for-Profit Accounting in the standard course curriculum.

A Federal Accounting option is available within the associate degree, as are two related certificates that may be completed without completing the entire associate degree.  The certificate programs are in Accounting and Contracting.  The cost for each is $270 per credit hour along with a $50 registration fee and a $35 technology fee per semester.

This new degree program follows the Graduate School's recent launch of its Medical Laboratory Technician, Associate of Applied Science degree and certificate program in Phlebotomy.  In an effort to become a more integral part of the DC community and to better serve its residents, the Graduate School began offering its first academic degree programs with the opening of its Center for Health Sciences in October 2010.

More information on these new programs, required courses and application instructions can be found at graduateschool.edu.

About the Graduate School

Since 1921, the Graduate School has served the D.C. metro community and is dedicated to providing relevant learning opportunities in public service.  An independent, not-for-profit accredited educational institution; the School is dedicated to academic excellence and lifelong learning. Services include individual assessments, career-related courses, certificate and degree programs, continuing education and distance learning. Graduate School experts provide training and education solutions, including conferences, workshops and symposia, for participants from U.S. federal, state and local government agencies as well as the private sector and international organizations.  More information can be found at www.graduateschool.edu.

* Pending approval by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education.

SOURCE The Graduate School