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SUNY GCC - Genesee Community College

With a degree in Accounting from GCC – whether it’s an Associate in Science (AS) degree in preparation for transfer to a four-year college, or an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree as a path to immediate employment – you will be equipped to move ahead toward your career aspirations. The AS degree ensures a seamless transfer to an institute of higher learning. GCC has articulation agreements with numerous four-year colleges and universities.

Why GCC?

As an Accounting student, you will learn financial statement preparation and analysis and become proficient with Excel spreadsheets and computer programs in small classes led by two full-time faculty members and several adjunct instructors. Our emphasis is on making the educational experience as interesting as possible, utilizing teacher-student interaction and hands-on projects.

Degree Types

Associate In Science (AS)

This Program can be completed 100% Online

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.

AS Program Learning Outcomes (PLO)

Upon completion of the AS degree students will be able to:

  1. Communicate effectively in a business setting.
  2. Apply financial accounting concepts in a business context at the intermediate accounting level.
  3. Apply managerial accounting concepts in a business context at the elementary level.
  4. Apply mathematics concepts to business problems.
  5. Apply appropriate business law concepts to the field of accounting.
  6. Utilize appropriate computer technology for accounting applications.
  7. Explain the importance of economic concepts related to business firm behavior.

Download the 2024-2025 Curriculum Worksheet for AS [PDF]

Associate In Applied Science (AAS)

100% Online Option

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.

AAS Program Learning Outcomes (PLO)

Upon completion of the AAS Degree Program in Accounting, students will demonstrate the following
learning outcomes:

  1. Communicate effectively in a business setting.
  2. Apply financial accounting concepts in a business context at the intermediate accounting level.
  3. Apply appropriate cost accounting concepts in problem-solving situations.
  4. Apply mathematics concepts to business problems.
  5. Apply appropriate business law concepts to the field of accounting.
  6. Utilize appropriate computer technology for accounting applications.
  7. Explain the importance of economic concepts related to business firm behavior.
  8. Prepare income tax returns.
  9. Prepare financial statements as part of the normal accounting business cycle.
  10. Analyze financial statements in support of business decision making.

Download the 2024-2025 Curriculum Worksheet for AAS [PDF]

Applied Accounting (CERT)

100% Online Option

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.

CERT Program Learning Outcomes (PLO)

Upon completion of the Certificate Program in Accounting, the student will demonstrate the following learning outcomes:

  1. Communicate effectively in a business setting.
  2. Apply financial accounting concepts in a business context.
  3. Apply appropriate managerial accounting concepts in problem-solving situations.
  4. Apply appropriate business law concepts to the field of accounting.
  5. Utilize appropriate computer technology for accounting applications.
  6. Prepare income tax returns.
  7. Prepare financial statements as part of the normal accounting business cycle

Download the 2024-2025 Curriculum Worksheet for CERT [PDF]

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

Download the 2024-2025 Curriculum Worksheet for MICR [PDF]

College Students walking on outside on campus

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.