Rider's accounting program ranked amongst top programs in U.S.

Rider University’s accounting program was included in The Best Accounting Degree Programs 2018 list compiled by Best Value Schools.

Best Value Schools researches thousands of colleges and universities to compile lists of the best schools that meet the most important needs of students. The purpose of the list was to provide students with the best chance at receiving a great education by listing schools that excel at providing quality educations, whether online or in traditional format.

“We are pleased to be ranked as one of the best accounting program in the U.S.,” says Dr. Marge O’Reilly-Allen, chair of the accounting department. “Our program provides students with ongoing professional engagement and networking opportunities. Within the undergraduate and MAcc program students can select concentrations in areas that match their own interest.”

Rider offers an undergraduate degree in accounting and a Master of Accountancy program (MAcc). The online MAcc program received three national rankings this year alone. Known for its accelerated curriculum, the program can be completed in 16 months.

For undergraduates, the accounting program offers an active summer internship program as well as a semester long co-op program, both emphasizing the importance of students engaging in the professional environment.

“This is the most effective way to bridge classroom learning with the real world,” says O’Reilly-Allen. “The positions are all well paid and students are treated as first-year staff. Many of our students work more than one experience and begin their career at the public accounting firm where they interned or co-oped.”

All of the Big 4 accounting firms and many large regional firms and major corporations participate in these engaged learning experiences. The program’s largest employers include Deloitte, EY, KPMG, PwC, EisenerAmper, Wilken & Guttenplan, Withum, and Johnson & Johnson.

Rider’s accounting program also prepares students for their career by having faculty who are engaged with the profession.

“Our faculty are actively engaged with the professional community which not only keeps our curriculum state of the art but also provides our students with opportunities to network with professionals throughout their degree program,” says O’Reilly-Allen. “In addition to accounting knowledge, soft-skill development is a key part of curriculum. This allows our students to have a smooth onboarding to their professional life.”

The accounting program at Rider is housed under the College of Business Administration, which holds dual AACSB accreditation in both accounting and businesses. Only two percent of schools worldwide hold dual accreditation.