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FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions About Accounting Programs
Q. What will the program cost me?
A. If you take the two years to complete your Accounting Technology Program, you will pay six terms of full-time tuition at 67.50 per credit, for a total tuition cost of $6210 plus books and supplies, at the 2004-2005 tuition rates. If you take the one year Accounting Clerk Certificate Program you will pay three terms of full time tuition at 67.50 per credit, for a total of $3105 plus books and supplies at the 2004-2005 tuition rate. Prices are subject to change. Part time students extending their program over many terms may accrue greater costs, although they will pay much lower costs per term. Students needing preparation courses may also pay slightly more, depending upon the courses needed.
Q. How long does it take for me to earn a degree?
A. Accounting Technology (Associates of Applied Science Degree Program) will normally take two years of full-time attendance, and the Accounting Clerk (Certificate Program) will normally take three terms. A properly qualified student entering Mt. Hood Community College seeking the first two years of a four year degree (and an associate of arts degree in the process), will normally take two years of full time study to finish, plus another two years at a senior institution such as The University of Oregon or Portland State University. Some students take longer, however, either because they cannot attend college full time or because they require some brushing up on their reading, writing, or math skills.
Q. What do I get when I complete my program?
A. What you get when you successfully complete the program depends on the program you have entered into:
If you complete the two-year Accounting Technology program you will:
- Have a solid foundation of accounting concepts
- Have hands-on experience using a computerized accounting system and familiarity with electronic spreadsheets
- Be able to process payroll, meeting all the needs of the employer and the legal reporting requirements
- Be able to analyze financial statements and use accounting information to assist management in becoming more profitable and efficient
- Have a head start towards transfer to a university's accounting program.
If you have entered and successfully completed the one-year Accounting Clerk program, you will:
- Help managers use accounting information to make decisions
- Have hands on experience using a computerized accounting system and be familiar with electronic spreadsheets
- Assist managers with accounting entries less frequently encountered and make recommendations for reporting requirements.
Q. Is job placement assistance available?
A. Yes. Although most students pursuing a baccalaureate (four-year) degree utilize the job placement program provided by their senior institution. Mt. Hood Community College does have a job placement office that can help you obtain a part time job while going to school or a career entry job if you decide to delay the completion of your four year program.
Q. What kind of job can I get when I complete my degree?
A. If you complete the two-year Accounting Clerk Program you can expect to qualify for an entry-level staff accountant, full-charge bookkeeper, payroll clerk, etc. with a local or regional firm.
If you complete the one-year Accounting Clerk Program you can expect to qualify for positions such as Accounts Receivable Clerk, Accounts Payable Clerk, Payroll Clerk for local or regional firms.
Q. How much can I expect to earn in my starting job?
A. How much you expect to earn depends upon the program you have entered and completed. Starting salaries for baccalaureate accounting graduates are running around $32,800 nationally. Starting salaries for accounting clerks are running around $16,000 nationally in a small business whereas starting salaries for payroll clerks in small firms is around $20,000 annually. Most likely new graduates can expect starting salaries somewhere in-between the high range and the low range. Remember that it is not the starting salary but the advancement potential that is the key. Motivated graduates have few limits to either promotion or earning potential. But, remember it is not the starting salary one needs to keep in mind but the advancement potential for their future career. Motivated graduates have very few limits to either promotion or earning potentials.
Q. Do I need to have a high school diploma or GED to start at Mt. Hood Community College?
A. No. If you are 18 or over, you may begin your education with Mt. Hood Community College. If you have not completed high school you will want to complete either a high school diploma or GED, but you can do that right here at the college while beginning to work toward your Accounting career. Students under 18, without a high school diploma, should consult the Mt. Hood Community College Career Planning and Counseling Center, 491-7432.
Q. Will I be required to take any placement tests?
A. A student may take one or two courses without taking placement tests, but all students, both full-time and part-time, should take the placement test as soon as possible and certainly when they begin working toward a degree or certificate. The placement process is for your benefit, so that you neither start at a higher level than you can benefit from nor at so low of a level as to waste your time (and money!). Placement testing covers three areas: reading, writing, and math, is free, and is conducted year around. To schedule a placement test, call the Testing Center at 491-7591.
Q. Can I only begin in the fall term?
A. No. Most classes in the Accounting Program are offered all three of the regular academic terms, and many are even available during summer school.
Q. Are the required classes offered at night?
A. Yes, but it will take you a longer time to complete your program that way. All of the courses required for the Accounting Program are offered at least occasionally at night, but many are not offered at night every term. Careful planning is necessary to complete the program entirely a night.
Q. Do I need to take my classes in some kind of special order or sequence?
A. Sometimes. Some classes must be taken in sequence, some have prerequisites that must be taken first, and some have none of these restrictions. Prerequisites are listed in the college catalog, but for a through understanding of which classes to take in which order it is best to see your academic advisor well before you plan to register for classes.
Q. How do I get an Program Advisor or Counselor and what is the difference between the two?
A. A counselor is a professional especially equipped to assist you in making a career choice, personal planning, self-evaluation, and other personal and educational decisions. A program advisor is an instructor in your chosen academic specialty, such as the Accounting Program, who has a wide experience with both the student needs and the needs of the field or profession that you have chosen. The counselor can help you select a profession or career, while the advisor can help you achieve the selected career or profession. To see a counselor, call 491-7432 for an appointment or drop into the Career Planning and Counseling Center at Mt. Hood Community College any weekday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. any weekday for an appointment. Note: while appointments must be made during the daytime, the appointment itself can be in the evening if that is more convenient to your schedule.
Q. Do I need to apply to get into the program?
A. You must apply with the Admissions Office at Mt. Hood Community College. There is no special application necessary for Accounting students.
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